Human Rights and Peace Society

10^th National Council Meeting

Summary of Annual Activities of the

Central Executive Committee [CEC]

[17 July 2006-15 July 2007]

a)                 Membership: The Ninth National Council Meeting of the HURPES held last year in Hetauda of Makwanpur district on 17-18 September 2006 had amended the statute and extended one more year to the membership term reaching it the two. Similarly, the meeting made provision to provide life membership. During the last one year, the total number of membership- of one year, two year, and the lifetime- registered is 2,162. Among them, 1,194 are the new members while 942 renewed ones and 26 the life. The name of the life members is listed in the peace journal. There are 531 two-year (among total) new members. We believe that the number of new membership shows the enthusiastic participation of people in the HURPES. However, none is provided honorary membership this year. In this way, the total number of the HURPES members reached 6,589 till date since its inception.

 

b)     District Brach: The Central Working Committee (CEC) meeting of the HURPES held on 4 may 2007 suspended its district branches of Gulmi, Nuwakot, Sindhuli and Bhaktapur citing the reason that they did not abide by the organization’s statute (had not reached necessary members), and ignored the central office in spite of drawing attention several times. However, a fresh Bhaktapur district committee was formed under the chairmanship of Kiran Neupane on 7 July 2007 by extending the number of membership with the initiatives of the CEC and Kathmandu branch.

c)     Ninth National Council Meeting Held: With the main theme: ‘Democracy and Human Rights: Basis of Civilian Supremacy’, the Ninth National Council Meeting of the HURPES was held on 17-18 August 2006 which was hosted by Makwanpur District Committee. The meeting reelected Purushottam Dahal unopposed as the Central President for two more years with new Executive Committee while Uddhav Bahadur Lohani was elected the vice-president, and Hom Kant Chaulagain general secretary, Rudra Lochan Acharya secretary and Balram Aryal the treasurer. As per the amendment of the statute in Hetauda meeting, six CEC membres Tej Bahadur Godar (Makwanpur), Indira Prasain ‘Dhakal’ (Morang), Bharat Lamsal (Syangja), Laxmi Pariyar (Udayapur), Ganghadar Adhikari (Baglung) and Dilli Prasad Sapkota (Surkhet) were elected as members.

 

Precursor of Bhutan Democratic Movement and leading human rights activist, Tek Nath Rijal, inaugurated the Ninth National Council Meeting lighting candle. The meeting having the participation of 250 persons including representatives from 47 districts and observers was addressed by the Founding Chair of the organization Krishna Pahadi, democratic writer Dr Tulsi Prasad Bhattarai and former secretary of the Nepal government Bijay Raj Bhattarai. Amending the HURPES existing statute, the meeting decided to extend the CEC members to 15 from 11, minimum number of members in the district committees to 25 from 15, and the membership period to two year from one. The meeting also decided to have 33 percent women participation, and form an assisting group abroad with life members.

 

Similarly, the meeting passed various proposals including the annual report of the general secretary, economic report of the treasurer, auditing report, annual programs and estimated budget.

 

In the inaugural of the meeting, a democratic and freedom fighter from Gaidakot of Nawalparasi, Narendra Regmi, was honored and felicitated. Achham and Mahottari district committees were declared the best district committees while Dang and Palpa district committees provided letters of commendation for carrying out maximum programs. Sita Sharma and Ramaji Dahal did rapporting while Sita Adhikari and Tara Rai worked as tailoring. Similarly, Badri Khanal was the election officer where Mohan Dhital and Parvati Giri assisted in the election purpose.

 

d) Nomination: As per the article 10 (b) of HURPES statue-1996, Mahesh Acharya (Kathmandu), Chandra Kishor Jha (Parsa), Radha Ghale (Kathmandu), and Aanjana Basukala (Bhaktapur) have been nominated in the CEC for two years. Similarly, the central coordinators are, Homkant Chaulagai-research, Rudra Lochan Acharay-human rights awareness, Balaram Aryal-finance, Tej Bahadur Godar-trade union, Indira Prasain (Dhakal)-NGO coordination, Bharat Prasad Lamsal-university teacher, Laxmi Pariyar-sensitive upliftment, Ganga Dhar Adhikari-press and publication, Dilli Prasad Sapkota-child rights, Mahesh Acharya-information technology, Chandra Kishor Jha-social concern, Anjana Basukala-professional group, Radha Ghale-lobbying, Kumar Ghimire-membership expansion, Ratna Laxmi Shrestha-women, Parna Nath Ghimire-campaign, Mohan Dhital-law, Kamala Lamichhane-training, Laxman Raya-farmer, Bodh Prasad Adhikari-refugee, Ganga Maya Angdambe-Target sectors, Ishwor Sapkota-teacher, Bishnu Lal Kumal-culture, Sita Adhikari-writer/literature, Pratima Gautam-youth, Jyoti Timilsina-environment and Kamala Gurung-student.   

