Kathmandu, Feb. 25: General Secretary of Amnesty International (AI) Pierre Sane paid a courtesy call on chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs and Human Rights Committee Som Prasad Pandeya recently.

On the occasion, discussions were held on the state of human rights in Nepal and the role played by the committee in various aspects of human rights.

Other members of the delegation and the president of Amnesty International Nepal Krishna Kandel were also present on the occasion.

Similarly General Secretary of Amnesty International (AI), a Human Rights Organization, Pierre Sane has underlined the need for all Nepalis to move ahead with high morale to strengthen the human rights situation in the country.

Sane, speaking at a mass meeting organized by the AI Nepal Chapter here recently, said street plays containing joys and sorrows of the people will play a significant role in strengthening the human rights situation and raising public awareness in the country.

Programme Director of the Asia and Pacific Region Ruri Mungoven said during their meetings with representatives of the government, political parties and intellectuals, they spoke of the need to solve problems in a peaceful way, protect children’s rights and root out child labour.

Looking at children here, we are fully convinced that their future, the situation of human rights and the future of the entire nation is bright, he further said.

Chairman of human rights and Peace Society Krishna Pahadi disclosed that 3.6 million children have been deprived of education and a large number of minors are compelled to work.

On the occasion, the Natya Samuha had presented a street drama based on child labour directed by litterateur Ashesh Malla. The drama has already been enacted in 40 districts.

In line with the programme of declaring different places of the world as torture-free areas, Tundhikhel, the venue of the mass meeting, was declared a torture free place.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of Amnesty International (AI) Pierre Sane made it clear that if enough attention had been given to the incidence of human rights violations which have taken place in the past four years, it would not have affected every sector.

Sane, while speaking at a function organized by AI Nepal Chapter here recently, said it is a matter of sorrow that human rights violations are taking place in a democratic nation.

Stating that peace can be achieved only by safeguarding human rights, the AI General Secretary noted that only genuine political commitment can stop human rights violations.

AI cannot take actions against any nation or person violating human rights, but can offer suggestions for improving the situation, he added.