On the occasion of the 30th Memorial Day of Late Mr. Prakash Kafle, founding Secretary General of Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), Mr. Rajuram Bhul has been felicitated with Prakash Human Rights Award- 2078.
Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Honourable Top Bahadur Magar presented the award to Mr. Bhul.
Bhul was awarded by Chairperson Magar and INSEC Chairperson Dr. Indira Shrestha with a certificate of appreciation, award, INSEC Emblem and NPR 50,000 cash prize.
Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Top Bahadur Magar, said that since we all have followed the path of the Prakash Kafle for human rights, we all are a part of the campaign initiated by Kafle.
Magar emphasized that he got inspiration from Prakash Kafle to protect human rights and social justice, and expressed that Prakash Kafle will be remembered through the continuation of the Prakash Human Rights Award.
He further added that INSEC has motivated Rajaram Bhul to do better by rewarding him for his campaign. He said that even though the Act was passed in the year 2001 for the rehabilitation of Kamaiya, Haliya, etc., it was not completely implemented, however, Bhul’s campaign has been successful.
Chairperson Magar said that even though the commission gave directives to the government to implement the law in 2008, it was found that their condition was the same.
In addition, Chairperson Magar said that although the Commission is involved in the discussions and campaigns for Transitional Justice, it has not been able to suggest on how the law should be made. The commission was interested in the subject and corresponded to study the draft of the law and make suggestions, but at the same time, the government brought an amendment, so it was clarified that the commission was not involved in it.
Chairperson of the National Dalit Commission, Devraj Bishwkarma, thanked INSEC for recognizing and awarding the talent and contribution of a layman.
He said that Rajaram Bhul has been working from the grass root level to eradicate social injustice in society and the Prakash Human Rights Award has motivated him further to continue his campaign.
Chairperson Bishwakarma, said that the role played by INSEC in the campaign to get rights to Dalits who are deprived of all kinds of rights is significant.
Sushil Pyakurel, the founder chairperson of INSEC and former member of the National Human Rights Commission, said that it is necessary for everyone to know the history of the reason for naming the Prakash Human Rights Award instead of INSEC Human Rights Award. He said that the human rights movement and campaign started by Prakash Kafle are still relevant and alive.
Pyakurel said that there is still a need for pressure and influence from human rights activists to implement the rights given by the constitution and the law. He opined that human rights organizations will be strong only if democracy is strong.
The immediate former Chairperson of INSEC, Subodh Raj Pyakurel, urged the continuation of the campaign to liberate the Haliya, Haruwa Charuwa, Balighare System, etc. as the state of semi-slavery is still prevalent in the society.
Outgoing President Pyakurel said – ‘People expressed their rage for rights. There was no hearing which caused disappointment and the citizens are forced to remain silent. If this silence explodes then the result may either be negative or positive, therefore stakeholders should pay attention on time.
He pointed out the fault of the government that the National Human Rights Commission should also be consulted in the laws brought to table for transitional justice.
Bhawana Bhatta, the Central Deputy Chairperson of the NGO Federation of Nepal, while congratulating the awardee, said that INSEC itself is also a part of the congratulations for honouring the contributor in field of human rights.
On that occasion, she also recalled that INSEC started the education of human rights. She said that INSEC contributed to the human rights movement and her generation gained knowledge of human rights education through INSEC’s Human Rights Education radio program.
Bhatta added that the non-implementation of the provision made by the constitution for the liberation of child marriage, untouchability, Haliya, Kamaiya is also a violation of human rights and there is still a human rights movement for its implementation.
INSEC’s Secretary General Rudra Charmakar gave his opinion about the award selection process and Rajaram Bhul’s struggle.
Rajuram Bhul said that he is determined to complete the farmers’ movement of Bhimdatta Pant. The Haliya Mukti movement started in 1979, under the coordination of the network of bonded laborers in the society.
He said that INSEC’s support to increase this campaign is always important. Bhool recalled that the National Human Rights Commission is also helping in this movement.
INSEC’s Executive Director Bijay Raj Gautam read the award certificate awarded to Bhul.
A short documentary about Rajaram Bhul’s campaign and his work was presented in the program.
On this occasion, 22 people donated blood in the blood donation program organized by INSEC in collaboration with Rotary Club of Balaju.