 

          Subash Dhakal has been nominated as the coordinator in the membership appeal committee while Komal Lamichhane and Uddhav Rayamajhi as members. Similarly, for the publication of Peace Journal, Purushottam Dahal has been nominated as the chief editor while the editors are Gangadhar Adhikari, Komal Prasad Lamichhane, Ramaji Dahal, Suman Shrestha, Mohan Dhital, Puskar Raj Regmi, Sthaneshwor Duwadi, Saraswati Sharma, Sita Adhikari and Pratima Gautam.

 

e) CEC Meeting: As many as six meetings were held in this year. The office bearers and members of the organization participated the meeting on their own expenses. None were provided allowance or remuneration.

 

f) National Secretariat: As in the past, there are two employees in the National Secretariat. However, one office assistant has been employed considering the workload.

 

g) Library: There are altogether 1,384 books in the library.

 

h)   Peace Journal and Weekly Mailing: Due to maximum campaigning and programs this year, there was decline in weekly mailings and publication of peace journals. Only two issues of the peace journals were published while twelve weekly mailings. It will be managed to make these more systematic and regular in the days to come.

 

i) Transparency: As per the HURPES transparency policy, its annual activities, auditing and financial reports and others were made public through press. As done in previous times, anyone, if willing to acquire any further information, were urged to contact the head office within three days of the press dissemination.

 

j) Finincial Assistance: Respecting the organizational policy, it has not taken any assistance from the government, non-governmental organizations, foreign agencies and foundations. Instead, the HURPES carried out all of its activities with the fee incurred from the membership distribution, identity card, sales of the publications and the assistance provided by the friends and well-wishers within the organization.

 

k) Research/Investigation: The HURPES conducted an investigation into the incident occurred at Rice Mill Chaur of Gaur Municipality of Rautahat district on March 21, 2007 (Chaitra 7, 2063) where 27 persons were killed in a clash between the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum and Madhesi Rastriya Mukti Morcha affiliated to the CPN-Maoist. The report was published on 31 March 2007. A three-member investigation team was formed under the coordination of central member Tej Bahadur Godar comprising of central coordinator (Farmers) Laxman Ray and Makwanpur district committee chair Rajan Mainali. They have been expressed gratitude for carrying out the investigation.

 

 l) Campaign: The HURPES launched three campaigns.

 

a) Various programs were organized from early period of mid 2006 to mid 2007 on the theme: 'CA Elections Essential for Peace and Stability'.

 

b) Various campaigns were launched from October 1 to November 1 2006 on the theme: 'Supremacy of Views not of Weapons'. Similarly, on the International Human Rights Day, 2006, nationwide programs were conducted on 'Fear-free Elections: Basis of Democracy' theme.  

 

c) Special Campaign: For the sake of developed democratic system, 51 'democracy, peace and civic assemblies' were held in various 47 districts during this period. Among the programs, the civic assemblies in 43 districts were held as mass meetings while remaining eight confined within hall due to adverse weather. In spite of adverse conditions, there was enthusiastic participation of district committees and the persons affiliated to the organizations among others. It was quite laudable act. They have been expressed gratitude.

          The open civic assemblies were held at Simikot of Humla, Mangalsen and Safebagar of Achham, Piplabazar of Doti, Dedeldhura of Dadeldhura, Mahendranagar of Kanchapur, Tikapur of Kailali, Rajapur of Bardiay, Nepalgunj of Banke, Birendranagar of Surkhet, Narayan Munacipality of Dailekh, Tulsipur of Dang, Tansen of Palpa, Sadhikharka of Arghakhanchi, Kawasoti of Nawalparasi, Beni of Myagdi, Baglung Bazaar of Baglung, Kusma of Parvat, Putalibazar of Syangja, Chiledhunga Pokhara of Kaski, Damauli of Tanahu, Beshi Sahar of Lamjung, Gorkhabazar of Gorkha, Dhadingbesi of Dhading, Jorpati of Kathmandu, Khadichaur of Sindhupalchowk, Manthali of Ramechhap, Narayangadhbazar and Chanauli of Chitwan, Hetauda and Hatiya of Makwanpur, Simara of Bara, Chandranigaharpur of Rautahat (a brief gathering), Malangwa of Sarlahi, Jaleshwor of Mahottari, Gaighat of Udayapur, Tarahara of Sunsari, Biratnagar of Morang, Myanglungbazaar of Tehrathum, Ilambazar of Ilam, Phidim of Panchthar, Taumadhi of Bhaktapur and Krishna Mandir of Lalitpur districts.

