A provincial-level interaction program on business and human rights organized by INSEC Bagmati Province was held in Hetauda on May 6, 2026.
Speaking at the program, INSEC’s chairperson, Bijay Raj Gautam, said that INSEC has been working to make businesses operating in Nepal more human rights-friendly and accountable, implement the United Nations Guiding Principles, and effectively enforce the government’s Fifth National Human Rights Action Plan.
At the program, National Human Rights Commission Bagmati Province Chief Chandrakanta Chapagain presented on business and human rights, highlighting its concept, human rights issues linked to the business sector, the multidimensional impacts of enterprises, and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Chief Guest and Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Mina Lama expressed a commitment that no activities violating human rights would be allowed to proceed. She noted that human rights play an important role in ensuring a dignified life and said that elected representatives would always remain active in their protection. She also stated that discussions were ongoing at the municipal level regarding the management of squatter settlements while taking human rights into account.
Special Guest and Chief District Officer Basant Adhikari stated that the human rights situation remains weak in remote areas, adding that remoteness has limited access to basic services and facilities.
Chief of the District Police Office Shyam Bahadur Khatri expressed concern over the recent increase in human rights violation incidents in Makwanpur. He said that cases of labor exploitation, unsafe working environments, and abuse against women and children have been observed in hotels, dance bars, and industrial sectors.
Shiva Prasad Khakurel stated that INSEC has remained continuously active in the protection of human rights and has been raising its voice to ensure that every citizen can live a dignified life with guaranteed rights.
At the program, remarks were delivered by Chief Attorney of Bagmati Province Government Apsara Basnet, Chief of the Law and Constitutional Affairs Division Lokhari Basyal, Central President of the Consumers Federation Kumar Poudel, Bagmati Province Vice President Ajaya Adhikari, Kamal Kumar Bishwakarma, and Chairperson of the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Aarti Pathak, among others.
