17th National Human Rights Convention kicks off on Monday

Kathmandu, Dec 7: The 17th National Human Rights Convention is beginning on Monday. The week-long event is being organized in a bid to localize the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and ensure greater accountability from the government and concerned authorities.

An organization, Single Women Group, under the Women for Human Rights is coordinating the event this time. It was shared amidst a press conference held at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Lalitpur on Sunday. The organizers informed that the convention running from December 8 to 15 will dwell extensively on democracy, human rights, rule of law, intergenerational justice, and related issues.

Speaking at the press conference, convention coordinator and president of the Single Women Group, Shobha BC, stated that 125 human rights organizations from across the country were participating in the event, which would be inaugurated by Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal.

Similarly, the NHRC Secretary Murari Prasad Kharel shared that special emphasis was given to the participation of the Gen Z in this year’s event. "Since social change is possible through peaceful and nonviolent movements rather than pressure and force, participants will receive training on nonviolent activism," Kharel said, expressing confidence that the convention would support the effective conclusion of the transitional justice process.

Human rights activist Charan Prasai stressed the importance of such events in bringing young people into the policy-making sphere and fostering accountability among them.

The organizers further stated that, in light of the recent rise in human rights violations during youth-led movements and their aftermath, this year’s convention will give special priority to sessions on intergenerational dialogue, human rights awareness, and peaceful civic engagement. (RSS)