Nepali children abused, killed in conflict

The London-based global human rights watchdog said children were being abducted and recruited for military activities, and accused both Maoist rebels and government troops of violating their fundamental rights.

"This conflict is a disaster for the children of Nepal," Purna Sen, director of Amnesty International's Asia Pacific Programme, said in a statement.

Amnesty's report was issued just before the UN Security Council was expected to adopt a resolution yesterday that would name and shame nations or rebels abusing children in war zones.

Nepal's Maoist rebels have been fighting since 1996 to topple the monarchy and set up a single party communist republic. The conflict has cost more than 12,500 lives - hundreds of them children.

"Some children have been directly targeted by one or other party to the conflict, while hundreds more have died from bombs and improvised explosive devices," Sen said.

Thousands of children have been forced to flee their homes and face poverty and exploitation, he said.

"There have been disturbing reports of children suspected of affiliation with the Maoist rebels being detained for long periods in army barracks, police stations or prisons - often held together with adults," Amnesty said.

"Many child detainees report having been tortured by security forces during their detention."

Amnesty said it had received reports of girls being raped by security forces.