Kathmandu, May 7: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman, Anup Raj Sharma, today said that a constitution would have no meaning if it does not secure the people’s rights.

Speaking at a programme to mark the Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON) 8th National Convention here, Sharma termed it sad that compensation was not provided after imprisoning the innocent people and impunity was given protection.

The NHRC Chief further expressed grief at the trend seen among the political party leaders who sought human rights whenever are outside of government and neglected it when in the government.

“It is necessary that the government is serious towards human rights,” Sharma added.

UCPN (Maoist) Vice Chairman, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, said Nepali people should take the decision on forwarding the Nepal’s human rights record in a right course.

On the occasion, Nepali Congress leader, Sujata Koirala, said only the successful implementation of the constitution would protect human rights.

CPN (UML) Secretary, Yogesh Bhattarai, said the human rights organization should work independently and impartially.

He termed the rumour that CPN (UML) led government was trying to reverse the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as ‘baseless’.

Former House Speaker, Damannath Dhungana, urged the human rights organizations to rise above party interests. Stating that the Madhesi people have a huge hand in constitution drafting, he called for addressing their appropriate demands.

Tarai-Madhes Loktantrik Party Vice Chairman, Hridayesh Tripathi, accused the human rights watchdogs of discarding Madhes region.

“It is sad that the human rights organizations’ eyes did not fall on the fact when many people fell prey to bullets during the Madhes uprising,” he said.

Human Rights activist, Ananda Prasad Acharya, was feted with Peace and Human Rights National Award – 2073 at the programme. RSS