Deputy Speaker Pledges to Implement Youth HRD Declaration

She expressed her commitment to provide full support for the implementation of the declaration adopted by the conference.

Sushil Pyakurel, Founding Chairperson of INSEC and former Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission, recalled that Nepal became a party to various human rights instruments despite numerous challenges following the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. He stated that when the Constitution of Nepal was promulgated in 2015, there were expectations for future governments to implement its provisions, and noted that efforts toward its implementation are ongoing. Emphasizing that rights are sought not only for oneself but also for others, he mentioned that those in positions of state responsibility should act with a sense of duty rather than entitlement. He further pointed out that past governments tended to view citizens as party cadres rather than service recipients, and urged youth to remain vigilant to ensure such mistakes are not repeated in the future.

Former Commissioner Pyakurel stated that democracy cannot exist without the ability to question, and emphasized that human rights are, in essence, the voice of the voiceless.

Bijay Raj Gautam, Chairperson of INSEC and FORUM-ASIA, expressed his belief that since young human rights defenders from across the country participated in the two-day conference, held discussions on key issues, and issued a 17-point declaration, the Deputy Speaker will have an important role in ensuring its implementation by governments at all three levels.

Gehanath Gautam, Administrative Head of the National Youth Council, recalled that the Youth Vision, formulated at the government level with a concrete action plan for youth development, was developed through extensive discussions, interactions, and meaningful participation of stakeholders. He emphasized that young people should move forward by working with the use of socially responsible and respectful language.

Kalanidhi Devkota, Executive Director of the Municipal Association, stated that while working as an umbrella organization representing 293 municipalities across the country, priority has been given to the welfare of citizens. He expressed confidence that the steps currently taken by the government will ensure the human rights of the urban poor, landless people, squatters, and those living in unmanaged settlements.

The conference concluded by issuing a 17-point declaration. At the closing ceremony, discussions were held on Nepal’s human rights situation, the challenges faced by Nepalis in foreign employment, sexual and reproductive health, actions required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the Gen Z movement, and the current context, as informed by INSEC Bagmati Province Coordinator Shiva Khakurel.