National Conference of Legal Professional Women in Nepal Concludes with 30-Point Manifesto
The National Conference of Legal Professional Women across Nepal concluded on February 26th, 2023, after two days of discussions and workshops. At the beginning of the conference on February 24th, a 30-point manifesto was issued in Birganj, Parsa, outlining key issues related to gender equality and justice for victims of crimes against women and children.
The conference drew the attention of relevant bodies, including the Supreme Court, to end corruption, irregularity, and delay in the courts. It demanded a gender audit of existing laws to maintain gender equality and requested that the physical structure of courts, as well as all public bodies, be made friendly to women's reproductive health, gender and sexual minorities, and all kinds of disabilities. The Nepal Bar Association also requested the conference to conduct a special study and take necessary steps to address the negative impact of natural exploitation on women and gender violence that adversely affects the environment.
The conference demanded that the government of Nepal expand the National Women's Commission's structure from the federal to the provincial level, with the necessary resources to make it active and effective. It also called for identity in the age of appointment of the commissioners of constitutional bodies and requested the government and constitutional bodies to amend the respective laws.
Furthermore, the conference drew attention to issues related to transitional justice in Nepal. It demanded that all political parties unite to ensure the rights of victims and no amnesty or reconciliation in cases of serious human rights violations. The conference requested that the limit of complaints be removed, and access to justice for the victims be maintained. It also called for the institutional responsibility of conflicting parties in cases of rape and sexual violence that occurred during the conflict.
The conference strongly demanded that the government of Nepal ensure access to justice for the victims by conducting a fair, independent, and effective investigation of cases of crimes against women and children, including rape.
The manifesto also called for organizations and individuals who commit sexual violence through electronic means to be brought under legal action. The conference emphasized the need to end differences in the constitution, laws, and practices regarding the granting of citizenship based on the marital status of women.
Overall, the 30-point manifesto issued at the National Conference of Legal Professional Women in Nepal highlights important issues related to gender equality and justice for victims. It emphasizes the need for action and change to address the challenges faced by women and children in Nepal. The conference drew the attention of relevant bodies and called for immediate action to address the issues raised in the manifesto.
