About Nhrc
Nhrc: Upholding Human Rights in Nepal
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal is an independent statutory body that was established in 2000. Over the years, it has evolved into a powerful constitutional body with a commensurate mandate, competence, and independence. The NHRCN was elevated to a constitutional body by Article 131 of the Interim Constitution of Nepal in 2007 and by Article 248 of the present Constitution of Nepal in 2015.
The NHRCN has a separate sphere of responsibilities as mandated in the Constitution of Nepal. These responsibilities complement those assigned to other state organs such as the judiciary, legislature, executive, and local governments. The commission's primary role is to promote and protect human rights through monitoring, investigation, research, advocacy, education and awareness-raising activities.
One key aspect that sets NHRC apart from other human rights organizations is its legal mandate. As a constitutional body with quasi-judicial powers under Nepali law, it can investigate complaints related to human rights violations committed by state actors or private individuals or entities acting on behalf of the state.
NHRC also has jurisdiction over cases involving discrimination based on race/ethnicity/caste/gender/religion/language/disability/sexual orientation or any other grounds prohibited under international human rights law. It can also initiate investigations suo moto (on its own motion) if it receives credible information about serious violations.
Another unique feature is NHRC's broad-based composition. It consists not only of lawyers but also social activists from diverse backgrounds such as women's groups; indigenous peoples' organizations; Dalit (untouchable) groups; religious minorities; persons with disabilities; media professionals; academics etc., who are appointed by various stakeholders including political parties represented in parliament.
This composition ensures that NHRC reflects the diversity and pluralism inherent in Nepali society while maintaining its independence from political interference or influence.
NHRC's work covers all aspects of civil/political/economic/social/cultural/humanitarian rights enshrined under international treaties ratified by Nepal such as International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), International Covenant on Economic Social Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Convention against Torture (CAT), Convention on Elimination All Forms Discrimination Against Women(CEDAW), Convention on Rights Child(CROC).
Some examples include:
- Investigating extrajudicial killings/massacres/torture/disappearances perpetrated during armed conflicts between Maoist insurgents(1996-2006)and government forces.
- Monitoring detention facilities/prisons/jails/police stations for compliance with national/international standards.
- Advocating for legal reforms/policy changes aimed at protecting marginalized communities such as LGBTI persons/dalits/women/minorities/persons with disabilities.
- Conducting public hearings/inquiries into issues affecting vulnerable groups like migrant workers/victims trafficking/domestic violence/child labor etc.
- Providing legal aid/counseling/support services to victims/survivors/families affected by human rights abuses/violations
- Engaging with civil society organizations/media/stakeholders at national/regional/international levels for promoting accountability/transparency/participation/accessibility/inclusivity/diversity
In conclusion,NHRC plays an essential role in upholding human dignity,respect,and justice for all people living within Nepali borders.Its work contributes significantly towards building democratic institutions,governance,and rule-of-law.NHCR continues to be one among few institutions trusted by people across different walks life due its impartiality,independence,and commitment towards promoting respect for fundamental freedoms,human dignity,equality before law,and non-discrimination regardless caste,race,color,national origin,birth status,political affiliation,social status,economic condition,gender identity/orientation etc.NHCR remains committed towards ensuring that no one left behind when comes enjoying their basic freedoms,rights,dignity irrespective their background,circumstances or beliefs.This makes Nhrc stand out among many similar bodies around world which struggle maintain credibility trustworthiness face challenges posed authoritarianism populism extremism terrorism climate change pandemics natural disasters technological disruptions global inequalities poverty hunger conflict migration displacement humanitarian crises environmental degradation biodiversity loss animal welfare cultural heritage preservation peace security sustainable development goals SDGs .