Amnesty International Nepal (AI Nepal) is hosting the 18th edition of the Youth Mela in Pokhara, Kaski, from 24 to 26 April 2026. This three-day national gathering will bring together over 100 young members of AI Nepal below 25 years from across Nepal, representing diverse Youth Networks, Groups and individual members affiliated with the organization.
Guided by its commitment to youth leadership in the human rights movement, this year’s Youth Mela will centre on the theme: “Climate Justice and Civic Freedom: The Youth Agenda for a Just Future.” Through interactive sessions and workshops, participants will strengthen their understanding of human rights and build practical advocacy skills to address urgent issues, including climate justice and shrinking civic space and the rise of authoritarian practices across the globe.
The Mela will open with keynote addresses by Lex Limbu, a prominent digital voice on LGBTIQ+ and climate issues, and Monisha Chaudhary, a climate change and Gen-Z activist. Over the course of three days, the programme will engage with Nepal’s evolving socio-political landscape, including youth-led protests, the climate crisis, digital rights, transitional justice, and LGBTQI+ rights. A dedicated session on the human rights impacts of Nepal’s internal armed conflict (1996–2006) will be led by Surendra Khatri, a conflict survivor who lost both his hands in a bomb explosion during the Maoist insurgency.
The program will also include a public action drawing attention to ongoing human rights crises in the Middle East, centering on the conflict in Iran. In line with Amnesty International’s global position, the action will call for the protection of civilians, adherence to international human rights and humanitarian law, accountability for violations by all parties, and the safeguarding of fundamental freedoms amid conflict.
Background
Since 2006, Amnesty International Nepal has organized the Youth Mela as a platform to educate, inspire, and mobilize young activists. To date, more than 1,500 youths have participated in this flagship programme, which annually convenes over 100 participants from more AI Nepal’s youth networks and Groups nationwide. AI Nepal is part of a global movement of over ten million members and supporters and has been active in Nepal since 1969. Today, AI Nepal has approximately 6,000 members across the country. The organization works to promote and protect human rights in Nepal—advocating for the rights of migrant workers, victims of armed conflict, women, LGBTIQ+ persons, Dalits, and other marginalized commu