KATHMANDU, July 12: The National Alliance of Women Human Rights Defenders (NAWHRD) has condemned the alleged assault and arrest of Gen Z campaign activists who had visited the Kirtipur holding centre to assess the condition of flood-displaced landless squatters.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, the network accused police of subjecting activists, including Majid Ansari, Sarisma Thapa and Nelson Ghatani, to inhumane treatment and unlawfully detaining them. It said the use of force against activists who were documenting the condition of displaced squatters and advocating on their behalf reflected an undemocratic and authoritarian approach.
The network stated that standing in support of affected communities and demanding accountability from the state are constitutional rights and that treating such actions as criminal is unacceptable.
Rights activists call for collective efforts to safeguard human...
The statement also accused the government of forcibly evicting landless squatters without providing alternative housing and depriving displaced families of necessities such as food and drinking water. It said the suppression of those raising concerns about the situation raised serious questions about the state's intentions.
According to the network, such actions undermine the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, the rule of law and civil liberties. It further alleged that the newly elected government had adopted a policy of repressing human rights defenders.
The network demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained activists, free and quality medical treatment for those injured, and an impartial investigation into police officers accused of using excessive force.
It also urged the government to address the issue of landless squatters through meaningful dialogue with affected communities and relevant stakeholders rather than through repression. It called for an environment in which human rights defenders can carry out their work safely and without obstruction.
