Caste-Based Discrimination Persists Even Among Educated Individuals: Speaker

Opening a two-day capacity-building training for human rights defenders organized by INSEC Gandaki Province Office, Pokhara, Krishna Prasad Dhital, Speaker of Gandaki Province, noted that it is regrettable that caste-based discrimination persists even among educated individuals and emphasized the need for collective efforts to eliminate such discrimination.

He further highlighted that human rights defenders play a crucial role in strengthening human rights, social justice, and the rule of law.

Ram Hari Dhungana, President of the Human Rights Defenders Network, Gandaki Province, emphasized that it is essential to uphold both human rights and citizens’ rights and duties. He highlighted the importance of ensuring compliance with both legal and practical responsibilities.Bina Silwal of Kopila Nepal highlighted that gender-based violence is a complex social issue and stressed that addressing it requires not only legal measures but also awareness-raising and behavioral change. She further emphasized that human rights defenders must impartially and independently raise issues related to citizens’ rights.

Bishnu Baral, Advisor to the Human Rights Defenders Network Gandaki, expressed the view that collective action is necessary to eliminate existing discrimination and exploitation in society.

Nitu Gartoula, Chief of the National Human Rights Commission, Gandaki Province Office, stated that human rights are the birthright of every individual and their protection is the primary responsibility of the state.

Ganesh Bhandari, Coordinator of INSEC Gandaki Province, explained the purpose of the training, noting that it aims to equip human rights defenders to play an active role in protecting human rights and promoting social justice at the community level.

The training saw participation from human rights defenders, civil society representatives, and stakeholders from various districts of Gandaki Province. Over the two-day program, sessions were facilitated on human rights concepts, gender-based violence, social justice, and advocacy.

The training is expected to enhance participants’ capacities and support the promotion of human rights and social justice within communities.

The program was chaired by Ram Hari Dhungana, President of the Human Rights Defenders Network, Gandaki Province, and was held on April 3-4.