The Youth Human Rights Defenders Conclave has begun in Jawalakhel under the slogan “Youth as Advocates for the Protection of Human Rights.” The conclave, jointly organized by Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), ROYM Nepal, Digital Rights Nepal, Visible Impact, and the National Youth Council Nepal, is being held on May 1 and 2, 2026 The event is taking place under the chief guestship of Dr. Lily Thapa, member of the National Human Rights Commission, and is chaired by INSEC Chairperson Bijay Raj Gautam.

Dr. Lily Thapa, member of the National Human Rights Commission, stated that data on incidents of human rights violations and abuses must be collected from every local level. She noted that a report had been prepared to bring out the truth of the incidents of September 8 and 9, 2025, and drew attention to the need for accountability regarding why the 600-page summary of the 10,000-page report has not been made public.

Dr. Thapa stressed that as the Commission itself attempted to conceal the substance of the report and present it in a shortened form, youth and civil society must remain vigilant, and underscored the need to question why the government has not implemented the Commission’s recommendations.

Member Thapa recalled that despite the lack of resources, means, and technology in the past, they had advocated for social justice and human rights, and emphasized that the new generation must not forget to study and learn from the contributions made by earlier generations in bringing changes to Nepal’s governance system and the world.

She drew attention to the fact that although, compared to the 10-year armed conflict that began in 1996, it has now become easier to gather evidence and bring cases within the legal framework due to technological advancements, as seen in the incidents of September 8 and 9, 2025, there has been a lack of adequate initiative from the concerned authorities.

Sushil Pyakurel, founding chairperson of INSEC and former commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission, reflecting on why the Youth Human Rights Defenders Conclave was necessary, connected the past, present, and future, and analyzed how Nepali youth played a decisive role in ending the autocratic Rana regime and establishing democracy.

He stated that since youth are the drivers of social transformation, they should work with awareness in utilizing global innovations, and called for creating an environment where citizens can access and read, in full, the report prepared by the National Human Rights Commission regarding the incidents of September 8 and 9, 2025.

Founding Chairperson Pyakurel highlighted the need to develop an institutional culture of working on issues of citizenship and human rights, and noted that lessons must be learned from past shortcomings caused by political short-sightedness, urging continued efforts without being swayed by divisions created in society by those in power.

INSEC Chairperson Bijay Raj Gautam recalled that INSEC has always stood with youth and urged active participation from the young attendees representing all 77 districts of the country in the conclave.

He emphasized the need to implement the report prepared by the National Human Rights Commission regarding the incidents of September 8 and 9.

At the program, Gehanath Gautam, Executive Chief of the National Youth Council Nepal, expressed the expectation that a youth-friendly approach would be adopted in the country, noting that 102 members of parliament elected from the House of Representatives elections held on March 7, 2026 and 11 members of the current Council of Ministers are under the age of 40, reflecting a growing youth presence in governance.

He stated that a youth human rights network should be developed and advanced, emphasizing that human rights and civic responsibilities must go hand in hand.

Lubha Raj Neupane, Executive Director of ROYM Nepal, recalled that youth should lead the human rights movement and urged greater youth engagement in response to increasing issues such as unlawful detention by the state, rising digital violence against citizens, and growing legal hurdles affecting social campaigns in the country.

He pointed out the need for initiatives to ensure that the state acts in a responsible and accountable manner on issues of climate change and social justice.

Santosh Sigdel of Digital Rights Nepal emphasized that from misinformation and disinformation to defamation and the spread of confusion through digital platforms, such practices are increasing, and stressed the need for collaboration in the coming days to protect human rights, safeguard everyone’s rights, and promote a culture of human rights.

Dipesh Limbu, Executive Director of Visible Impact, recalled that since 2015 the organization has prioritized health issues within the field of human rights, and emphasized that persons with disabilities, as well as all members of society, are entitled to equal rights.

Yog Maya Reule of ROYM Nepal recalled working in Karnali Province and emphasized that youth have been actively working for justice for victims on issues ranging from human rights to education, health, and climate change.

At the program, INSEC’s Barun Basyal and Bikala Wagle stated that the Youth Human Rights Defenders Conclave was organized as a result of collective efforts by young people to address the challenges they face and to mobilize in pursuit of social change.