The CPN-Maoist ignore the global consensus that using children for politics and war is a crime against society. After claiming their child recruits have played a special role in the people's movement, last week's 17th national convention of their sister organisation, the All Nepal National Free Students Union(Revolutionary) , in the heart of Kathmandu, had large numbers of children under 16. Those children were wearing red headbands and wandering around without food or water in the midday heat. They were transported dangerously on the roofs of buses, shouting political slogans completely unsuitable for their age.
Perhaps the Maoists felt proud at the sight of the large crowd of underage children, but there is no excuse for such an act. If they reach power and form a government, won't they adhere to and respect international norms and agreements regarding children's rights?

Organisations working for children's rights have criticised the Maoist students' actions. The National Human Rights Commission expressed concern, and a NHRC survey conducted the day of the rally found that classes had been cancelled in most schools in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. It is sad that a political group aiming to bring about change displays such irresponsible behaviour.