Kathmandu, December 9

The eighth Human Rights Magna Meet began in Kathmandu today. The meeting being held with the theme ‘human rights for everyone at every house’ coincides with the 68th International Human Rights Day.

Inaugurating the gathering, National Human Rights Commission member Prakash Wasti underlined the parallel role of every citizen in creating a just society.

Speaking at the event, lawmaker Nagendra Kumal rued the government’s failure to enforce agreements reached with indigenous, Dalit and marginalised communities in the past.

Rights activist Charan Prasai, President of National Federation of Disabled Sudarshan Subedi and Acting Chair of National Women Commission Bhagawati Ghimire urged the government to seriously deal with human rights issues.

Various organisations are taking part in the three-day meeting.

Magna meet main organising committee coordinator Suni Lama said implementation of the constitution was necessary to ensure the rights of downtrodden communities.

The committee this year presented the ‘Shanta-Laxmi Award’ to Muslin rights activist Najbul Khatun. The award carries a purse of Rs 10,000.

Working papers prepared on human rights issues will be discussed during the event which will conclude by issuing a Kathmandu declaration.