Speaker Aryal calls for unified efforts to strengthen human rights protection

LALITPUR, May 27: Speaker of the House of Representatives Dol Prasad Aryal has pointed out the need for collective efforts to protect human rights.

Addressing a programme organised today on the occasion of 26th anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Speaker Aryal lauded the role played by the NHRC in protection and promotion of human rights.

He mentioned, "The NHRC since its establishment has been carrying out high-level performance to fulfill national and international obligations towards human rights. I express my high respect for the role played by Parliament in making legal arrangements to carry out activities keeping human rights protection in priority as well as by the government for the implementation of legal arrangements.

Our presence and representation at international and national forums have made clear our support and coordination in social economic transformation through evaluation of the role played by Nepal in human rights protection and promotion globally."

Speaker Aryal underscored that Nepal has been raising its voice in favour of partnership and prosperity amongst the least developed and landlocked developing countries, and for the promotion of human rights in favour of marginalized and at-risk communities.

"The high-level performance of the NHRC has succeeded in maintaining Nepal in 'A' category at the international level in the field of human rights which has made it easier for Nepal to appear in international forums. Nepal's popularity has increased on an international level," he said.

Expressing commitment to forward activities of formulating laws keeping the issue of human rights protection and promotion in priority in the House of Representatives, the Speaker emphasized that all should be committed to safeguard the independence and autonomy of the NHRC established in accordance with the Paris Principles.

He lauded the role played by the NHRC and civil society to address the issues of human trafficking.

Stating that the government and security bodies are active for the protection of citizen and political rights, Speaker Aryal stressed the need of cooperation of all to protect human rights and build crime-free society.

Similarly, UNDP Deputy-Resident Representative for Nepal Julien Chevillard, President of NGO Federation of Nepal Arjun Bhattarai and NHRC member Lily Thapa put forth their views on the occasion.