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Embrace of death only as sweet

As coffee is with sugar

The reality of life only as harsh

As thorns are to a flower

A soul judged by fate

Can it really stay true to its desire?

The scars that run deep into the soul

To be healed does it aspire?

Love with all its beauty

Why does it crush the heart till it’s broken?

Pain with all is misery

Why does it bring happiness I wonder?

Through countless lives, through countless hours

What is life I do wonder

Leaves the soul drowning so deep

With not a single ounce of strength to save her

Arnav Shrestha

A Level

LA College

In the heart of Nepal, where traditions run deep and societal norms often remain unchallenged, a silent epidemic continues to shatter lives behind closed doors. Domestic violence, a persistent blight on the social fabric, affects more than just the women who are often its primary targets. Its echoes resonate deeply in the lives of children, turning homes into battlegrounds and childhoods into harrowing tales of survival.

Recent data from the Nepal Police reveals that 80 percent of gender-based violence cases are categorized as domestic violence. Among these, 53 percent involve physical harm, while 47 percent are rooted in psychological abuse. Yet, the statistics only hint at the extent of the problem. Hidden within these numbers are children—those who, far from being mere witnesses, are often primary victims of the violence. Children suffer silently as they endure physical, emotional, and even sexual abuse in environments meant to nurture and protect them. In urban areas, violence is often concealed behind closed doors, while in rural regions, societal stigma further discourages victims from seeking help. Reasons for abuse range from perceived disobedience and academic struggles to deeply entrenched cultural preferences for male heirs. Families often inflict physical and emotional abuse on mothers and daughters in their quest for a male child, perpetuating cycles of trauma.

The story of Maya, a 10-year-old girl from a rural village in Nepal, paints a vivid picture of this harsh reality. Maya’s mother was subjected to daily abuse by her father for failing to produce a male heir. Witnessing her mother’s suffering, Maya often became a target herself, enduring harsh beatings for minor missteps. Her father’s anger escalated to the point where he stopped paying for Maya’s school fees, effectively cutting her off from education. Maya’s dreams of becoming a teacher began to crumble as she watched her mother’s resilience falter under the weight of continuous violence. The cycle of abuse seemed inescapable, leaving Maya to wonder if she would ever find a safe and nurturing environment.

In some horrifying cases, children like Maya are involuntarily thrust into the role of protectors. A study from Cape Town’s Red Cross Children’s Hospital found that 40 percent of children admitted with brain injuries had been used as "human shields" during domestic disputes. These children bear not only the physical scars of violence but also the psychological weight of being pawns in a battle they never chose to fight. The situation is no less dire in Nepal. Here, children are frequently used as leverage in abusive households, with threats of harm or removal from the family often silencing mothers who might otherwise report the abuse. Fear of losing custody or being unable to support their children traps many women in cycles of violence, leaving children exposed to prolonged trauma.

The effects of domestic violence on children are profound and far-reaching. Studies have shown that children exposed to such environments often struggle with cognitive and emotional development. They may experience depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues, including aggression and withdrawal. In the long term, these children face an increased risk of developing chronic health issues such as heart disease and diabetes, perpetuating the intergenerational impacts of abuse. Preschool children often regress to earlier developmental stages, displaying behaviors such as bed-wetting or excessive crying. School-aged children may grapple with guilt, believing they are responsible for the abuse. They often struggle academically and socially, while teenagers may engage in risky behaviors, from substance abuse to delinquency. The psychological scars of domestic violence frequently manifest in adulthood, shaping how survivors perceive relationships and conflict.

Nepal’s legal framework acknowledges children’s rights but falls short of addressing their specific vulnerabilities in the context of domestic violence. Article 39 of the Constitution guarantees children the right to education, health, and protection. The ‘Act Relating to Children, 2075’ emphasizes the need for care, protection, and education. Section 7 of the Act mandates that every child should receive proper care, maintenance, and love from their families. It also obligates the state to intervene when children’s rights are at risk. Furthermore, the National Child Rights Council operates services like Child Helpline 1098, yet these initiatives often fail to reach the most vulnerable due to limited outreach and insufficient implementation.

