29 December 2020 Being an indispensable partner of democratic movement and a pillar of democratic system, civil society and civil society organizations of Nepal have been closely observing the actions of the government, political parties and other concerned actors. Nepalese civil society organizations are deeply concerned about the recent dissolution of the House of Representatives and announcement of the date for the midterm elections in May 2021 by the President Ms. Bidhya Devi Bhandari upon the recommendation by the Prime Minister Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli. It is our conclusion that this particular move is indeed a misfortune with a serious impact on values and norms of democracy as well as is entirely in contrary to the interest and aspiration of Nepalese peoples. It is an unexpected shock and surprise to the ordinary citizens whilst the nation is already affected by health, financial and social crisis. Victimizing the parliament and pushing the country towards instability because of intra-party feud for the sake of power rivalry within the ruling party cannot be justified under any pretext. We speculate that the ongoing action of the political parties after the dissolution of the parliament is gradually moving towards erosion of the historical achievements gained by Nepalese peoples through a long struggle. We aren't prepared to simply accept any acts and interventions in opposition to the values and norms of democracy and its mounted principles. Therefore, we appeal to all the political parties to pursue meaningful dialogues with standing on the foundation of the constitution and democracy and to come out with concrete political solutions. We also appeal to the government and the concerned authorities to swiftly act towards avoidance of possible criminal and violent activities, and to safeguard fundamental rights of the citizens. Signatories Dr. Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, Chairperson, INHURED International Mr. Bhawani Prasad Kharel, Chairperson, National Human Rights Foundation Nepal Dr. Kapil Shrestha, Human Rights Activist Mr. Charan Prasai, Accountability Watch Committee Nepal Mr. Taranath Dahal, Chairperson, Citizens Campaign for Right to Information Mr. Hari Binod Adhikari, Chairperson, Freedom Forum Prof. Dr. Tara Prasad Sapkota Dr. Moti Nepali, Chairperson, Dalit Welfare Association Mr. Shovakar Budhathoki, Human Rights Activist cum Conflict Expert Ms. Shanta Laxmi Shrestha, Gender and Human Rights Activist Mr. Bhakta Biswokarma, Chairperson, Dalit NGO Federation Nepal Mr. Narendra Khatiwada, Chairperson, Youth Advocacy Nepal Mr. Daya Sagar Shrestha, Chairperson, National Campaign for Sustainable Development Nepal Mr. Jagdish Ayer, Chairperson, AYON Nepal Mr. Bhawani Lohorung, Chairperson, NGO Federation of Indigenous Nationalities Nepal Mr. Dillu Prasad Ghimire, Secretary, NGO Federation of Nepal, cum Secretary General, Climate Change Federation Mr. Ishwori BK, Chairperson, Dalit Welfare Organization Mr. Roshan Pokharel, Constitutional Lawyer's Forum Mr. Mukunda Dahal, NAIDP Nepal Mr. Trilok Chand Biswas BK, National President, Nepal National Dalit Social Welfare Organization Mr. Rabindra Nath Thakur, Chairperson, Madhesh Human Rights Home (Mahuri-Home) Ms. Purna Shova Chitrakar, NCBL Nepal Mr. Naresh Tamrakar, Chairperson, Newa Dey Dabu Mr. Poshta KC, Civil Society Activist Mr. Sanjog Thakuri, Chairperson, Hami Dajubhai Mr. Suman Khadka, Chief Executive Office, Youth Initiative Nepal Mr. Krishna Tamang, Social Activist Mr. Bhupendra Ghimire, Founder President, Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) Mr. Ekraj Chhatkuli, Focus Nepal Dhading Mr. Sundar Sheni, Chairperson, Dalit Youth Alliance Nepal Mr. Bishnu Kunwar, Rural Development Foundation, Janakpur Mr. C.M. Guragain, Chairperson, DEFAN Udayapur Mr. Laxmi Gurung, Chairperson, IWL Nepal Mr. Mahendra Khanal, Human Rights Activist and Advocate, Kapilvastu Chairperson, Social Justice Forum, Sunsari Mr. Shuvalal Rai, Chairperson, Kirat Youth Society Ms. Nirmala Rai, Chairperson, Kirat Chamling Language and Culture Upliftment Association Mr. Hiran Rai, Chairperson, Kirat Youth Association Mr. Muna Thapa, Chairperson, Active Society, Nepal Mr. Barsa Rai, Chairperson, Janaekata Youth Society Ms. Birsana Rai, Chairperson, Kirat Chamling Youth Association Sangharsa Dalit Women Saving and Credit Cooperative, Kohalpur Radio Pratibodh, Kohalpur Indigenous Nationalities Women Group
Freedom Forum is a prominent non-governmental organization in Nepal dedicated to institutionalizing democracy, protecting and promoting human rights, press freedom, freedom of expression, right to information, promoting audit accountability, open and accountable budget, public finance reforms, citizen engagement in public finance management and citizen participation in audit. Established in February 2005, the organization emerged in response to the political turmoil following Former King Gyanendra’s coup dated February 1, 2005, which imposed severe restrictions on media and democratic rights. A group of media professionals, legal experts, and academics founded Freedom Forum to safeguard Nepal’s hard-earned democratic freedoms during this repressive period.
