“The effective implementation of human rights is possible only when democracy is strengthened as democracy and human rights are interdependent,” remarked Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal. In the present context, the government is committed to institutionalize democracy, said Home Minister Aryal addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 17th Human Rights National Magna Meet 2025 in Lalitpur district on Monday and sought cooperation from all stakeholders to conduct the upcoming general election in a free, fair and fearless manner.
Speaking as chief guest, Home Minister Aryal also underscored the need for logical conclusion to the Transitional Justice Process both relating to the decade long Maoist insurgency and the recent Gen Z movement that toppled the K.P. Oli led government in September. As human rights is the back bone of any civilized, inclusive and democratic society, the first duty of the government is to ensure freedom, equality and security of the people, he pointed out.
Nepal is committed to the implementation of the issues mentioned in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and also said that there is a need to ensure human rights in order to fulfill the commitments made with the international community, maintained Minister Aryal.
Since the Gen Z youths organized protests in September 8 and 9 against impunity, corruption and lack of good governance, it is the duty of the caretaker government formed as per the mandate of the Gen Z group to crack down on corruption, impunity and nepotism besides holding the general election on March 5, 2026, pointed out senior human rights activist Charan Prasai.
Human rights groups should also prioritize issues like ensuring equal rights to the Dalit community, providing justice to the conflict victims and ensuring citizenship certificates to all citizens including the marginalized ones,” pointed out Bhola Bhattarai, coordinator of the magna meet on the occasion.
Home Minister Aryal, on the occasion, honoured Shakti Samuha with Women Human Rights Honour Award that carries a certificate of appreciation and Rs. 30,000 cash and Bimala Tamang with Magna Meet Honour Award, which carries a certificate of appreciation and Rs. 10,000 cash. The human rights magna meet was organized by Women For Human Rights in collaboration with Human Rights and Peace Society Nepal coinciding with the international human rights day.
Human Rights Magna Meet (NHRMM), has begun on 8th December in Lalitpur. Democracy and Human Rights: Upholding the rule of Law, Good Governance, and International Justice is the theme of the convention.
The week-long event aims to localize the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and ensure greater accountability from the government and concerned authorities.
Women for Human Rights (WHR) is serving as the convener, while Unification Nepal and Ageing Nepal are collaborating as co-conveners for the National Human Rights Magna Meet 2025, in coordination with the National Human Rights Commission.
The organizers mentioned that the convention running from December 8 to 14 will deal deeply on democracy, human rights, rule of law, intergenerational justice, and related issues.
Earlier, speaking at a press meet Shobha BC, president of the Single Women Group and convention coordinator on Sunday stated that 25 human rights organizations from across the country were participating in the event. The National Human Rights Magna Meet (NHRMM) has been held annually since 2009 in observance of International Human Rights Day on December 10. This year marks the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
