The government is sincerely committed to protecting human rights’

Patan (Lalitpur), November 10: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Poudel has said that the government is sincerely committed to protecting human rights.

Speaking at a program organized by the National Human Rights Commission here today on the occasion of the 76th Human Rights Day, he said that the government is active in making the role of the Human Rights Commission more effective. “The state and political forces are committed to protecting human rights. The government has paid attention to implementing the Supreme Court’s judgments and making transitional justice victim-friendly. The government is ready to make the Commission autonomous and strong,” Deputy Prime Minister Poudel said. He said that he is committed to ensuring physical and financial resources for the protection of human rights and the functioning of the Commission.

National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Tapa Bahadur Magar stressed the need to amend laws that are not human rights-friendly. He stressed that protecting the human rights of those who have gone for foreign employment is a sensitive issue and all parties concerned should be serious about it. Hana Singer-Hamde, Resident Representative of the United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNDP) here, praised Nepal’s role at COP29 and its work for transitional justice.

Ram Prasad Subedi, President of the Federation of Non-Governmental Organizations, drew the government’s attention to enacting fundamental rights-friendly laws. Bhola Bhattarai, coordinator of the Human Rights Conference 2024, emphasized the protection of the human rights of women, workers, farmers, and minorities.

Human Rights Commission member Lily Thapa said that Nepal’s human rights situation remains satisfactory at the international level. On that occasion, senior advocate Krishna Prasad Bhandari, who played a strong role as a human rights defender, was presented with the ‘Dayaram Memorial Award’, while Laxmi Mahato of Dhanusha was also awarded for her contribution to the protection of environmental rights. Both awards carry a value of Rs 50,000. 

Nepal’s Human Rights

The state of human rights in Nepal is mixed. While there has been progress in certain areas, significant challenges remain. Below is an overview:

1. Progress

• Constitutional Provisions: The Constitution of Nepal (2015) guarantees fundamental rights, equality, and freedom for all citizens.
• International Commitments: Nepal is a signatory to several international human rights treaties and conventions.
• Awareness and Advocacy: Numerous human rights organizations are actively working to protect and promote rights.

2. Challenges

• Gender-Based Violence: Domestic violence, child marriage, and dowry-related issues remain widespread.
• Caste Discrimination: Discrimination against Dalits and other marginalized groups continues.
• Human Trafficking: The trafficking of young women and children remains a serious concern.
• Inequality of Opportunities: People in remote areas often lack access to education and employment opportunities.
• Political Interference: Issues like impunity and political interference in human rights cases are prevalent.

3. Ongoing Issues

• Legacy of Armed Conflict: Justice for victims of enforced disappearances and conflict-related violence from the Maoist insurgency era is still unresolved.
• Natural Disasters and Reconstruction: Reconstruction efforts after the 2015 earthquake remain incomplete in some areas.

4. Government Initiatives

Nepal’s government has established the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to address these issues. However, the NHRC has faced criticism for inadequate funding, resources, and political interference.

5. International Support

The international community has been assisting Nepal in improving its human rights record, but effective implementation remains a challenge.

To ensure lasting improvements in human rights, Nepal needs to focus on education, economic development, and public awareness.