mission statement
To preserve and nurture Democracy & Human rights, and strength and foster social political and economic development in Nepal. Promote literacy and actively participate in humanitarian assistances to address human and natural disasters.
press release
6th
October, 2007
New York
It is with utter disappointment Alliance for Democracy & Human Rights in Nepal (ADHRN) flays the decision of the Interim Government of Nepal to postpone yet again the date for Constituent Assembly Elections.
It has become apparent that the interests of the Nepali nation has been overshadowed by those of some political parties; and that such ill-advised practice of utter disregard for the voices of the Nepali people by the current coalition government is disobliging – and runs contrary -- to the commitments made earlier. Needless to say, the lackluster approach to addressing Nepali people's needs at this hour of great uncertainty, as exemplified by the current Interim Government of Nepal, may even give strength to other regressive forces in the country, which will be the most unfortunate.
ADHRN urges all political parties in Nepal, including the Communist Party of Nepal – Maoists (CPN-M), to urgently propose a new date for CA Elections, and to firmly commit themselves to the process by whole-heartedly sidelining their party politics.
We also take this opportunity to urge the members of the Nepali civil society, international friends of Nepal, and the Nepali public at large, to continue to impress upon the political leadership to steadfastly adhere to the agreements reached earlier, and to firmly practice the principles of democracy by addressing the genuine concerns on people's rights.
President
Anil Shahi
press release
19th
September, 2007
New York
Alliance for Democracy & Human Rights in Nepal (ADHRN) is gravely saddened by the riots that
have caused major havoc in people’s lives in Kapilvastu and Rupandehi districts of Nepal.
Loss of human lives and destructions of national infrastructure and private properties notwithstanding,
reports of communal trace in the riots is completely unacceptable and must be thwarted by any possible means.
We urge the Government of Nepal, and all responsible Nepali citizens,
to do everything in their capacity to foster communal harmony and peace.
Immediate implementation of measures to build bridges to lessen the misunderstandings
between various ethnic groups, so as to prevent even the slightest possibility of
national disintegration, must be given highest priority.
We also would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the need on the part of the Government of Nepal to properly enforce law and order by fully investigating the incident and punish the guilty to the fullest extent of the law. We express our deepest condolence and sympathies to the bereaved families.
Anil Shahi President, ADHRNpress release
2nd
September, 2007
New York
Alliance for Democracy & Human Rights in Nepal, USA (ADHRN) deplores in the strongest possible terms the act of blatant terrorism as demonstrated by the recent series of bomb blasts in Kathmandu that injured scores of people and killed several, including young school children. Right to life is the most basic form of fundamental human rights, and any act of terrorism to make a political statement is not only a gross violation of people's rights, but also a cowardly and grave assault on humanity.
ADHRN is of the belief that the government of Nepal will do everything in it's capacity to ensure that proper and thorough investigation into the incidents are conducted, followed up with swift and stern actions to the fullest extent of the law against the culprits. Maintenance of law and order should be of the highest priority of any government of a sovereign nation.
At this hour of greatest grief, it is also of utmost importance that the public utilize maximum restraint, and those with any knowledge of the criminal acts to help the government in pursuit of the guilty.
ADHRN expresses its deepest condolence to the victims and their families.
Anil Shahi President, ADHRN
press release
27th
August, 2007
New York
Alliance for Democracy & Human Rights in Nepal (ADHRN) and Association of Nepali Teraian in America (ANTA) jointly organized a fund raiser "high tea" event at Tangra Masala Restaurant in New York on Sunday, August 26th, 2007, for the victims of recent flood and landslides in Nepal. The event was actively supported and promoted by fourteen other Nepali organizations based in New York. (See list below) The event raised a total of US $ 3,684, which was handed over to Christophe P. Lobry-Boulanger, Chief External Affairs Officer, American Red Cross in Greater New York, by Nagendra Ingnam, General Secretary, ADHRN. The amount is to be transferred to Nepal Red Cross for their relief efforts in Nepal.
Welcoming the Nepalis and friends of Nepal gathered at the event, President of ADHRN, Anil Shahi, said that even though ADHRN was established in 1989 primarily to promote the values of democracy, freedom and equality in Nepal, at times of natural calamity such as the recent flood and landslides in Nepal, the word "democracy" becomes synonymous with "humanity", and that ADHRN always remains pro-active in helping Nepalis in times of need.
Deputy Representative of Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, Mr. Madhuban Poudel, briefed the crowd about detrimental effects the recent flood and landslides is having in Nepal. He also praised and thanked the Nepali community in New York for coming together to help their brothers and sisters in Nepal at this hour of unimaginable natural disaster.
