Can lights of candles save thousands of children dying each year?

Every 15 seconds, a child dies in this world from a water-related disease, isn't it a serious humanitarian concern that denies child right to live? The case is not different in Nepal where more than 10,000 children die only from diarrhoeal diseases. If we add death caused due to other water borne diseases then the number will be increased even higher. It is very pathetic that 42 districts of this country full of water resources have sanitation coverage less than national coverage of 46%. It provided ample of reasons for End Water Poverty Campaigners to mobilize masses on World Water Day to advocate for "water and sanitation for all".

Soyambhu well known as a symbol of peace worldwide was the best venue for the campaigners to lighten the candle in memory of these children who lost their lives simply because of lack of improved safe drinking water and sanitation services to the people dwelling in this country. The mass of more than 3000 people from different parts of Kathmandu as well as activists from different parts of Asia gathered in Soyambhu on March 25, 2009 at 5:30 pm to light vigil together demanding quick action for saving lives of these children and suffering of tragic death in these thousands of families each year.

Mr. Subash Nemwang, Chairperson, Constitution Assembly in his message to the campaign, urged all the political leaders to join their hands to end this sanitation and drinking water crisis. Mr. Nabindra Raj Joshi, Honourable Member of Constitution Assembly who was the chief guest of the campaign, publicly declared his political commitment for endorsement of drinking water and sanitation as constitutional right in the parliament session. Sanitation brand Ambassador and Kollywood actress Ms. Jharana Thapa demanded that the government should be proactive in materializing the government commitments made during South Asian Conference on Sanitation. In course of thanks giving, FEDWASUN (Federation of Water and Sanitation Users, Nepal reiterated demand of water and sanitation as right and if not user group will go for mass protest.



Jockin Araputham, International Chairperson, Slum Dweller International committed to raise these concerns of inadequate drinking water and sanitation services to UN discussions to influence global policies. He emphasized the right of children to live a dignified life should be ensured. Ms. Bharati Singh, Deputy Mayor, Bhuwaneswore, India expressed her solidarity to support the campaign. Let's hope that these rays of candles remind people to materialize these commitments to save these lives of children who deserve to live a prosperous and happy life in this world.