Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC) Executive Committee Member Dr. Bidhya Chapagain stated that coordination, collaboration, and collective initiatives among human rights defenders are essential for the protection and promotion of human rights.
Addressing a provincial-level discussion programme among human rights defenders on human rights issues organized by the INSEC Karnali Province Office in Birendranagar on May 12, 2026, she mentioned that human rights issues are becoming increasingly complex day by day and stressed that defenders should strengthen fact-based advocacy, continuous monitoring, and collaboration with communities.
She expressed the view that human rights defenders play an important role in holding state mechanisms accountable to ensure the rights of women, children, Dalits, the economically disadvantaged, and marginalized communities. “Those who raise their voices on human rights issues must be safe and empowered to assess and question the impact of state policies and programmes on marginalized communities,” she said.
Chief of the National Human Rights Commission Karnali Province Office Ramesh Kumar Thapa stated that although the protection of human rights is the responsibility of the state, collaboration among civil society and rights activists is indispensable for the safety and protection of human rights defenders. He informed that the Commission has been carrying out investigative and coordinating roles regarding complaints received on issues concerning defenders.
Coordinator of the Human Rights Defenders Network Karnali Province Pitambar Dhakal highlighted the challenges faced by human rights defenders, as well as the need for security and capacity enhancement. He stated that the network has been collectively raising a united voice on shared issues.
Coordinator of the INSEC Karnali Province Office Narayan Subedi shared information about the human rights situation in Karnali Province and the documentation and advocacy activities carried out by INSEC. He emphasized the need for coordination among stakeholders in cases of rights violations and abuses. He also stated that legal provisions are necessary for the safety and protection of human rights defenders, as there is currently no specific law in place.
Network members participating in the discussion, including Nisa Poudel, Bhupendra Kandel, Jarmaya Batha, and Sharmila BC, expressed the view that effective intervention is necessary in cases of human rights violations, gender-based violence, discrimination, and social exclusion occurring at the community level.