Amnesty International Nepal (Amnesty Nepal) is organizing its 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Gaindakot of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta Purba) on 14 and 15 December 2024.
The main agenda of the meeting include presentation, discussion, and approval of the statutory reports of the FY 2080/81, the annual human rights action plan and budget of the year 2025, appointment of the auditors for the FY 2081/82, and the election of a new National Board and different statutory committees.
This annual event will bring together 100 elected delegates chosen through the eight provincial/regional assemblies held between 27 August and 23 September 2024 in eight different locations. In addition to the delegates, participants will include AI Nepal’s Board and other Committee members, former chairs, staff, volunteers, and observers.
The formal inauguration of the AGM will commence on 14 December, with Honourable Gagan Kumar Thapa, Member of the House of Representatives, as the Chief Guest delivering the keynote address. The ceremony will also be attended by members of local civil society, media personnel, government representatives from Gandaki Province, local government officials, AI Nepal members, and supporters.
“This AGM represents an opportunity to strengthen our collective commitment to human rights,” said Nirajan Thapaliya, Director of Amnesty Nepal. “The discussions and decisions during this meeting will guide our efforts in 2025, ensuring that we remain steadfast in addressing the most pressing human rights challenges in Nepal and beyond. The election of a new National Board and statutory committees in line with the amended Statute of the organization is expected to herald a new era into a consolidated and improved democratic governance within the organization for more impactful human rights achievements as well as for a more fit-for-purpose sense of direction and vision.”
Additionally, delegates will participate in a public action demanding an immediate end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The action highlights 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 2024.
“Our public action during the AGM reflects the urgency of addressing the atrocities in Gaza,” added Thapaliya. “Amnesty’s recently published report has concluded that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. This underscores the critical need for global solidarity and immediate action to end the violence and hold perpetrators accountable.”
The report, ‘You Feel Like You Are Subhuman’: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza, was published on 5 December.
The second day of the AGM will continue with assembly sessions including elections. Delegates will cast their votes, with counting and results announcements scheduled for the same day.
The AGM will conclude with a press conference in the morning of 16 December.