Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world with a population of 26 million. 40% of those are children under the age of 18, 50% of Nepali children are malnourished and without any means of proper food, sanitation, medical care or education. It is estimated there are 2.6 million child labourers in Nepal due to country’s poor economy and 10 years of conflict. Now, even more children have become homeless and compelled to live in dilapidated conditions.
- There are over 1000 homeless children on the streets of Kathmandu now (out of 5000 in Nepal).
- Almost 80% of these children are addicted to some form of barbiturate or have tried other drugs.
- 75% of them are victims of sexual abuse at the hands of foreigners or locals.
- 41% of children leave home due to family violence.