The 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Amnesty International (AI) Nepal held on 26 December 2009 in Bhairahawa adopting 3 special resolutions on different theme of human rights. The AGM also passed organization’s activity and financial report unanimously.
The closed session discussed on annual report presented by Secretary General Shambhu Thakur, Financial and Audit Report presented by the Treasurer Rashmila Bhhochhibhoya and report of the National Secretariat presented by Director Rameshwar Nepal. Likewise, coordinator of Appeal Committee Shyamraj Ghimire presented annual report of the Committee. All those report were adopted unanimously by the AGM.
In the same closed session, Vice-chairperson Keshab Sigdel informed the House about the decision of 29th International Council Meeting (ICM) of Amnesty International held in August 2009 in Turkey.
Likewise, Deputy General Secretary Uttam Sapkota made a through presentation to the house regarding recent decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to de-register some local Groups as a result of non compliance with AI Nepal’s Statute and bylaws, and disagreements arising from the decision. He informed the house, the international delegation visited to AI Nepal in November 2009 which was led by the International Executive Committee (IEC) member of the AI and met the both the NEC and representatives of the local Group 5, 9 and 25. After inquiry in allegation made by the Group representatives and receiving information from the both sides, the delegation concluded that:
- In conducting a review of group status, the NEC acted within the authority given to it by the statute and bylaws in making a determination to deregister the groups.
- The NEC were acting pursuant to advice received from the IEC and the Secretary General in January 2009.
After presentation of the Deputy General Secretary, the house unanimously reached to the conclusion to support findings of the IEC.
The AGM also adopted three resolutions related to different human rights themes. The resolutions includes to call Nepal government to access on the Statute of International Criminal Court, ensure incorporation of international human rights and humanitarian standards into forthcoming constitution, and implement effective system to protect rights of the migrant workers going abroad from Nepal.
Altogether 70 delegates participated the AGM representing from 59 Groups, 8 Groups-in-formation and 3 Groups in Special Procedure of AI Nepal across the country.
Inaugural Ceremony
Earlier, an inaugural ceremony was held on 25 December in which five-girls in traditional dress inaugurated the AGM by lightning the candle amidst a programme.
On the occasion the chief guest of the programme and Justice of Rupandehi District Court Prem Raj Dhakal appreciated the role of AI Nepal to uplift the human rights situation of Nepal and the whole world. He further expressed his views that there should be united effort to end the existing impunity.
Speaking at the program, former chairperson of AI Nepal and veteran human rights activist of the country Krishna Pahadi made thought an exciting speech on human rights situation in Nepal and campaign of Amnesty International.
Other speakers of the inaugural session were former chairpersons Krishna Kandel, Binod Nepal, former Acting Chairperson Dhruba Kumar Karki, Vice-chairperson Keshab Sigdel, former General Secretary Hikmat Thapa, Vice-president of Federation of Nepalese Journalists of Rupandehi District Deepak Gyawali, Convener of local AI Nepal Group-81, Bhairahawa Kishor Joshi and Vice-convener Shreeram Gupta.
Before inaugural ceremony on the same day a peace rally went out in the city centers of Bhairahawa with different banners and plea-cards demanding protection of human rights. The inaugural Session was chaired by Chairperson of AI Nepal Hem Kumar Khadka.
Closing Ceremony
At the closing ceremony of the AGM, Advisor of the AI Nepal Lokesh Dhakal thanked to the all participants and appreciated the democratic process of AI Nepal.
Bhairahawa based local AI Nepal Group-81 had arranged a “token of love” for every representatives of the AGM.
Press Meet
The next morning of AGM (27 December), AI Nepal organized a press meet to published its decision and to make its financial statement public through the media. On the occasion Chairperson of AI Nepal Hem Kumar Khadka and Director Rameshwar Nepal shed light the decision of the AGM. The Chairperson also publicized organization’s financial detail including from where AI Nepal got fund and where that was spent.