Kathmandu, December 7

National Human Rights Commission and Eighth National Human Rights Magna Meet main organising Committee are organising a three-day National Human Rights Mangna Meet from December 9 in Kathmandu on the occasion of 68th International Human Rights Day.

Human rights defenders, representatives of human rights organisations, government officials and experts from various fields will participate in the meeting. Organisers said they expected around 700 people to participate in the event.

The meeting is being organised with the slogan ‘stand up for someone’s rights today’.

Since 2009, the National Human Rights Magna Meet main organising committee has been organising various programmes to draw the attention of government towards ensuring human rights of its citizens.

Among 140 organisers this year, National Indigenous Women Forum will coordinate various programmes during the magna meet.

Speaking at a programme in Kathmandu today, Suni Lama, national coordinator, National Human Rights Magna Meet main organising committee, said Vice-president Nanda Bahadur will inaugurate the meet at Naach Ghar, Jamal on December 9.

“After the inauguration there will be discussion on various issues such as gender equality, sustainable development goals, issues of women, safe drinking water and sanitation, among other things,” said Lama.

She further said a rally would be taken out in Kathmandu on December 10 to celebrate International Human Rights Day. The rally will begin from Bhrikutimandap and pass through Putalisadak, Kamaladi before converging into a corner meet at Shantibatika.

Similarly, the Magna meet will end on December 11 by issuing a Kathmandu Declaration.

Shanta Laxmi Shrestha, chairperson of Beyong Beijing Committee and former national coordinator of National Human Rights Magna Meet, stressed on ensuring human rights of each and every individual.

Human rights activist Prof Kapil Sharma said they would also assess the achievements in the human rights sector during the Magna meet this year.

“Though we have signed numerous international conventions related to human rights, the state is yet ensure human rights to all its citizens.”