Globally, conventions like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) set benchmarks for child protection. The CRC emphasizes that all children should be safeguarded from violence, abuse, and exploitation. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and other international frameworks also mandate special care and assistance for children. The CRC’s guidelines are clear: children should grow up in safe, nurturing environments. However, while Nepal aligns with these standards on paper, execution at the national and community levels remains a challenge. Insufficient funding, lack of trained personnel, and cultural resistance often hinder meaningful implementation.

Breaking the cycle of domestic violence requires a multifaceted approach. Legal reforms must explicitly recognize children as primary victims of domestic violence and enforce stricter penalties for perpetrators. Community-based interventions, involving local organizations and leaders, can establish safe spaces and support networks for affected families. Awareness campaigns should educate families about the long-term harm caused by domestic violence, fostering a culture of accountability and empathy. Equally important, accessible mental health services are essential to help children recover from the trauma of abuse. Schools can play a pivotal role by implementing programs that teach children about their rights and encourage open dialogue about abuse. Empowering children to speak out, coupled with robust support systems, can significantly mitigate the impact of domestic violence.

Children are the bedrock of any society, embodying its hopes and aspirations. Yet, for many in Nepal, the shadow of domestic violence dims their potential. The story of Maya and countless others underscores the urgency of acknowledging and addressing their suffering. By transforming policies and societal attitudes to create safe, nurturing environments, we can ensure that no child grows up shielded and scarred by the violence that once defined their home.

Akansha Karmacharya

BA LLB IVth Year

Kathmandu School of Law

Nepal has initiated a significant endeavor to incorporate Artificial Intelligence into its national strategy with the introduction of the National AI Policy 2025. This policy serves as a foundational document for fostering AI innovation and governance, with the goal of transforming Nepal into an AI-centric nation, in line with the swift technological progress observed worldwide. Despite the policy’s forward-looking aspirations, it reveals critical deficiencies in implementation, funding and ethical regulation, which may influence its actual effectiveness.

AI has transitioned from a futuristic idea to a transformative force that is redefining industries, governance and interpersonal relationships on an unparalleled scale. Its ability to improve public administration and revolutionize healthcare highlights AI’s documented potential for driving economic and social change. As a developing country aiming for digital inclusion, Nepal has much to gain from the responsible integration of AI technologies. The government's acknowledgment of AI as a vital element for national advancement is praiseworthy. However, the mere creation of a policy does not signify readiness. The effectiveness of a policy is determined by its execution, which presents Nepal with its most significant challenge.

A key feature of the policy is the creation of an AI Supervision Council and a National AI Center, both designed to manage AI governance, research and ethical issues. Furthermore, the government has established the AI Regulatory Authority, a new entity tasked with ensuring adherence to AI regulations, promoting transparency and establishing governance standards for AI. According to the policy, the AI Supervision Council will be under the Minister for Communications and Information Technology and include representatives from the academia, private sector and the civil society to guarantee that AI is developed and utilized responsibly. This institutional framework represents a positive advancement, aiming to prevent unchecked AI development. Nevertheless, the document lacks clarity regarding the specifics of regulatory enforcement. Who will be responsible if AI systems inflict unintended harm? What strategies will be implemented to address AI-generated biases in a nation with low digital literacy? The absence of definitive actions to tackle these critical issues may undermine the policy’s effectiveness.

One of the significant challenges facing AI adoption in Nepal is its vulnerable digital infrastructure. In contrast to leading global AI nations that benefit from advanced data centers and high-performance computing capabilities, Nepal continues to experience unreliable internet connectivity in numerous regions. The policy does stress the importance of developing AI infrastructure, which includes creating cloud computing platforms and national AI databases. It underscores the necessity for high-performance computing (HPC) facilities and AI-capable data centers to bolster research and development initiatives; however, it lacks specific details regarding the funding for these projects. This raises the critical question: where will the financial resources originate? While the policy mentions public-private partnerships (PPP), it fails to provide clear incentives to draw in investment. In the absence of a dedicated budget or a financial strategy, Nepal risks repeating the familiar pattern of policies that appear promising in theory but struggle to be implemented effectively.