 

          Similarly, eight civic assemblies were held in hall at Butwal of Rupandehi, Taulihawa of Kapilvastu, Banepa of Kavre, Kalaiya of Bara, Birjung of Parsa, Janakapur of Dhanusha, Siraha of Siraha, Dhankuta bazaar of Dhankuta. In this connection, the HURPES team addressed over a dozen of programs and civic assemblies organized by the civil society and various organizations.

 

          Founding Chair Krishna Pahadi, Chair Purushottam Dahal, lokakavi (people's poet) Arjun Parajuli, Deuda singer Nanda Krishna Joshi, central members Gangadhar Adhikari, Radha Ghale, Laxmi Pariyar, Indira Prasain and Chandra Kishor Jha and artiste Ramaji Nepali were present in the programs. Vice-Chair Uddhav Lohani, General Secretary Hom Kant Chaulagain, Treasurer Balram Aryal, central members Tej Bahadur Godar, Bharat Lamsal, Mahesh Acharya, Membership Promotion Coordinator Kumar Ghimire, Farmers Coordinator Laxman Raya district committee chairs Pratap Poudel from Baglung, Kumar Raj Joshi Kailali, Divakar Ghimire from Rupandehi, Kumar Raj Subedi from Kathmandu, Kalendra Sejuwal from Surkhet, Madan Bahadur Kunwar from Achham, Khem Raj Dahal from Sunsari, Vice-chair in Sunsari Kumar Dahal and Surkhet Secretary Ramesh Sahi had the participation in different programs in different phases. In course of the programs, central member of the organization, Dilli Prasad Sapkota had a special contribution. He is thanked for his untiring efforts.

 

m) Special Publications: The People's Movement 2006/2007 has been regarded an epoch-making event in the history of the political movement of Nepal. The national and international campaigns had played pivotal role for this Movement. In this connection, it was realized that the views Founding Chair Krishna Pahadi had with various persons and at programs during his visit to Europe and America from September- October 2005 should be documented. It was later published by the HURPES as 'The Liberty Speech Tour' penned by Mr Pahadi. The visit was possible with the coordination and initiative of the Amnesty International. Writer Pahadi handed over the amount garnered from the publication which is appreciated by the HURPES.

 

n) Program:

i) The Liberty Speech Tour penned by Founding Chair Pahadi was released at a program organized in Kathmandu on 25 August 2006.

 

ii) World Peace Day: On the occasion of the World Peace Day, a discussion program was organized on the theme, 'Supremacy of Views but not of Weapon for the Peace' on 21 September 2006.

 

iii) Human Rights Day: Two progams were organized on the occasion of the 58^th International Day. CPN-UML leader Sahana Pradhan was the Chief Guest at the programme on 'End of Impunity: Women's Rights' organized on 8 December 2006 while the participants speaking on the occasion were Chairperson of Nepal Women Association Uma Adhikari, Central Member of Nepal Sadbhavana Party (Anandidevi) Sarita Giri, Nepali Congress leader Pushpa Bhushal, CPN-Maoist leader Kalpana Dhamala, and Manu Humagain. Founding Chair Pahadi expressed his views that there should 50 percent participation of women in all policy making levels.

 

          On the same occasion, at another programme on 'End of Impunity: Respect to Human Rights' organized on 10 December 2006, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress Ram Chandra Poudel was the Chief Guest while other guests were UML leader and Minister Pradip Gyawali, and Nepali Congress leader and State Minister Ramesh Datta Lekhak. Founding Chair Pahadi, former secretary Bijay Raj Bhattarai, treasurer Balram Aryal among others expressed their views at the program presided over by General Secretary Hom Kant Chaulagain.

 

iv) Press Meet:

a) A press meet was organized on 13 September 2006, considering the experience of Founding Chair Krishna Pahadi over his return following the programs at Simikot of Humla and upcoming ninth National Council Meeting being held in Hetauda (17-18 September 2006).

 

b) Similarly, a press meet was organized on 9 January 2007 regarding the HURPES-launched civic assemblies in the Far-Western, Mid-Western and Western regions from 23 December 2006.

