4th National Conference of Human Rights Defenders

Introduction:

The Human Rights Alliance (HRA) is the largest human rights network with more than 1500 member organizations across seven provinces and seventy-seven districts in Nepal. The conference was organized on 13-14 of February in City Hall, Kathmandu, where 700 participants across all seven provinces, which include human rights defenders, government representatives’ political leaders and parliamentarians, academics and researchers, legal professionals, representatives of development partners, media representatives, community leaders, youth activists, corporate social responsibility representatives, representatives of educational institutions and other relevant stakeholders. It is the largest Human Rights Defenders’ conference organized in Nepal.

Mr. Min Bahadur Shahi, Chairperson of the Human Rights Alliance chaired the session while Hon. Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli graced the session as a chief guest. Other special guests invited to the dais were:

Hon. Dr. Shekhar Koirala, Senior Leader of Nepali Congress
Hon. Top Bahadur Magar, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission
H. E. Veronique Lorenzo, Ambassador, European Union Delegation to Nepal
Mr. Ram Prasad Subedi, President of the NGO Federation of Nepal

Objective of the Conference:

The following were the specific objectives of the conference:

To provide a platform for discussing human rights-related mechanisms, laws policies, and practices;
To strengthen the capacity of human rights defenders on localizing human rights issues enshrined in the Constitution as well as committed by Nepal on international human rights issues; and
To raise the collective voices of human rights defenders on matters related to the protection and promotion of human rights.

Major Achievements of the Event:

Platform for Discussing Mechanisms, Laws, Policies, and Practices:

Consensus reached on advocating with the government for legal recognition of human rights defenders, fulfilling the objective of discussing laws and policies.
Intense discussions were held on existing human rights mechanisms, laws, policies, and practices in Nepal, providing a comprehensive forum for addressing these critical issues.
Over 700 participants from a variety of sectors engaged in the discussions, contributing to a rich exchange of ideas and diverse perspectives.

Capacity Strengthening of Human Rights Defenders:

Through workshops and training sessions, the event successfully enhanced the capacity of human rights defenders, aligning with its initial objective.
Focused training was provided on localizing human rights issues enshrined in the Constitution, empowering defenders to effectively address issues at the grassroots level.
Sharing best practices and experiences facilitated knowledge exchange and improved the effectiveness of participants in defending human rights.
The participation of over 700 attendees ensured a broad and inclusive approach to capacity strengthening, drawing on diverse perspectives and experiences.

Collective Voices for Human Rights Protection and Promotion:

A declaration paper outlining collective commitments and action plans was issued, demonstrating a unified front for human rights protection and promotion.
The agreement to advocate for the rights of all groups, regardless of creed, caste, or religion, reflected the event’s objective of raising collective voices for all encompassing human rights.
The event fostered collaboration among human rights defenders, amplifying their collective voice and fostering a sense of unity and solidarity. The extensive participation further strengthened the impact of these collective voices, showcasing a broader commitment to human rights advocacy.

Conclusion:

The Human Rights Alliance conference held on 13-14 February in Kathmandu, Nepal, marked a significant milestone in the country’s human rights movement. With over 700 participants from diverse backgrounds, including human rights defenders, government officials, political leaders, academics, and representatives from various sectors, the event served as a robust platform for dialogue, capacity building, and collective action.

The conference achieved its objectives effectively. Firstly, it provided a comprehensive platform for discussing critical issues pertaining to human rights mechanisms, laws, policies, and practices in Nepal. Through intense discussions and consensus-building, participants advocated for the legal recognition of human rights defenders and addressed existing gaps in the country’s legal framework.

Secondly, the event successfully strengthened the capacity of human rights defenders, particularly in localizing human rights issues enshrined in the Constitution and aligning them with international human rights standards. Workshops, training sessions, and knowledge exchange activities empowered participants to address human rights challenges at the grassroots level effectively.

Lastly, the conference facilitated the collective voices of human rights defenders, leading to the issuance of a declaration paper outlining shared commitments and action plans. The agreement to advocate for the rights of all groups, regardless of creed, caste, or religion, demonstrated a unified front for human rights protection and promotion. Moreover, the event fostered collaboration among stakeholders, amplifying the collective voice of the human rights community and promoting unity and solidarity.

Overall, the conference was a resounding success, highlighting the commitment of Nepal’s human rights defenders to uphold and advance the principles of human rights across the country. Moving forward, it is essential to build on the momentum generated by the event and continue working collaboratively towards the protection and promotion of human rights for all individuals in Nepal.