An interaction program on access to justice for victims, organized by the INSEC Sudurpaschim Province Office, Dhangadhi, was held in Dhangadhi on June 12, 2026.
INSEC Sudurpaschim Province Office, Dhangadhi Coordinator Khadkaraj Joshi stated that the program was organized with the objective of identifying the challenges faced by victims of various types of incidents in accessing justice and exploring measures for their resolution, as well as to examine the roles of concerned stakeholders in ensuring impartial, accessible, and timely justice for victims.
Participants in the program, including women survivors of domestic violence, women and children’s guardians of rape survivors, and victims of various forms of abuse by both state and non-state actors at different times, expressed complaints that they have not been able to easily access justice.
Chief of the National Human Rights Commission, Sudurpaschim Province Office, Dhangadhi, Prakash Datta Bhatt, stated that a lack of clear understanding regarding the nature of cases among human rights defenders and organizations advocating on behalf of victims has also created obstacles in ensuring justice for victims. He emphasized the need for clarity on civil and criminal cases in this regard. He further stated that the District Police Office should cooperate and coordinate with civil society and human rights activists, and create an environment that ensures victims receive justice as quickly as possible.
He said, “Awareness programs should be organized at the community level. Awareness about rights should also be increased in schools and colleges. To make the slogan ‘Police in the Community’ effective, the police should work in coordination with organizations. Support should be provided from all levels to victims who are economically weak and do not have access to judicial bodies. For this, the National Human Rights Commission is ready to carry out all activities within its jurisdiction.”
Assistant Attorney General at the District Government Attorney’s Office, Lok Bahadur Rawal, stated that although they have been continuously advocating for the rights of victims in criminal cases, sometimes due to a lack of sufficient evidence, victims are unable to obtain justice, and the accused are acquitted by the court.
He stated that it is necessary for civil society organizations, human rights activists, journalists, and aware citizens to support victims by providing timely information to the police to ensure justice.
Inspector of the District Police Office, Kailali, Gyanendra Bahadur Singh, stated that in criminal cases, the police conduct impartial investigations and submit the cases to the District Government Attorney’s Office, and also assist in the implementation of court verdicts.
Chairperson of the District Court Bar Unit, Nathuram Mahato, stated that they provide free legal services for victims who are in poor economic conditions, and so far 18 cases have been registered in the district court free of cost and are currently under legal process.