Kathmandu – The Government of Nepal has rescued 20 children from a children’s home operated by the Nepal Children’s Organisation after an emergency inspection found them living in unsafe, unhygienic and overcrowded conditions.
The inspection was carried out by a joint team from the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities and Social Security, in coordination with the Child Helpline (104), following complaints and video footage highlighting poor living conditions at the facility.
According to the ministries, inspectors found the children’s home in a severely neglected state, with poor sanitation, dirty and slippery toilets and bathrooms, waterlogged areas inside the building, and children of different age groups crowded into the same rooms. Officials said the conditions posed serious risks to the children’s health, safety and overall development.
The government said it had repeatedly instructed the Nepal Children’s Organisation to improve the facility’s infrastructure, sanitation and accommodation. Despite several discussions with the organisation’s management, no significant improvements were made, prompting the emergency intervention.
Recent videos submitted by local stakeholders, staff members and concerned individuals showed stagnant water inside the building, inadequate waste management, poor hygiene and a high risk of disease outbreaks. Some employees had also publicly shared the conditions on social media.
As an immediate measure, 20 children under the age of two were relocated to a safe facility through the Child Helpline. The rescued group includes 12 boys and eight girls. Authorities said arrangements are being made for their health assessments, protection, care and rehabilitation.
The ministries confirmed that legal procedures related to the case have begun and said the condition of the remaining children at the home will also be thoroughly assessed. Officials pledged to continue monitoring the facility and take further action to ensure the best interests and safety of all children in its care.
