Promoting Education as a Human Right in Nepal 

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For the International Day of Education, KIOS contacted two of our grantee organisations working on promoting education as a human right in Nepal. We interviewed Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, the President of INHURED and Naren Khatiwada from Youth Advocacy Nepal (YAN). Read below on how the youth in Nepal are engaged in improving education access and what is done to improve refugees’ education in Kathmandu. 

Youth Advocacy Nepal (YAN), supported by the KIOS, is actively engaged in advancing access to equitable, quality, and inclusive education for youth by advocating for inclusive policies and programs, adequate budgets, and resilient infrastructure. YAN focus on empowering young people to understand their educational rights through awareness-raising, policy-level dialogues, capacity development, and policy advocacy. Moreover, YAN advocates for ensuring the meaningful participation of young people in the decision-making process related to education. 

Out of School Programs (OSP) in Nepal, implemented by INHURED with the support of KIOS, provide crucial holistic education for adolescents, focusing on life skills, emotional development, and practical knowledge to help them overcome barriers such as gender biases, economic challenges, and limited access to quality education. OSP supports refugee children, offering flexible learning to address language, cultural, and emotional challenges, while promoting social inclusion and integration. The program targets Bhutanese, Tibetan, urban refugees, and local Nepali youth, equipping them with critical life skills, emotional intelligence, and knowledge on health, gender equality, and social inclusion to foster informed, empowered individuals. 

Why Education Matters 

Education is transformative—not only for individuals but for society as a whole. It empowers young people, fosters equality, and breaks cycles of poverty and discrimination.  

”This theme is deeply personal to me in numerous ways, as I believe that education is a fundamental human right and a tool for creating an egalitarian society. As a human rights defender, I strongly believe that the state has an obligation to guarantee the right to education for all”, highlights Naren.  

This same notion is highlighted by INHURED, as Gopal notes, “Education is not just a right; it is the foundation for all other rights, empowering individuals to break free from cycles of inequality and injustice.” The International instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasise that when education is denied, it perpetuates discrimination and marginalisation, making it essential to address these barriers to ensure equality for all. 

Education can be a gateway to empowerment, enabling individuals to make informed decisions, participate fully in society, and advocate for their rights. It also protects against exploitation, trafficking, and unsafe migration by offering alternatives and access to opportunities. Beyond its immediate benefits, education promotes equality, reduces discrimination, and fosters peace. “In conflict and post-conflict environments, education can play a vital role in sustaining peace and preventing violence by fostering mutual understanding and tolerance,” Gopal adds. In refugee settlements, education restores normalcy and offers hope, laying the groundwork for resilient, inclusive societies and long-term solutions for displaced populations. 

Persistent Challenges in providing quality education to youth and marginalised 

Despite education being enshrined as a fundamental human right in Nepal’s Constitution, significant barriers remain. Low investment, high dropout rates, and outdated lecture-based teaching methods are just a few of the issues affecting the education sector. Politicisation, inadequate infrastructure, and the dominance of privatisation exacerbate the problem, leaving many young people unable to fully realise their rights. 

”Access to education enables young people to realise their full potential by enhancing their knowledge, skills, and perspectives. It empowers them to become free and independent while ensuring a dignified life in society”, Naren states. 

Recent field visits conducted by INHURED also revealed several key challenges to education in refugee camps. Economic barriers, such as the inability to afford basic school supplies and transportation, lead to irregular attendance and dropout. Girls face additional obstacles, including sexual exploitation, trafficking risks, and inadequate school infrastructure. Many refugee children and teachers are dealing with trauma, affecting their educational engagement, while psychosocial support remains insufficient. Teachers are often undertrained and overburdened but remain committed, highlighting the need for capacity-building programs. Legal and documentation issues also hinder refugees’ access to education.  

The importance of youth voices in creating change 

YAN envisions a future where education in Nepal is inclusive, equitable, and resilient. To achieve this, the organisation is advocating for several key changes: 

  • Increased Investment: Allocating 20% of the national budget or 3-4% of GDP to public education, as committed in international forums. 
  • Practical Learning Approaches: Shifting from lecture-based teaching to interactive and participatory methods. 
  • Retention Strategies: Special measures to prevent dropouts, particularly for marginalised communities.e 
  • Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure: Ensuring schools can withstand natural disasters. 
  • Vocational Training: Prioritising technical and vocational education to address youth unemployment.

“The government has guaranteed education as a right, but without proper mechanisms and investment, this promise remains hollow”, Naren raises up.  

YAN has made significant strides in amplifying youth voices. Events such as the “3rd Youth Human Rights Mega Meet” and the Public Vigilance Program have brought attention to critical issues in education. These platforms have provided opportunities for dialogue, awareness-raising, and advocacy, with young people demanding immediate action from the government, including the enactment of a Federal Education Act and increased investment in public education. 

Towards the future of refugee education 

Looking forward to the future of refugee education, INHURED has identified critical pathways that will lead to meaningful and lasting change. Gopal highlights that, “Our mission is to ensure that every refugee child has access to quality education, regardless of their background or status. The work ahead is challenging, but these changes are necessary for building a more inclusive, equitable society.” The key changes INHURED wishes to advance with OPS are:  

  • Inclusive Education Policies: Implement policies that integrate refugee children into national education systems with access to quality, non-discriminatory education. 
  • Improved Resources: Equip schools with modern infrastructure and digital tools to create effective learning environments. 
  • Access to Education: Provide opportunities for higher education and vocational training to promote career prospects and independence. 
  • Gender Equity: Remove barriers like early marriage and safety concerns to empower girls to complete their education. 
  • Psychosocial Support & Community Engagement: Integrate trauma-informed support and involve refugee communities in the design and evaluation of education programs for long-term impact.

Education as foundation for human rights 

The important work done by INHURED and YAN, supported by KIOS, has been instrumental in addressing the challenges and changes that need to happen when it comes to education. Through their initiatives, YAN is building a movement that centres youth as key drivers of change, ensuring that the right to education becomes a reality for all. The OPS initiative, implemented by INHURED on the other hand is empowering adolescents living in refugee camps and settlements and improving access to resources as well as engaging local communities, including parents and camp management, in decision-making. 

“Access to education is not just a right; it’s the foundation for achieving all other rights. Without it, progress on the Sustainable Development Goals remains a distant dream”, highlights Naren. 

“For refugees, education means much more than learning; it serves as a source of hope that helps build resilience and opens ways for them toward a better life”, Gopal emphasises.