 

c) In course of Democracy Peace and Civic Assembly, a press meet was held on Asar 21, 2064 in order furnish information about 24 civic assemblies held in various 20 hilly and Tarai districts from 13 June to 1 July 2007.   

 

v) Sit-In: Protesting the Gaur carnage of Rauthat occurred at 21 March 2007, the HURPES staged a sit-in at Ratnapark, Kathmandu on 26 March 2007. There massive participation of the people including human rights activists, journalists, legal practitioners, teachers, university teachers, doctor, engineer, and politicians.

 

vi) Handover and Sit-In: A handover and sit-in program was organized at Maitighar on 19^th Jestha 2064 marking the HURPES' 12 anniversary. Human rights activists, journalist, lawyers, doctor, engineer, university teachers, students, politicians and representatives from various organizations had participated in the sit-in program. Former speaker Daman Nath Dhungana, former minister Nilambar Acharya, former election commissioner Dr Birendra Mishra, former member of the National Human Rights Commission Professor Kapil Shrestha, Founding Chair Krishna Pahadi, HURPES office bearers, members and well-wishers were present on the occasion.

 

          Following the sit-in, the 10-point concept-paper handover program was organized where Speaker Subash Nemang was the Chief Guest. The concept-paper was issued by the HURPES. On the occasion, HURPES Chair Purushottam Dahal handed over the concept paper to parliamentarians of the main political parties including Speaker Nemang attending the program. The parliamentarians to receive the concept-paper expressing solidarity were Bharat Mohan Adhikari, Som Prasad Pande and Prakash Jwala of CPN-UML, Tirtha Ram Dangol, Kamala Pant, Mitha Ram Bishwokarma Dukhi, Hari Har Dahal and Sabitri Bogati of Nepali Congress, Chitra Bahadur KC of Rastriya Janamorcha, Bimalendra Nidhi and Dr Minendra Rijal of Nepali Congress (Democratic), Kaman Singh Lama of Jana Morcha, Bharat Bimal Yadav of Nepal Sadbhavana Party (Anandidevi) and Ganesh Sah of CPN United Marxist.

 

          On the occasion, Speaker Nembang said all parliamentarians were drawn attention by the HURPES towards endorsing the Rome Statute to end impunity and hold a roundtable conference. He added that the 10-point concept paper furnished by the HURPES was the agenda of the nation and all should express commitment to it, he added.

 

vii) Special Suggestion: The HUPRES drew the attention of various bodies on the situation over a year, peace process, human rights and freedom making public 50-point suggestion five times each with 10-point suggestion and demanded the implementation. It has been published in the peace journal.

 

Viii) Press Release: The HURPES issued press releases demanding to curb violence flared by various armed gangs, hold roundtable conference to seek solutions and hold elections to the constituent assembly on time. Through the releases, the concerned bodies were urged to develop the culture of non-violence, peace, harmony, tolerance and human rights. Altogether 54 press releases were issued during the period of July-Aug 2006 to June July 2007.

 

ix) Participation

a)     As per the central campaign on the theme: 'need of early elections to the constituent assembly for peace and stability', HURPES Chair Purushottam Dahal attended a program held at Banepa of Kavre 8 August 2007. Similarly Chair Dahal addressed the program on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, 2006 organized jointly by Radha Krishna Tharu Public Service Centre Bardiya and the HURPES Banke district committee at Gulariay on 11 December 2006.

 

b)     Founding Chair Krishna Pahadi and Chair Dahal participated in a special conference of the Federation fo Nepali Journalits organized at Mahendranagar of Kanchapur on 21 December 2006.

 

c)     Founding Chair Pahadi and Chair Dahal expressed their views at the inaugural and concluding function of the 14^th Annual General Meeting of the Amnesty International Nepal organized at Surkhet on 26-27 Chaitra. The HURPES Founding Chair, Chair, General Secretary, office bearers and members participated in various other national and international programs. Similarly, various discussion and meetings were held with the people associated with human rights in different national and international level in the HURPEs central office.

 

d)     Chair Dahal, General Secretary Hom Kant Chaulagain among others addressed a talk program on 'Long Tour of New Nepal and Injured of the People's Movement' organized by Kavre district committee on 5^th Chaitra, 2063. On the occasion, Nawaraj Parajuli of Jyamdi in Kavre who was injured in the People's Movement was provided Rs 8,000 assistance. The money was collected under the coordination of a young intellectual Madhu Acharya.

 e)     Other Activities:

 f)       Time Movement: As per the HURPES policy, all of its central programs were held at the accurate time.