A significant challenge facing the country is the limited availability of professionals skilled in AI. The policy advocates for the integration of AI curricula in universities and vocational training institutions, a step that is both essential and timely. The policy emphasizes that “AI education will be incorporated into the national curriculum at various academic levels to cultivate a sustainable AI workforce.” However, educational reform is a long-term strategy. Nepal must also consider immediate solutions such as international partnerships, AI boot camps and specialized training programs for current  professionals. Without a competent workforce, the aspirations for AI innovation and governance will remain unfulfilled.

While the advantages of AI are considerable, its associated risks must not be overlooked. Worldwide discussions on AI governance focus on ethical deployment, bias reduction and data privacy. Nepal’s AI policy recognizes the significance of ethical AI but falls short of providing a comprehensive framework for responsible implementation. Challenges such as misinformation from deepfakes, AI-enabled surveillance and algorithmic bias necessitate rigorous oversight, especially in a nation where digital rights protections are still developing. The lack of clear data protection measures is a notable gap. Although “the government aims to establish a Data Protection Act to regulate AI-related data collection and processing,” there is scant mention of how these regulations will be enforced. For AI to gain public trust, it must be accountable, and such accountability requires a legal framework that is currently absent in Nepal’s policy.

One of the most encouraging elements of the policy is its acknowledgment of AI’s potential across various sectors, such as healthcare, agriculture, energy and tourism. AI-enhanced healthcare solutions could extend medical services to underserved regions, while predictive analytics in agriculture may improve crop production. The policy outlines that “AI applications in agriculture will encompass automated irrigation systems, pest management solutions and climate monitoring technologies to boost productivity.” However, the successful implementation of AI across sectors hinges on robust collaboration among government entities, the private sector and academic institutions. While the policy expresses optimism, it lacks clarity on how these partnerships will be cultivated and does not address the possible resistance from traditional industries concerned about AI-induced changes.

A significant concern is whether Nepal’s AI policy is in line with global best practices. Given that AI is a global technology, Nepal must avoid developing its AI ecosystem in a vacuum. The policy would be strengthened by clear commitments to align with international AI governance standards, such as those established by the OECD and UNESCO. Although the policy states that "Nepal will engage with international AI governance bodies to align its regulatory framework with global standards," the absence of specific actions could lead to regulatory inconsistencies and hinder Nepal's integration into global AI markets.

The government has invited public input on the AI policy, which is a positive indication of its openness to refining its strategy. However, effective engagement necessitates widespread participation, extending beyond policymakers and experts to include civil society, businesses and the general populace. Nepal’s AI initiative should evolve into a national movement that harmonizes innovation with inclusivity, security with accessibility and ambition with practicality.

The National AI Policy 2025 represents a positive advancement, yet its effectiveness will depend on its ability to move beyond mere statements. Nepal has the chance to establish a distinctive approach to AI integration, but this requires a focused effort to tackle issues such as infrastructure shortcomings, funding limitations, workforce deficiencies and ethical dilemmas. AI should be viewed not only as a means of technological progress but also as a societal catalyst that, when handled appropriately, can drive Nepal forward. The primary challenge ahead is to ensure that this policy leads to real, measurable outcomes rather than becoming just another unfulfilled initiative.

The author is the founder of ‘Teach Me AI’

A hero to a villain is the one to be feared

A story of hate, a story of rage, a story needed to be heard

A hero broken by the world sets out for revenge

The false justice chased by the hero is soon to come out

Once the threat is gone a sharp knife is felt in the spine

The knife not as much pain as the face that lay behind

The starry night he sees that now seem so bleak 

He lays there in a bloodied floor thinking what did he achieve?

Sadness turns to anger, love turns to hate

A pawn in the game has now become aware

A hero once praised by all is now feared 

A villain is never born he is made by another

The darkness that crept within can’t be controlled no longer

In this tale old as time the story has been revealed

The villain now so much despised in this story, was a hero in another

Now that he sits on the throne with all the peasants at his feet

The smile the smirk makes his face anew

He sees a knight, a pawn with might is to be revered

He sees himself, a hero before was broken

Soon to realize the vicious cycle that has been awoken

Arnav Shrestha

A Level

LA College