KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for peaceful demonstrations while exercising the right to freedom of expression and assembly.
Issuing a statement on Thursday, NHRC spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokharel stressed the need to adhere to constitutional and international legal provisions while expressing opinions or staging protests.
The statement comes as the Socialist Front and pro-monarchy groups prepare for separate demonstrations in the Kathmandu Valley on Friday.
The commission has urged protestors to ensure their demonstrations remain peaceful and do not infringe upon the rights of others.
The NHRC also called on the government and security agencies to handle the situation with sensitivity and prioritize human rights while maintaining law and order.
The commission expressed concern that if opposing groups come face to face, it could pose challenges to security and public order.
It has already held discussions with the District Administrator Officers of Kathmandu and Lalitpur, district police chiefs, and representatives from the Nepal Police’s human rights cell regarding security arrangements.
According to security officials, a coordinated security plan has been prepared in consultation with protest organizers.
NHRC Chair Tap Bahadur Magar has directed authorities to uphold human rights principles while managing security. The commission will deploy monitoring teams to observe the demonstrations from a human rights perspective.
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