World | Other World Stories
Court upholds 'child deities' rights
Nepal's Supreme Court has ordered the government to ensure basic health care and education for virgin girls worshipped as "living deities" in a centuries-old tradition in the Himalayan nation.
- Reuters
- Published: 23:32 August 19, 2008
Kathmandu: Nepal's Supreme Court has ordered the government to ensure basic health care and education for virgin girls worshipped as "living deities" in a centuries-old tradition in the Himalayan nation.
A few children, some as young as three or four, in the Kathmandu valley are picked by Buddhist priests as kumaris, or "living deities". They are then confined to temples until puberty, visited by thousands of devotees.
Critics say the tradition violates the children's rights and leaves them unprepared to face real life when they return to their families after reaching puberty.
"A directive order has been issued to the government to provide basic human rights, including education and health [care] to the child," Supreme Court spokesman Hemanta Rawal said yesterday.
Share this article
News Editor's choice
-
A year after 173 defenceless people were killed
Mumbai itself is far from safe from another deadly attack, even though the level of security consciousness of the average Mumbaikar has been raised since 26/11
-
Nato supports Obama's plea
European and other allies to send around 6,000 troops to Afghanistan
-
Official confirms mayor is the suspect
Many witnesses have come forward, justice secretary says
-
Into an oasis of values
A place to snuggle in the warmth of old manners away from the bustle of city life
