Based on the decision of its Fourth National Congress, trade union federation GEFONT declared 20 November, the ‘Child Rights Day,’ as a ‘mass mobilisation day.’ Other organisatins, including trade unions, NGOs, civil society movements, UN agencies and the International Labour Organisation, joined as partners. Thousands of children and teachers also participated in rallies and mass meetings.

The mobilisation was meant to drive home the message that children and women are the major victims of the violent conflict in the country, which need to be resolved by the government, political parties and the Maoists. The workers are also victims of the violence and terror created by the Maoists and human rights violations by the security forces. Children are abducted from schools by Maoists for using them in the armed conflict. A large number of school children in the rural areas have left schools and migrated with their displaced families to towns and cities. A large number of children and youth have also entered India from many border points. Protection of children from the conflict was the message on ‘Child Rights Day’ and GEFONT slogan ‘Children are the Zone of Peace’ reverberated in the air. The workers emphasised the point that the innocent children are the future of the nation and they need to be protected.

A rally in the national capital Kathmandu was attended by thousands of workers, youths and children, who carried placards in one hand and flowers in the other. The entire GEFONT central leadership led the mass rally. Pigeons were released as a symbolic gesture to emphasise the need to herald peace. A girl and a boy representing the children inaugurated the programme. The National Human Rights Commission also particpated in the rally. Candles were lit by the guests and the gathering urged the parties to talk peace. The GEFONT has also announced its decision to observe 18 December as ‘International Migrants Day,’ 8 March as ‘International Women Workers Day’ and 1 May as ‘International Workers Day’ by holding mass rallies.