Bharatpur: Amnesty International Nepal (AI Nepal) is organizing the 17th edition of its annual Youth Mela in Bharatpur, Chitwan, from May 9 to 11, 2025. The three-day national gathering brings together over 100 young people from across Nepal, representing youth networks, groups, and individual members affiliated with AI Nepal.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Youth Mela aims to empower young people in the human rights movement, focusing this year on the theme of digital rights, specifically ‘Digital Inclusion: Ensuring Voice, Accessibility, and Privacy.’ Through interactive sessions and workshops, participants will enhance their understanding of human rights and gain practical tools to campaign on key issues such as digital rights, transitional justice, and LGBTQI+ rights.
The event opens with a reflective session marking 16 years of the Youth Mela and celebrating the contributions of youth networks. The opening day features a panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities of digital spaces, with speakers including disability rights activist Ashmita Devkota, feminist lawyer and researcher Dikshya Khadgi, and journalist Lokendra BK.
Participants also include activist Praneta from Brihat Nagarik Andolan, Swastika Mali, an activist and member of a family affected by enforced disappearances during the armed conflict, and LGBTI rights activist Rukshana Kapali. Additionally, Santosh Sigdel, Executive Director of Digital Rights Nepal, will serve as a resource person.
The Mela will conclude with an international solidarity action on May 11, calling for an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, highlighting Amnesty International’s dedication to international solidarity.
Since its inception in 2006, AI Nepal’s Youth Mela has served as a platform to educate, inspire, and mobilize young activists. Over 16 years, more than 1,600 youth have participated in this flagship program, which annually gathers over 100 participants from across the country.
AI Nepal, part of a global human rights movement of over ten million members and supporters, has been active in Nepal since 1969. The organization has over 6,000 members nationwide, organized through various groups, networks, and individual memberships. AI Nepal works to promote and protect human rights in Nepal, advocating for the rights of migrant workers, women, Dalits, and other marginalized communities while campaigning for truth, justice, and reparation. As part of its international advocacy, Amnesty Nepal stands in solidarity with individuals at risk worldwide.