KATHMANDU,NEPAL: The International Conference on Mainstreaming Gender in National Human Rights Institutions, held in Kathmandu from September 3-5, 2024, concluded with a significant 9-point declaration. The event, organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Nepal and the Asia Pacific Forum (APF), was inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.The conference brought together 400 participants from 19 countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Samoa, Thailand, and Timor Leste. Attendees included civil society members, government officials, human rights activists, and media representatives.Over three days, seven sessions covered various aspects of gender inclusion, with experts presenting three conceptual papers. The conference culminated in a 9-point declaration outlining key commitments for advancing gender inclusion globally.

Statements from Conference Participants:

Vijaya Bharati Sayani, Executive Chairperson of NHRC India, stressed the importance of regular meetings between National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the Asia-Pacific and South Asian regions. She advocated for joint training and collaborative projects to enhance communication and address gender issues.

Top Bahadur Magar, Chairman of NHRC Nepal, noted the conference’s goal of reducing global gender inequality and praised its role in sharing innovative ideas and practices.

Dr. Lily Thapa, a member of NHRC Nepal, highlighted the conference as a valuable platform for advancing gender equality and fostering partnerships among experts, policymakers, and advocates.

Ms. Farkhanda Aurangzeb, a member of NHRC Pakistan, emphasized the commitment to developing a global framework for more inclusive human rights protection.

Murari Prasad Kharel, Secretary of NHRC Nepal, observed that the conference strengthened cooperation among NHRIs in the Asia-Pacific region on gender mainstreaming.

Ms. Aishath Fasoha ( Faso) Gender equality and Capacity Development manager at APF, underscored the importance of respecting all individuals' rights to ensure effective functioning and inclusivity within NHRIs.

Erica Powell of the Australian Human Rights Commission expressed satisfaction with representing her organization and witnessing the formation of the Kathmandu Declaration.

Nava Raj Sapakota from NHRC Nepal praised the conference for enhancing cooperation on gender equality issues within the NHRI network of the Asia-Pacific region.

Kumar Abhinav, the International Media Coordinator, described the conference as a vital platform for addressing major issues and strategies related to gender inclusion within NHRIs.

Additional comments were shared by NHRC Nepal spokeperson  Dr. Tikaram Pokharel, under secretary  Subodh Pokharel, officer Indrajeet Sahani, and Durga Pokharel. The conference successfully highlighted the importance of gender inclusion and set a collaborative path forward for human rights institutions globally.