Apprising the gathered about Red Cross activities in New York area, Director of Red Cross, Queens County, New York, Joan A. Foley, and other local Red Cross representatives urged everyone to be generous in providing help to the needy, whether locally in New York, or globally, particularly in the local communities' respective countries. The event was co-hosted by the Office of New York State Senator, John D. Sabini. Shams Tarek, Senator Sabini's Director of Communications, congratulated the organizers for prompt and effective action on making the event possible, and stated that the Senator's office remains ready to help in any aspect of local communities' concerns, be it in New York, or in their respective countries. Presenting checks to the Red Cross on behalf of three Nepali organizations in New York were: Dr. Tara Niraula, American Nepal Friendship Society; Arjun Gurung, Tamu (Gurung) Society; and Bikram Nembang, Kirat Yakthung Chumlung. Bindu Chaudhary, 1st Vice President of ADHRN, and a Board Member of ANTA, thanked everyone for their contributions, and urged all Nepalis around the world to do everything in their capacity to let the flood and landslide victims in Nepal know that we care. ADHRN and ANTA are still accepting more donations through September 2nd, 2007 online: www.terai.org; click on "Donations" at the bottom right; write "ADHRN" in the item box. Any additional amount will be handed over to American Red Cross in Greater New York. List of organizations whose support and help in making the event possible is much appreciated by ADHRN and ANTA:
America
Nepal Friendship Society, President: Tara Niraula Himalayan
Foundation, President: Yagya Lal Shrestha Kirat
Rai Society of America, President: Mani Bangdel Kirat
Yakthung Chumlung, USA, President: Purna Limbu Langhali
Association of USA, President: Nilam Thapa Magar Mustang
Sewa Samaj, President: Norbu Gyaljen Thakuri Nepalese
Democratic Youth Council, President: Pramod Sitaula New
York Newa Guthi, President: Aditya Maharjan Ridgewood
Nepalese Society, President: Mohan Gyawali Tamang
Association of USA, President: Ram Tamang Tamu
(Gurung) Society, President: Tika Gurung United
Kirat Rai Association, President: Pravaker Rai United
Nepalese Democratic Forum, President: Tek Gurung United
Sherpa Association, President: Chhongba Sherpa
press release
16th
August, 2007
New York
Alliance for Democracy & Human rights in Nepal, USA is gravely concerned by some of the provisions in the recently proposed Truth & Reconciliation Commission draft bill, by the Ministry of Truth and Reconciliation of the Government of Nepal.
We believe that provisions to grant amnesty to perpetrators of gross human rights violations will serve as the greatest impediment to building lasting peace in Nepal. True justice can only be achieved by ensuring accountability and responsibility for grave crimes such as torture, rape, forced disappearances, murder, etc. -- committed during the bloody conflict that Nepali citizens suffered from.
In our view the provision of the bill that gives TRC the power to recommend amnesty to anyone found guilty of gross violations of human rights, and/or crimes against humanity, while serving the respective purposes of any party to the conflict, is against the democratic principles and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Such provisions will deny victims' right to truth, justice and reparation.
We urge the government of Nepal to eliminate the provisions in the bill that do not comply with the international standards of democratic principles, so as to properly address issues of transitional justice. We also call upon all the parties concerned – domestic and international alike – to impress upon the Nepal Government to ensure the principles of rule of law and true justice for the victims, not political maneuverings, are given utmost priority in the search for lasting peace that Nepal direly needs. Anil Shahi, President.
Press Release
22nd March, 2007
New York
Alliance for Democracy & Human Rights in Nepal (ADHRN), USA is deeply saddened by the recent loss of 28 lives in a violent clash between Madhesi People’s Rights Forum (MPRF) and the Maoist-aligned Madhesi Rashtriya Mukti Morcha in Gaur, Rautahat. As Nepal is making slow and difficult strides towards achieving greater democracy and stability, such incidents can only have obvious detrimental effects on the process.
ADHRN, in the strongest possible terms, reiterates the sheer unconstructiveness of violence in settling any disputes among any groups. Nepal has experienced enough share of violence in the past years, and this cycle of violence must end if we are to move forward.
As the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) is on the verge of entering the government, they must renounce, in totality, the culture of violence, intimidation and extortions. Similarly, any other groups aspiring to fulfill their genuine concerns must also proceed with utmost reliance on peaceful protests.
ADHRN also urges the current government, and the members of the civil society, to deviate from the tradition of playing blame games, take responsibility, and make sincere efforts towards addressing the genuine concerns of every Nepali citizen in creating a just a equitable society. Genuine peace can only be achieved by addressing the real concerns of the people with utmost sincerity.
At this hour of great uncertainty, we urge all sides to resort to maximum restraint, so as to ensure that the cycle of violence is ended, and that the road to further chaos is timely and decisively terminated.
ADHRN also take this opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Sanjaya Parajuli
, President
Democracy & human rights documents:
Universal Human Rights Declaration
Interim Constitution of Nepal
Comprehensive Peace Accord Dec 2006 by Intl Crisis Group
Namaste!
Children of Nepal suffer malnutrition, child labor, illiteracy and trafficking. One of the most appalling human rights violations caused by the socio-stratifications of a traditional society that has been sustained by the feudal socio-political system.
