Kathmandu, June 11 -- As Nepal moves forward with plans to dissolve the National Child Rights Council, a growing coalition of child rights advocates, civil society organisations and lawmakers is urging the government to reverse course, warning that the decision could weaken protections for millions of children and place Nepal at odds with its international obligations.

The proposed dissolution, announced in the government's fiscal year 2083-84 budget as part of a broader plan to abolish, merge or restructure 31 government entities, has sparked criticism from child rights organisations nationwide. Critics argue that eliminating the council, which serves as the statutory body responsible for coordinating and promoting children's rights in ...