Madhes Province Chief underscores on need of separate provincial law on human rights

Janakpurdham, July 27: Madhes Province Chief Surendra Labh Karna has highlighted the need for the provincial government to enact a separate human rights act to ensure the effective protection of human rights.

Inaugurating the Madhes Province Human Rights Conference—which began today in Janakpurdham under the joint organization of the Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), Sabal Nepal, Mukti Nepal, and other institution, he stated that civil society, civic leaders, and the state must all work together to build an equitable society.

Province Chief Karna stated that, even as the world makes rapid technological strides, there is a pressing need today to curb incidents of caste-based discrimination and violence against women within Nepali society. 

Emphasizing the need for the provincial government to establish a concrete legal framework for the protection of human rights, he expressed hope that the conference would yield the necessary policies and recommendations for the government.

Madhes Province Minister for Labour and Transport Sharada Thapa said that the human rights campaign would continue until every citizen is safe and capable.

Member of the House of Representatives Ganesh Bishwakarma expressed the view that the state must address issues such as discrimination against Dalits, violence against women, the plight of Haruwa-Charuwa (bonded agricultural laborers), and the situation of squatters with priority.

Former member of the National Human Rights Commission, Sushil Pyakurel, said that it is the state's responsibility to protect citizens' rights.

The organizers have stated that human rights activists from all eight districts of Madhes Province are participating in the conference. (RSS)