A discussion program on Youths,Human Rights and Recent Context was organized by the INSEC Bagmati Province Office on October 10. During the program, INSEC Executive Director Bijay Raj Gautam stated that INSEC has been conducting discussions and advocacy on human rights among citizens through its campaigns and programs for more than three decades. He said that since the movements after 1988, INSEC has played a significant role in protecting human rights and holding the government accountable. He added that the organization has prioritized the protection and promotion of human rights at both national and international forums, thereby contributing to the stability of democracy and human rights. He emphasized the need for the state to be sensitive and accountable regarding the political, economic, and social issues raised by the Gen-Z youths. He also stressed that the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026, should be conducted in a free, fair, and fear-free manner, helping to foster a human rights culture within the state.
INSEC Bagmati Province Coordinator Shiva Prasad Khakurel delivering his welcome remarks highlighted the need to promote youth participation, ensure that emerging and capable young leaders gain access to leadership roles, and end the political parties’ negligence toward leadership transfer, thereby ensuring the active involvement of the Gen Z generation in the political process.
Similarly, Dr. Mukunda Adhikari, Central Secretariat Member of the Nepal Bar Association, stated that it is essential to move forward in accordance with the rule of law and the spirit of the constitution, while adhering to the existing legal frameworks and procedures. He expressed his belief that with the support of the Gen Z youth, corruption, injustice, and inequality can be eradicated, and that the prevailing disorder in the state will come to an end after the upcoming elections.
Similarly, youth human rights activist Diwakar Upreti stated that to strengthen democracy and make it more people-oriented, unity among various Gen Z groups involved in different movements is essential. He emphasized that youth need to engage in deeper reflection for the sake of good governance, ensure accountability across various sectors, and prioritize the multiparty democratic system. He also suggested that in the upcoming elections, voters should have the ‘Right to Reject’ option to disapprove unsuitable candidates.
Pawan Gautam, Chairperson of the Youth Campaign, stated that an impartial investigation should be conducted into the infiltrations that occurred during the Gen Z movement, and emphasized that youths within all political parties should come forward and take the lead.
Similarly, activist Alisha Dhungana said that the youth generation has been leading campaigns against corruption, impunity, and poor governance, both on the streets and through digital platforms and social media. She stressed the need for the government and civil society to positively acknowledge these efforts by unifying the voices of the divided Gen Z groups, thereby creating an environment of trust and satisfaction among the youth.
During the discussion, Uparjan Chamling, a member of the negotiation team of the Gen Z movement, stated that due to the ban imposed on social media and in an effort to eradicate corruption, the young generation is moving forward to form a new political party aimed at establishing good governance and a corruption-free nation. He also mentioned that the team has requested the Election Commission to make arrangements enabling the approximately 28% of voters residing abroad to exercise their voting rights.
Gen Z leader Khemraj Saud stated that despite timely alerts given to the Chief District Officer of Kathmandu about the potential security threats caused by infiltrations within the movement, the state mechanisms treated the movement lightly and displayed irresponsibility in security management. As a result, the movement spiraled out of control, leading to serious incidents of human rights violations. He emphasized that human rights activists and organizations need to reach out to communities and rural areas to protect the human rights of marginalized groups neglected by the state.
Gen Z leader Safalta Tamang stated that the state’s aggressive response toward students who came unarmed, carrying only notebooks in their school uniforms, clearly demonstrates the cruelty of the state toward the youth generation. She emphasized that during elections, it is necessary to investigate the assets of every candidate to prevent capital manipulation and irregularities.
Gen Z leader Amit Khanal stated that the state’s official structures were systematically targeted, and that instead of representatives from marginalized groups under the proportional system, the government brought in individuals from highly structured groups. He emphasized that the Gen Z Movement Alliance believes that capable and reputable individuals should serve as public representatives.
Likewise, Luja Maharjan, a representative of The Revolution Discord Channel, stated that the state violated youth human rights through excessive use of force and that human rights appear to be limited only to the capitalists.
During the discussion, participants including Abhishek Adhikari, Kapil Adhikari, Dinesh Karki, and Sheikh Kammudin emphasized that issues such as education, skill development, employment, health, social justice, environmental protection, and equal opportunities should be prioritized by Gen Z leaders.
The discussion session was facilitated by youth journalist Kaushal Kafle, and Barun Basyal, Assistant Documentation Officer of INSEC Bagmati Province Office, delivered a presentation on the current context of human rights and youth issues.