KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on all parties engaged in peaceful demonstrations to exercise restraint.
In a statement released today by spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokharel, the NHRC urged the government to respond appropriately and promptly to the demands of citizens, to seek solutions to ongoing issues, to ensure the involvement of all stakeholders, and to uphold and safeguard human rights alongside the citizens’ right to peaceful protest.
The Commission stated that it firmly believes that solutions to issues can only be achieved through dialogue and discussion and every problem must be addressed peacefully, adhering to the rule of law, the Constitution, legal frameworks, and the principles of human rights.
Reflecting on previous incidents, the NHRC noted that even protests deemed peaceful have occasionally escalated into violence, thus urging protesting parties to exercise caution to avert such occurrences in the future. “To maintain peaceful demonstrations, all involved parties must act responsibly, and both the government and protesters share the obligation to prevent any disruptions in upcoming protests,” the statement emphasized.
Stating that ensuring peace during demonstrations required restraint, patience, and wise conduct from security forces, the NHRC additionally highlighted that protesting groups must also uphold their responsibilities, including maintaining peaceful activities, avoiding hate speech, and refraining from provocative actions.
Given that it is the state’s duty to honor citizens’ rights and foster an environment that allows for the exercise of those rights, it is crucial to address the legitimate concerns raised by the Gen-Z generation during the protests on Bhadra 23 and 24 (September 8 and 9), the Commission stated.
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