In response to the rising threat against the right to protest around the world, Amnesty International launched a new global flagship campaign called “Protect the Protest” on 19 July 2022. The campaign has been developed to confront an unprecedented worldwide threat to the right to protest and will challenge attacks on peaceful protests, stand with those targeted, and support the causes of social movements pushing for human rights change.
Amnesty Nepal has also launched the campaign in Nepal amidst a gathering of Amnesty Nepal members and supporters. Welcoming the participants of the event, Amnesty Nepal Director Nirajan Thapaliya explained that the right to protest peacefully is our fundamental right and that the right to criticize and express dissent in online or offline spaces must be defended. Lately, the right to protest peacefully which is ensured by different international human rights documents, constitutions, and laws has come under threat.
Amnesty Nepal Chair Bipin Budhathoki officially launched the campaign in Nepal by pressing a keyboard button. He remarked that Amnesty International will prioritize working on the freedom of expression and civic space along with this campaign which will run for the next 3 to 5 years. He urged all the members and supporters of Amnesty to participate actively in the campaign and contribute towards defending people’s right to protest and be a voice for those who are intimidated, harassed, and abused simply for standing up and speaking up against violence and repression.
At the event, Amnesty Nepal Campaigns Coordinator Ashmita Sapkota made a presentation on the right to protest and people’s movements further explaining the objective and value of this campaign and its relevance.
The program was concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Roshan Bajgain, treasurer of AI Nepal.