Author page: SAHR

Nepal: Stranger than fiction

Bisika Thapa

The rape of little Hassan by the novel’s chief bad guy—Assef—in Khaled Hosseini’s epic The Kite Runner is the most disturbing image of a boy’s rape by another,  older male that I can(not) think of.  But as the cliché goes, reality is stranger than fiction. Last week, I read Save the Children’s news and Child Workers in Nepal Concerned Centre’s (CWIN) report published in the Post of the pervasiveness of non-consensual and forced sex among Kathmandu’s male street children (May 5, Page 1). Those that resemble Assef in 46 percent of these cases were their own peers, with the remaining 54 percent  cited as foreign nationals, police personnel, third gender persons, people who use drugs, and women.

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‘Nepalis seeking alternatives for justice’

A survey has shown that the incapability of the Nepal Police and the inefficient judiciary system in the nation has compelled the public to seek other alternatives for justice.

The 56-page report presented by the United States Institute of Peace after a detailed study in 21 districts of Nepal shows that the police has failed to assure the people of personal as well as social security in the country.

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Parliament Watch – Maldives 2010 Report

The ratification of a new constitution on 7th August 2008 began Maldives’ tumultuous process of transition from autocracy to democracy. The new constitution enshrined and guaranteed civil and personal liberties and established Maldives’ first independent courts, state oversight bodies and guaranteed separation…

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Women’s Rights in Nepal

World over 60th Human Rights day is being celebrated with the theme of “Dignity and Justice for all of us”. The notion of Human Rights ensures an individual as a member of society, to his/her right to social security, of the economic, social, political and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality. Inherent are his/her right to life and liberty, freedom of thought and expression, and equality before the law and to live peacefully.

However, in practice comparing both developed and developing countries the implantation part may have profound difference. More specifically, it is found that in the developing world an individual has remaind aloof from Human Rights aspect of life. It is also generally believed that Rights of an Individual and his/her Responsibilities go in tandem but it is experienced that in a society those asking for his/her personal rights have been neglecting their social responsibilities.

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Nepal: Understanding human rights

ODESSA T STA MARIA

I don’t think I’ve ever clearly articulated to anyone my agenda for Nepal. I’m here to pursue my life’s passion of hearing about people’s disappointments and finding spaces for them in this thing called the human rights framework.

I am completing my Masters in Human Rights and Democratization, hence the past nine months have been spent listening to lectures and poring over journal articles to know, understand and restate the concept of greed, suffering, and compassion in a legal, scholarly way.

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FEAR OF PROTEST

WARISHA FARASAT

As Anna Hazare took sips of water, flanked by supporters, many in the political circle were relieved. An immediate political crisis had been averted. It seemed like a story with a perfect ending. But even as I watched the anti-corruption campaign unfold, I thought of Irom Sharmila.

I wish that her exemplary courage and grit would be honoured. For over 10 years, Sharmila, a Manipuri woman, has been on fast demanding the repeal of the repressive Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. But no one seems to be moved. In fact, she has been arrested several times by the police, and force-fed. In 2006, Sharmila had also protested at Jantar Mantar. Needless to say, this received almost no media coverage.

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India: After SC nod, rights activist Binayak Sen out on bail

Rights activist Binayak Sen, serving a life sentence for sedition, was released from the Raipur Central Jail on Monday evening, three days after the Supreme Court said he should get bail.

Earlier in the day, Chhattisgarh’s Additional Session Judge B P Verma had however set the terms for the bail – Rs 50,000 bond and a surety amount of Rs 50,000.

Sen has also been asked to surrender his passport and visa (if any). He can’t travel out of the country either without the court’s permission.

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