Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel of Karnali Province stated that the bill for the protection and promotion of human rights and human rights defenders will be passed in the province. During a meeting including the representatives from the European Union (EU), on June 10, he said the provincial government is serious about this matter and will table the bill in the Provincial Assembly soon. The responsibility for the promotion, protection, and safeguarding of human rights lies with the government, and all necessary legal frameworks will be established for this. He added that the provincial government is ready to work in coordination with all donor agencies to protect human rights in Karnali. Similarly, Karnali Province Chief Secretary Birendra Kumar Yadav expressed commitment to advancing the bill by positively considering all suggestions.
Tomas Millar, Head of Political Affairs at the EU Embassy, said the international community is ready to support the effective implementation of human rights in Karnali Province. Enbuska Petra, a representative from the Embassy of Finland, emphasized the need for a clear policy regarding the protection of human rights defenders.
INSEC Executive Director Bijay Raj Gautam stated that incidents of human rights violations have been increasing every year in Karnali and that human rights defenders continue to face security challenges. He said that since human rights defenders working in Karnali are constantly at risk, the bill would help ensure their protection.
Basanta Gautam, a representative from Advocacy Forum, remarked that passing the bill would also provide additional support to the government.
The team including Tomas Millar, Chief of the Political Affairs at the European Union (EU), Enbuska Petra from the Embassy of Finland, Basanta Gautam from Advocacy Forum, Pratikshya Karki from COCAP, INSEC Executive Director Bijay Raj Gautam, and INSEC Provincial Coordinator Narayan Subedi held discussions with the Chief Minister of Karnali, the Chief Secretary, the Chief District Officer, and SPof Surkhet, as well as human rights defenders and victims.