Kathmandu, May 28: Amnesty International Nepal Chapter organised a symposium on “Role of the Amnesty in Protection of Human Rights” on the occasion of its 39th annual day.

Former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, chief guest at the function, said that human rights could be ensured only if democracy was strengthened.

He said the government is alert to combat the violence unleashed on the pretext of Maoist activity. Mr Deuba also said that he was working to resolve the problem through dialogue.

Stating that such rights as freedom of speech, writing and organisation had been received after the restoration of democracy he said it has become necessary to enhance the country’s human rights status.

Former minister and MP Sitanandan Raya emphasised the need to prevent the increasing incidents of violation of human rights.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs and Human Rights Committee Som Prasad Panday stressed the need to resolve the Maoists problem politically and said that the state does not seem to be serious about implementing the commitment made by Nepal while signing various international treaties and agreements.

MP Chitra Bahadur K.C. alleged that the government itself is violating human rights and asked all concerned to organise and become alert to get rid of the existing aberrations and anomalies.

MP Govinda Bikram Shaha advised the government to be serious about the issue of human rights and wished for the success of the Amnesty International in moving ahead with specific programmes concerning human rights.

Nutan Thapaliya, one of the founders of the Nepal Chapter, its former president Krishna Pahadi and others spoke about the role played by Amnesty International in the protection and promotion of human rights.

The symposium was chaired by chapter president Krishna Kadel.