Piloting of Human Rights-based Governance in Dolakha, Bagmati Province

On 22 and 23 January 2024, Nepal Forum for Restorative Justice, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), organized a second pilot workshop on human-rights approach in local government’s work to test its resource book and manual in Bhimeshwor Municipality, Dolakha, Bagmati Province. 

Mr. Murari Kharel, Secretary of NHRC spoke in the event emphasizing that the event would help us all in assessing the practical application and impact of the human rights resource book within diverse local government settings. Speaking at the inaugural session, Mr. Ram Tiwari from NFRJ shared that a human rights-based approach (HRBA) is crucial for local governments, as it’s the best way we have in place to ensure justice, and to enhance accountability, inclusivity, and social justice by aligning policies with human rights standards. He shared the view local governments could address systemic issues, mitigate discrimination, and contribute to sustainable development by using a human-rights approach in their work. 

The Deputy Mayor Ms. Kamala Basnet and Mayor Mr. Ishwor Narayan Mandhar both expressed their endorsement of the pilot workshop’s objectives. They emphasized that adopting a human-rights-based approach in the municipality’s initiatives is of utmost importance and that Bhimeshwor Municipality was dedicated to advancing and safeguarding the human rights of every citizen. They expressed the municipality’s unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration to promote human rights across their planning, services, legislative processes, and policies. The two-day workshop was attended by 33 (17 male and 16 female) participants from Bhimeshwor Municipality, including mayor, deputy mayor, ward chairperson, human-rights defenders, and local stakeholders from various local CSOs. The workshop was facilitated by experts resource persons Dr. Kundan Aryal, and Madhu Dawadi. The event was conducted through the support of The Asia Foundation/DFAT.