KATHMANDU, Nepal — The Dr. Sandesh Lamsal Foundation has launched a sharp attack on Nepal’s Shram Sanskriti Party and its leader Harka Sampang Rai, accusing the political outfit of exploiting school-aged children during ongoing protests linked to illegal settlement evictions in Dharan and Jhapa.
In a strongly worded open letter, the Nepal-based non-governmental organisation claimed that minors were being drawn into political demonstrations in violation of both Nepal’s domestic laws and international child-protection obligations. The foundation, which describes itself as a non-political organisation working in healthcare, education, and child welfare, called for urgent state intervention to stop what it termed the “political weaponisation of minors.”
The controversy follows reports and social media visuals showing children in school uniforms participating in party-led protests alongside adult demonstrators carrying banners and raising political slogans. The protests have intensified in recent weeks over government action against alleged illegal settlements.
The foundation pointed to an earlier complaint filed by the Dharan Municipal Child Network during Nepal’s 2026 election period, where similar concerns were raised regarding children’s involvement in political activities. At the time, Harka Sampang had reportedly stated that children had accompanied their parents voluntarily and were not intentionally mobilised by the party. However, the foundation argues that the pattern has continued beyond the elections and now reflects a broader failure of child protection safeguards.
The organisation cited Nepal’s Act Relating to Children, 2075 (2018), which prohibits any person or organisation from directly or indirectly using children for political purposes. Section 7(7) explicitly bars the recruitment or use of children in political movements or armed activities. Violations can attract fines, imprisonment, or stricter penalties for repeat offences. Article 39 of Nepal’s Constitution similarly guarantees children protection from exploitation and ensures their right to education and dignity.
The foundation also referred to Nepal’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), arguing that exposing minors to volatile protest environments risks psychological trauma, violence, disruption of schooling, and long-term social harm. It warned that repeated normalisation of children’s participation in political agitation could damage public trust and create a dangerous precedent in a country still recovering from the social trauma surrounding last year’s Gen Z protests.
Particular concern was raised over reports that political videos featuring Harka Sampang were allegedly being shown to children in schools. A viral social media clip involving Gyan Niketan English School has further intensified scrutiny. The foundation urged Nepal’s Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens (MOCSEC) to launch an immediate investigation and take legal action if violations are established.
The statement goes further by questioning whether a sitting Member of Parliament should continue in office if found repeatedly violating child-protection laws. “Nepal’s Constitution and parliamentary ethics require MPs to act with integrity and honour,” the foundation said, arguing that elected representatives carry a heightened moral and legal responsibility when it comes to children’s rights.
Drawing parallels with European democracies that impose penalties or disqualification for exploiting minors in political campaigns, the foundation called on Nepal’s Election Commission and parliament to adopt stricter safeguards.
The organisation also alleged that even the image of Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s minor daughter had been used in political propaganda linked to the protests, describing the incident as “adding insult to injury.”
For the Dr. Sandesh Lamsal Foundation, the issue extends beyond partisan politics. The group framed the controversy as a larger test of Nepal’s democratic values and its willingness to protect vulnerable children from becoming instruments in political conflict.
