Kathmandu: Amnesty International Nepal (AI Nepal) concluded its 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday electing a new National Board. Bipin Budhathoki was re-elected the Chairperson for a second term and will be joined by newly elected board members Puja Thapa, Mausam Karki, Alisha Mahat, Meena Thapa, Shachita Kuikel, Keshab Pokherel, Baikuntha Prasad Aryal, Lokendra Singh, Suman Kumar and Hom Bahadur Adhikari. Members and coordinators of various statutory committees were also elected. All elected representatives will serve a three-year term.
AI Nepal’s two-day event held in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat, Susta east) approved several critical agenda items, including the statutory reports of the fiscal year 2080/81 BS, the annual human rights action plan and budget for the year 2025, and the appointment of auditors for the fiscal year 2081/82 BS.
Over 150 participants, including 100 voting delegates representing Amnesty Nepal’s groups, youth networks, and individual members from across the country, attended the meeting. Also present at the meeting were the Board and Appeal Committee officials, staff, former Chairs, volunteers, and observers.
Gagan Kumar Thapa,Member of the House of Representatives, former Minister of Health, and General Secretary of Nepali Congress, addressed the inaugural session where he highlighted Nepal’s unique position as a beacon of democracy in South Asia. “In the South Asian context, Nepal stands out as the last remaining democracy that has upheld the principles of secularism while fostering respect and tolerance for its diverse cultural and religious differences,” he said. “This unique position places a profound responsibility on us to safeguard these values. Together, we must strive to strengthen our communities, foster mutual understanding, and build a society where human rights are not only protected but celebrated.”
Reflecting on his past as a student protester during Nepal’s pro-democracy movement, he also expressed deep gratitude toward Amnesty International. “I will always be grateful to Amnesty International for protecting me and declaring me a ‘prisoner of conscience’ when I was detained during Nepal’s pro-democracy movement. Amnesty’s response was as warm as a mother’s embrace, and I will always cherish that support,” he added, emphasising the enduring importance of global solidarity in the fight for human rights.
Suman Adhikari, founding Chair of the Conflict Victims Common Platform, delivered a powerful message urging Amnesty Nepal members to proactively hold the government accountable for addressing human rights violations committed during Nepal’s conflict era, highlighting the urgent need for action.
“The transitional justice process is at a critical juncture. As Amnesty members, we must ensure that justice for victims is not delayed or denied,” Adhikari said.
A video message from Nutan Thapaliya, the founder of AI Nepal, provided a heartfelt reminder of the organization’s legacy and its unwavering commitment to human rights in Nepal. Thapaliya shared reflections on the long journey AI Nepal has undertaken to strengthen its advocacy, rallying members to remain steadfast in their mission.
Director of Amnesty International Nepal Nirajan Thapaliya emphasised the democratic nature of the election process and the inclusivity of the new leadership. “Through a transparent and democratic process, Amnesty Nepal has elected a new leadership team that embodies the diversity of our movement, with strong representation from youth, women, and marginalized communities,” said Thapaliya. “This inclusivity reflects our commitment to ensuring that our leadership mirrors the principles of equality and representation that we strive to uphold in our human rights work.”
Wrapping up the AGM, Charan Prasai, a senior human rights defender and former Chair of Amnesty Nepal, congratulated the newly elected board and reminded members of the challenges ahead. We do not have the liberty to slow down in a world that is increasingly becoming disrespectful of human rights,” Prasai said, urging members to stay vigilant and proactive.
Newly elected Chairperson Bipin Budhathoki shared his vision for the organization’s future. “Continuity of Amnesty Nepal’s governance reform process and a clear, strong, and effective human rights movement through new strategic goals will be the mandate for us. We will work to spread Amnesty’s presence to the local level while ensuring long-term impact and upholding the dignity of all members,” Budhathoki said, emphasising the need to keep the spirit of Amnesty’s movement alive.
The delegates also participated in a public action demanding an immediate end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The action highlighted Amnesty International’s call for justice and peace amidst Israel’s unleashing of hell and destruction on Palestinians in Gaza brazenly, continuously and with total impunity thereby pushing Gaza’s population to the brink of collapse since the deadly Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on 7 October 2023.
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