In a vibrant declaration at the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba asserted that Nepal has consistently strived to meet its human rights obligations. Over the past two decades, the nation has adopted several national human rights action plans—now on the cusp of launching its sixth. This commitment underscores Nepal’s progressive journey in this essential realm.
Dr Deuba highlighted recent milestones, revealing that Nepal is actively ratifying the ILO Convention on Freedom of Association and recently submitted its 7th periodic report to the CEDAW Committee. The country is also diligently working to implement recommendations from the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), showcasing a robust engagement with international human rights instruments.
Reaffirming Nepal’s dedication to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, she proudly stated that the independence of the National Human Rights Commission is paramount, supported by its ‘A’ category accreditation. With a thriving civil society and media landscape, Nepal continues to champion press freedom, promoting inclusive development through collaboration with community groups and human rights defenders.
The Minister articulated that Nepal’s rich experiences in nurturing human rights, democracy, and peace could provide a vital reference for nations grappling with similar challenges. She referenced the Constitution’s broad spectrum of rights—economic, social, cultural, civil, and political—enabling courts to enforce these fundamental rights effectively.
A notable development echoed by the Foreign Minister was the constitutional guarantee of one-third female representation in federal and provincial parliaments, alongside 40% at local levels. Local judicial committees, often led by elected women, have notably improved access to justice, while the inclusion of minority groups in political bodies has fortified human rights for all citizens.
Reflecting on Nepal’s peace process, which ended a decade-long civil conflict, Dr Deuba observed that this journey has deeply ingrained the values of human rights and peace in the nation’s ethos. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing transitional justice, highlighting recent legislative efforts aimed at ensuring victim-centric approaches aligned with international standards.
Despite these strides, she acknowledged emerging human rights challenges due to climate change and digital technology impacts. Inviting global dialogue, she announced the pending Sagarmatha Sambad event in Kathmandu, focusing on climate justice, mountains, and humanity’s future, scheduled for May.
In closing, Dr Deuba proclaimed Nepal’s candidacy for the Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term, seeking the support of member nations as she advocated for continued engagement in global human rights matters.
Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba declared Nepal’s commitment to human rights at the recent Human Rights Council session in Geneva, announcing the preparation of a sixth human rights action plan. Nepal is ratifying international conventions and engaging with various human rights mechanisms. She highlighted constitutional protections for rights, notable female representation, and judicial access improvements, while acknowledging challenges posed by climate change and digital technology. Nepal is also seeking candidacy for the Human Rights Council for 2027-2029.
In summary, Nepal, under the guidance of Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, stands as a beacon of progress in human rights advocacy. With a steadfast commitment to international standards, significant constitutional guarantees for representation, and a proactive approach toward emerging challenges, Nepal aims to elevate its role on the global stage, underscoring the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement in human rights practices. Amidst declaring its candidacy for a future Council seat, Nepal remains an unwavering advocate for inclusive development and global justice.
Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com
