Posted by: cybernepali February 25, 2013
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Six-year-old Nepali girl caught up in wardship row
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UPENDRA LAMICHHANE Rosa´s mother, an unmarried Nepali girl who had left for Saudi Arabia for employment returned home pregnant. The unwed mother was helped by British woman Megaly Menanteau to deliver the child six years ago. The mother of the girl then left the child to Megaly´s care and took her own way. In a dramatic turn of events after six years, the district administration took away Rosa from Megaly´s wardship and handed her over to Bal Mandir after a group of NGOs working for orphans, including Smile Nepal, lodged complaints stating that Megaly had been keeping the child against the existing laws. Megaly, who nursed the child as a mother has developed a close bond with Rosa, and is unhappy to lose her suddenly. “I have provided all the facilities, love and care to Rosa. Now the law has snatched all the things away from me and Rosa,” said Megaly stating that the police took away Rosa while she was playing in her lap. “She was forcing herself to come to me crying Mama! Mama! But, the law forcedly took her away from me,” Megaly added. Megaly also claimed that Rosa has been the victim of some people with ill an intention to win her custody. She also informed that she was not even permitted to meet Rosa in Bal Mandir. “I know, Rosa is waiting for me but I am unaware of the process I have to fulfill even to meet her,” said Megaly. Tula Kandel, Megaly´s lawyer said she should be given the custody of the girl as no any existing Nepali law prevents foreigners from bringing up Nepali children. “She should be provided the wardship of the girl as she has already filed for adoption. It is also a matter of emotions for both Rosa and Megaly,” Kandel added. Bal Krishna Dhungel, deputy director of Nepal Children Organization, informed that they received the girl on January 25 from the District Administration Office. He also informed that Rosa is not happy at Bal Mandir. Dhungel further informed that they have issued a notice to the girls´ parents to come to claim their baby. He also said Megaly can not take the girl legally but can sponsor her studies and upbringing. Megaly went to the Bal Mandir with Rosa´s aunt but to no avail. According to Kathmandu Chief District Officer Chuda Mani Sharma, the girl was handed over to Bal Mandir after receiving the complaints. “The British national does not have any legal base to take the child´s custody,” said Sharma.
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