Kathmandu: Civil society leaders have urged stakeholders to remain vigilant against potential risks to civic rights amidst the ongoing process of amending the constitution. At a program titled ‘Role of NGOs for Social Justice, Transparency and Accountability,’ organized by the Federation of Democratic NGOs Nepal (FEDEN), these leaders stressed the importance of safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights throughout the amendment process.
According to National News Agency Nepal, participants of the program expressed concerns over the possible infringement of rights such as freedom, equality, justice, and the rights of women, Dalits, children, and social justice. The ‘Constitution Amendment Discussion Paper Preparation Working Group-2082,’ coordinated by Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s chief political advisor, Asim Sah, has already commenced its work on the amendments.
Women’s rights activist Krishna Kumari Waiba emphasized the need for the constitutional amendment to fully realize women’s rights. Advocate Krishna Nuepane highlighted the necessity of fully implementing the current constitution. Meanwhile, rights activist Narayan Giri insisted that the rights enshrined in Article 17 of the Constitution, which pertains to the ‘freedom to establish federations and organizations,’ must remain intact.
Additionally, Vijay Lama, Chair of the Child NGO Federation, called on the government to ensure the full implementation of children’s rights as specified in Article 39 of the Constitution. Dilliram Giri, Chair of FEDEN, underscored the importance of unity among rights activists to protect citizens’ constitutional rights.