With the objective of ensuring access to justice for human rights defenders and victims of various incidents, as well as providing assistance during emergencies, the reconstitution and meeting of the Human Rights Assistance Cell formed by the Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC) Koshi Province Office was held on July 2.
The meeting, chaired by INSEC Koshi Province Coordinator Manohar Kumar Pokharel, selected Mani Kumar Arjyal, Chairperson of the Federation of Senior Citizens, Koshi Province, as the Coordinator of the Human Rights Assistance Cell.
During the Human Rights Assistance Cell meeting, Bir Bahadur Budha Magar, Assistant Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Koshi Province, stated that the Human Rights Assistance Cell has played an important role in ensuring victims of human rights violations have access to justice. He said that various types of victims approach human rights organizations and that, in cases where financial support and legal assistance are needed, the Human Rights Assistance Cell established by INSEC has proven to be highly effective.
During the meeting, Tirthendra Neupane, Ward Chairperson of Biratnagar Metropolitan City–11 and a member of the Judicial Committee, said that he was greatly impressed by the support provided by INSEC through the Human Rights Assistance Cell in helping victims obtain justice. He stated that although the state speaks about human rights, it would face difficulties in fulfilling its responsibilities conscientiously if organizations like INSEC were not there to advocate on behalf of victims. Ward Chairperson Neupane added that INSEC had effectively carried out the state’s responsibility by assisting in the birth registration process of a child with multiple disabilities.
Providing information on the objectives and activities of the Human Rights Assistance Cell to date, INSEC Koshi Province Coordinator Manohar Kumar Pokharel said that the Cell has been working effectively to ensure access to justice by addressing the rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and emergency needs of human rights defenders at risk and individuals who are victims of human rights violations.
During the meeting, Hari Baral, President of the High Bar Association, said that the Human Rights Assistance Cell has translated the concept of human rights into practice. He stated that, after learning through the presentation about the Cell’s role in securing justice for victims, he felt that the Human Rights Assistance Cell has truly become like a guardian for victims.