Bipin Budhathoki Talks About Human Rights in Nepal

Writer: Sampurna Poudel

Mr. Budhathoki holds the position of National Chair of Amnesty International Nepal Section. He  has been actively engaged in AI Movements since 2015. He is one of the youngest people to lead  the overall AI Movement. 

In this interview, he has provided his insights into human rights, media, and youth activism. 

1. Can you share your insights on the current state of human rights and justice in Nepal,  particularly concerning marginalized communities? 

– In Nepal our priority areas of intervention and engagement includes issues related to both  civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights to rights of minorities,  disadvantages and historically marginalized communities and groups. We raise our voices  to end all forms of discrimination, violence and injustice against women, children, Minority groups, Dalits. Indigenous people, Marginalized and the LGBTIQ+ community.  

– As a human rights activist closely engaged with various communities in Nepal, have  observed that marginalized groups continue to face systematic challenges related to their  basic human rights. These include issues such as discrimination based on ethnicity, caste,  and gender, limited access to justice for victims of human rights violations, and persistent  socio-economic disparities that contribute to the perpetuation of injustice. Despite efforts  to address these issues, there remains a critical need for comprehensive and inclusive  policies and initiatives that prioritize the protection and promotion of human rights for all  Nepali citizens. 

2. How do you perceive the role of media in promoting awareness and advocacy for  human rights issues in Nepal? 

– The role of media in Nepal as integral to promoting awareness and advocacy for human  rights issues. With a focus on marginalized communities, the media has the power to  highlight human rights violations, promote social justice, and foster public dialogue on pressing human rights issues. By providing a platform for voices that often go unheard, the  media can bring attention to the challenges faced by marginalized groups, advocating for  their rights and demanding accountability from the authorities. Furthermore, the media’s  role in exposing human rights abuses and promoting transparency in governance is  essential for driving positive social change. It has the potential to mobilize public opinion 

and galvanize support for the protection of human rights. However, it is crucial for the  media to maintain ethical reporting standards, ensuring that their coverage is unbiased,  accurate, and sensitive to the complexities of human rights issues. Through responsible and  conscientious journalism, the media can contribute significantly to fostering a culture of  respect for human rights and justice in Nepal. 

3. Could you share examples of successful media coverage that effectively raised  awareness about human rights issues? 

– Certainly, media coverage in Nepal has played a crucial role in shedding light on various  human rights issues, contributing significantly to bringing these concerns to the forefront  of national attention and mainstream discourse. For instance, reports on the exploitation  and trafficking of indigenous communities in Nepal have not only highlighted the  vulnerabilities and challenges faced by these marginalized groups but have also catalyzed  conversations and advocacy efforts aimed at addressing systemic injustices. 

– Furthermore, comprehensive media coverage on the forcible eviction of indigenous  families from settlements has brought this grave violation of human rights to the forefront,  generating widespread public outrage, and prompting urgent calls for accountability and  justice. The detailed narratives and in-depth analysis presented in these reports have  sparked national-level discussions and debates, compelling policymakers, and authorities  to take concrete actions to protect the rights of marginalized communities and ensure their  safety and well-being.  

– Recently, the role of KMC’c mayor have drawn attention to the media, highlighting the  importance of upholding human rights and ensuring the protection of individuals’  fundamental freedoms within the country. The media’s role in bringing these concerns to  light has been instrumental in initiating public dialogue and advocating for accountability,  transparency, and justice in the face of potential human rights violations. 

– Through these powerful storytelling methods and impactful media coverage, the voices of  the affected indigenous families have been amplified, leading to increased awareness and  collective action to safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals in Nepal.

4. In your opinion, what steps can be taken to build stronger collaborations between  media entities and human rights organizations to ensure a more concerted effort in  advocating for justice? Do you have any examples of it? 

– In my view, fostering stronger collaborations between media entities and human rights  organizations necessitates the establishment of structured frameworks that facilitate  ongoing communication, cooperation, mutual trust and support. First and foremost, the  development of joint initiatives, such as workshops, seminars, and training programs, can  provide a platform for media professionals and human rights activists to engage in  meaningful dialogue and cultivate a deeper understanding of each other’s roles and  responsibilities. Moreover, the creation of specialized task forces comprising  representatives from both sectors can enable the formulation of targeted strategies and  campaigns that address specific human rights issues, leveraging the media’s reach and  influence to amplify advocacy efforts. 

– Additionally, the implementation of shared advocacy projects, such as awareness  campaigns, investigative reporting collaborations, and public interest initiatives, can serve  as effective mechanisms for building rapport and trust between media entities and human  rights organizations. These joint initiatives can foster a culture of cooperation and  solidarity, encouraging a united front in advocating for justice and promoting human rights  protection. Furthermore, the establishment of transparent communication channels and  information-sharing mechanisms can facilitate the seamless exchange of crucial data,  insights, and resources between media professionals and human rights advocates, thereby  enhancing the effectiveness and impact of collaborative endeavors. By fostering an  environment of open dialogue, mutual respect, and shared purpose, media entities and  human rights organizations can establish enduring partnerships that serve the collective  goal of promoting justice, transparency, and accountability within society. 

– Regarding examples of successful collaboration, the joint efforts between prominent media  outlets and established human rights organizations in Nepal have yielded remarkable  outcomes in recent years. For instance, the coordinated advocacy campaigns focusing on  marginalized communities’ rights, the collaborative production of investigative reports on  human rights violations, and the joint organization of public awareness events and  workshops have exemplified the potential of such partnerships in driving tangible change 

and amplifying the voices of marginalized groups. These collaborative initiatives have not  only raised public awareness and fostered informed public discourse but have also  catalyzed tangible policy changes and regulatory reforms, underscoring the transformative  impact of strategic alliances between media entities and human rights organizations. 

5. Based on your experience, what advice would you offer to emerging human rights  activists regarding engaging with the media and promoting their causes effectively? – Based on my experience, I suggest emerging human rights activists to foster transparent  and unbiased relationships with the media. They should prioritize accurate and consistent  messaging, utilize digital platforms responsibly, seek guidance from experienced  professionals, and remain resilient against potential biases and misinformation. 

6. What initiatives or programs do you suggest for enhancing public awareness and  understanding of human rights issues and the role of media in advocating for them in  Nepal? 

– To enhance public awareness and understanding of human rights issues in Nepal, I  recommend implementing Human Rights education programs in schools and communities,  organizing workshops and seminars, establishing media literacy campaigns, and promoting  interactive discussions on various media platforms. These initiatives can effectively raise  consciousness about human rights concerns and emphasize the pivotal role of media in  advocating for them. 

– For instance, we at AI conduct a Human Rights Education Campaign every year at the  school level to engage young minds and instill a deep understanding of human rights  principles and their importance. This campaign serves as a prime example of our efforts to  enhance public awareness and promote the role of media in advocating for human rights in  Nepal.