In the inaugural session of the program, Acting Mayor Chandrakishor Tharu stated that, keeping human rights and good governance in mind, programs for marginalized groups and communities are being formulated in the annual policies and programs. He further mentioned that when any citizens are deprived of education, health, and basic rights, there is a possibility that they may also be excluded from other rights. Therefore, human rights-related issues have been given high priority.
National Human Rights Commission’s Under-Secretary Yagya Prasad Adhikari emphasized that there is an interdependent relationship between human rights and good governance, and that since Nepal is a state party to seven major human rights conventions, the State must remain responsible and accountable for its implementation.
Chief Administrative Officer, Dinesh Raj Pant, stated that the local government also has an important role in implementing human rights-related issues. Considering available resources, the municipality has been conducting skill-based, leadership, and awareness programs for the empowerment of women, children, senior citizens, Dalits, and persons with disabilities. He also expressed commitment that human rights-related issues would be included in the policy and program for the upcoming year.
Inspector Sapana Khadka of the Area Police Office, Dudhauli, highlighted that human rights are inherent rights and equal for all; therefore, while exercising rights, there is also a need to fulfill responsibilities. She noted that human rights issues are directly connected with the police, and emphasized that the Nepal Police is committed to protecting the rights of every citizen.
Similarly, INSEC Bagmati Province Coordinator Shiva Prasad Khakurel drew attention to the need for all levels of government, from local to federal, to focus on mainstreaming marginalized groups and communities during policy and planning processes. He emphasized the effective implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan formulated by the government.
Human Rights Officer Krishna Prasad Mishra from the National Human Rights Commission, Bagmati Province Office, Hetauda, stated that human rights are a matter of universal necessity. He further noted that the responsibility of addressing incidents occurring at the local level lies with the local judicial committee, and therefore stressed the need to strengthen these committees for greater effectiveness.
Human rights defender network, Bagmati Province member Rudra Bahadur Khadka, shed light on the objectives of the program, stating that it was organized to enhance community awareness in rural areas for the promotion of human rights and to make service delivery more human rights–friendly.
