The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Madhesh Province Office and Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC) Madhesh Province conducted a monitoring visit on the situation of human rights defenders in Sarlahi on May 20, 2026.
During the monitoring, discussions were held with members of the district-based Human Rights Defenders Network, women human rights defenders, and journalists regarding the human rights situation and existing challenges.
Women’s rights activist Divani Ghimire said that victims face significant difficulties in accessing judicial processes and alleged that accused persons are often provided protection and security. She stated that victims are deprived of justice even after visiting police offices for years, particularly due to the influence of politicization in such cases.
Member of the Human Rights Defenders Network and journalist Radhe Shyam Kushwaha said that victims from economically weak backgrounds are often discouraged from filing complaints due to the costs involved in registering cases.