A district-level consultation meeting was recently held in Humla to map existing and potential young human rights defender (HRD) networks. This important initiative aimed to identify, engage, and strengthen youth-led efforts in the field of human rights advocacy within one of Nepal’s most remote and underserved districts.
The meeting brought together a vibrant and diverse group of civil society organizations and human rights actors committed to fostering inclusive participation and empowering youth as change-makers. Among the key participants were the Chairperson of the NGO Federation of Nepal, members of the Journalist’s Federation, representatives from the Dalit NGO Federations of Humla, Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Centre (KIRDARC), the Human Rights Network, and the Women’s Human Rights Network.
The consultation served as a vital platform for discussing the current human rights context in Humla and exploring how young people – especially those from marginalized and rural backgrounds – can be better supported to engage in rights-based work. Participants highlighted the unique challenges faced by youth in geographically isolated areas like Humla and stressed the importance of creating safe, accessible, and empowering environments for them to lead.
Through dynamic dialogue and collaborative mapping exercises, the event identified existing youth-led initiatives, gaps in support, and opportunities for future collaboration. Special focus was placed on ensuring gender inclusion, Dalit representation, and the engagement of youth from indigenous communities.
