VP Pun calls for coordinated measures to fight VAW
Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun has said climate change impact and COVID-19 pandemic have directly or indirectly contributed to a further rise in the exploitation and violence against women (VAW).
While inaugurating the ‘South Asian Women Conference’ jointly organised by the National Women’s Commission (NWC), National Human rights Commission (NHRC), Women Non-Government Organization Federation and Every Woman, here today, the Vice-President said there was an upsurge of cases of domestic violence against women during COVID-19 pandemic.
He spoke for the need for concerted actions to fight VAW, the issue of global concern. “It draws our prime concern that exploitation and violence against women exist in the present society.”
The Vice President underlined the need for effective enforcement of the rights of women and girls enshrined by the Constitution, adding that institutionalizing achievements of the women’s movement should be the concern of all.
NHRC Chair Top Bahadur Magar said,” It is a joint responsibility of all to protect human rights,” while NWC Chair Kamala Kumari Parajuli shared that lately, they were receiving a rising number of complaints about domestic violence.
A noted writer from the South Asia and India-based social activist Meera Khanna was of the opinion that the Conference should focus itself on prodding authorities concerned to ensure the effective implementation of laws against gender-based violence.
Likewise, Vandana Shiva, a scholar, and eco-feminist from India argued that it was hard to see a fall in the cases of violence against women until women become economically empowered and self-sufficient.
The two-day Conference for global solidarity to end VAW is being attended by 100 representatives, including rights activists social activists, writers, and scholars.RSS
Saudi Foreign Minister calls on President Bhandari
Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Fahran Al Saud has paid a courtesy call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Tuesday.
During the meeting held at the office of the President, Maharajgunj, today, various aspects of Nepal-Saudi Arabia relations as well as matters of mutual interest and welfare were discussed.
Foreign Minister Prince Faisal is on a two-day official visit to Nepal. Senior officials of the Office of the President and Foreign Ministry were present on the occasion. RSS
PM Deuba, Saudi Foreign Minister hold meeting
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Fahran Al Saud held a meeting on Tuesday.
During the meeting held at PM Deuba’s official residence in Baluwatar this afternoon, the duo discussed bilateral ties, mutual assistance and security of Nepali workers among others.
He reached Baluwatar after holding separate meetings with Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka and President Bidya Devi Bhandari.
The Saudi Foreign Minister signed an agreement on enhancing mutual cooperation with his Nepali counterpart. He will return home today itself.
He arrived in Nepal on a two-day visit on Monday.
EC approves Local-Level Observation Guidelines
The Election Commission has approved the Local-Level Election Observation Guidelines and Financial Management Procedure-2078 for the local level elections scheduled for May 13.
At a news conference organised by EC on Monday, EC Spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Poudel shared that Election Observation Guidelines-2078 was already approved and brought into implementation.
Activities related to check the name list and details of voters as well as correct mistakes were underway, it is learnt.
The name list of the chief returning officers and election officers to be deployed in the elections has been received from the respective bodies and homework was underway for deputation.
Saying election would be monitored through different mechanisms not to allow the election to become costly, the EC urged all to be serious and help EC in its task of making the election clean, fearless and economical as the Election Code of Conduct is not only legal but also the moral obligation. RSS