The 22nd Annual General Meeting of Amnesty International (AI) Nepal was held on 28 September, 2013 in Gorkha. The highest decision making body meets every year, and this year’s meeting is the continuation of the internal democratic exercise. The AGM was divided into two different sessions: Inaugural Session and Business Session.
Inaugural Session
The 22nd Annual General Meeting of Amnesty International (AI) Nepal was held on 28 September in Gorkha. Five little girls (Pancha Kanya) inaugurated the meeting amidst a grand programme on 27 September by lighting candle. Making an inaugural address, various person from different walk of lives in Gorkha congratulated AI for contributing to defending human rights in Nepal. They suggested AI to continue its work and give voice to voiceless. They also expressed concerns over worsening human rights situation in Nepal and called political parties to stand strongly to fulfill their past commitments.
At the inaugural session, representative of the International Secretariat at Amnesty International, Anil Pant said that AI members of all over the world have been contributing to uplift the human rights situation. He also appreciated the role of AI members in Nepal. Other speakers were former chairperson and advisor of AI Nepal Krishna Kandel, former chairperson Hem Kumar Khadka, former advisor Lokesh Dhakal, vice-chairperson Surya Bahadur Adhikari and board member Manju Aryal.
Likewise, Chief District Officer (CDO) of Gorkha Krishna Bahadur Karki, Local Development Officer Mahesh Baral, Chairperson of Human Rights and Peace Society Homkant Choulagain, District Chairperson of Federation of Nepali Journalist (FNJ) Kailash Babu Shrestha, Representative of Nepali Congress Krishna Bahadur Ale, Representative of Communist Party of Nepal United Maxist and Leninist (CPN-UML) Sanumaya Basnet, Representative of Nepal Communist Party-Maoist Narayan Adhikari, Representative of Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal Homsingh Basnet, Chairperson of Nepal Bar Association Sthaneshwar Duwadi, Representative of Women Rights Defenders Network Sabitri Bhatta, Representative of Padhdhati Development Centre Kamala Lamichhane, Representative of Bramhakumari Ishwariya Biswabidhyalaya branch of Gorkha Pabitra Baini also expressed their views related to the human rights situation in the country. The Inaugural Session was chaired by AI Nepal’s Chairperson Shambhu Thakur.
AI Nepal’s Director Rameshwar Nepal made a presentation regarding AI’s priority campaign as well as AI’s concerns over ongoing human rights situation.
Earlier, a rally marched through district headquarters of Gorkha. People from different walks of life including representatives of AI groups from different parts of the country, women groups and representative of media and civil society took part on the rally demanding truth, reparation and justice for cases of conflict-related violence.
Business Sessions
The closed business session included discussions on annual report presented by Acting General Secretary Deek Prasad Ghimire, Financial and Auditors Report presented by Treasurer Pratap Poudel and Activities Report presented by Director Rameshwar Nepal. Similarly, Operational Plan along with proposed budget for the next two years (2014-2015) also were discussed and approved unanimously by the AGM. The AGM also gave authority to the National Executive Committee to appoint the auditors to conduct the audit of fiscal year 2070/071.
The AGM passed 4 different resolutions related to human rights. They are: a call to end impunity, ensure protection of the rights of Nepali migrant workers, ratify Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and ensure right to maternal health.
Altogether 56 delegates participated in the AGM while 3 Groups and 1 Group in formation took part as Observer.
Closing Ceremony
A closing ceremony was held on 28 September. At the ceremony, Chairperson Shambhu Thakur, Treasurer Pratap Poudel, Director Rameshwar Nepal, Vice-Convenor of AI Nepal Group-42, Gorkha Bimala Wagle and representative of Group-76, Gorkha Bhimlal Shrestha made their closing remarks. Representatives of Group-36, Pyuthan Parbata Acharya and Group-62, Nepalgunj Sudip Sharma Bhatta shared their feelings regarding the 22nd AGM. The closing ceremony was chaired by Sabina Dhital, Convenor of AI Nepal Group-42, Gorkha. Local groups also provided token of love to all participants of 22nd AGM.