On the occasion of the 77th International Human Rights Day, participants of the program held in Dhanusha on December 9, 2025 demanded the enactment of a law for the security and protection of human rights defenders.
Organized by the National Human Rights Commission, Madhesh Province, and in collaboration with INSEC, People in Need, Hami Dajubhāi, Divya Vikas Srot Kendra, and the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Dhanusha, a dialogue program on the situation and challenges of human rights defenders in Madhesh Province was successfully conducted.
Chief Guest Surendra Labh, Chief of Madhesh Province, addressing the program, stated that the guarantee of human rights for the citizens of Madhesh is the foundation of provincial development. He expressed his commitment, emphasising that there should be zero tolerance for human rights violations and that he is personally aware of this responsibility.
Similarly, SSP Kamal Thapa stated that just as the police work day and night to assist victims in obtaining legal remedies and bring perpetrators within the legal framework, they are equally serious about the situation of human rights defenders and will always cooperate.
Kamala Parajuli, Chairperson of the National Women Commission, urged all stakeholders to recognize that women human rights defenders engaged in advocacy and promotion of human rights are at even greater risk because they are women. She highlighted that Madhesh Province ranks high in terms of violence, and girls and women from the Gen Z group are disproportionately affected.
Buddha Narayan Sahani, Chief of the National Human Rights Commission Madhesh Province Office, stated that the presence and commitment of stakeholders has encouraged and inspired human rights defenders who themselves face risks while listening to victims’ complaints. He emphasized that a law as a protective shield for defenders is absolutely necessary and that the state must prioritize this issue.
At the program, INSEC Madhesh Province Coordinator Raju Paswan presented on the situation and challenges of human rights defenders in Madhesh Province. He also stated that the Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC) has already submitted a draft bill to the provincial government for the security and protection of human rights defenders. He stressed that defenders face daily challenges, including assault, threats, and inhumane treatment, highlighting the urgent need for the enactment of a law.
