Human Rights Journalists' Association (HURJA), Nepal is a common platform of all working journalists, who are affiliated with mainstream Medias of the country. It was registered at the office of the Chief District Officer under the Organization Registration Act 2034 B.S. It was established in December 2004. HURJA-Nepal is non-poltical, non-governmental and non-profit making forum of journalists dedicated to the cause of human rights and rule of law. The organization was formed with the objective of launching a media campaign for the protection and promotion of human rights and social justice. It has been closely working with Federation of Nepalese Journalists an umbrella organization of working journalists and other national Human Rights Organizations and UN organizations including UN Office of the High Commissioners for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal for the protection and promotion of human rights and right to information.

Human rights is a basic right of all people. It was guaranteed in National and International level as well but due to various reasons and passivity of the political parties and the government violations of human rights became common occurrences in Nepal. Though Nepal has ratified different international treaties and conventions the government failed to implement it. The country has entered into a republican era the situation of human rights remains same.

Human Rights activists Charan Prasai, Gauri Pradhan, UNOHCHR-Nepal Chief Lena Sundh, Badri Sigdel and Subodh Raj Pyakurel at a programme organized by Human Rights Journalists' Association in Bar Association, Kathmandu.  (Photo: Sajan Rana /2005)

Nepal falls among the countries, where there is excessive violation of human rights. Media, the main defender of the human rights and democracy is also facing threats from different quarters. So, protection of press freedom and rights of the communicator is also a challenge of the time for the protection and promotion of human rights of commoner.

HURJA has been carrying out different activities from the very beginning of its inception in 2002 for the protection and promotion of human rights and press freedom. Most of the activities are focused on research and fact-findings to advocate for the cause of human rights and press freedom. It has been organizing talk programs and interactions among rights activists, Journalists and stakeholders on contemporary issues. Members of HURJA have actively been participating in different movements aimed at protection and promotion of human rights. Members of HURJA have also actively participated in Jana Aandolan II, which was aimed at restoring people's rights snatched from the Royal Takeover of 1 February 2005. Such activities are helpful for knowing the real situation of human rights and press freedom and to evaluate the role of right activists and journalists in this regards to pressurize the concerned parties.

Social Worker Laxmi Sharma, Human Rights Activists Mandira Sharma, Sudip Pathak, General Secretary of HURJA Ganesh Prasad Ghimire,UN OHCHR and Nepal Chief Richard Bennett at a programme organized by Human Rights Journalists' Association (HURJA) in Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. (Photo: Nimesh Jang Rai/2008 December 27)

All these aims cannot be achieved without collective efforts. So HURJA has been working closely with national and international rights organizations including the UN-OHCHR, media organizations and civil society for the protection and promotion of human rights and to create atmosphere where all should respect other's rights and journalists get environment to transmit real information to the people in a free and fair environment.

Member of the Executive Committee of HURJA, Chhatra Shankar (Chairperson), Bishwanatha Acharya, Kishor Kumar  Poudel , Ganesh Prasad Ghimire (General Secretary), Former Asst. General Secretary of United Nations, Kul Chandra Gautam, Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission, Kedar Nath Upadhyaya, Human Rights Activists Subodh Raj Pyakurel , Sapana Malla Pradhan, Dr. Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, Hurja Members� Kalika Khadka and Rima Jha (Vice-Chairperson) at a programme  organized by Fifth anniversary of Human Rights Journalists' Association(HURJA) in Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. (27 Dec, 2009)

It strongly believes that human rights of all should be guaranteed, so it aims to organize publicity and awareness raising campaign in different parts of the country to make people aware about their rights and minimize the incidents of rights violation.

HURJA believes that special attention should be given for the protection and promotion of marginalized communities, Dalits, Indigenous and ethnic people, women and other backward communities.

Objectives:

Activities:

The activities of HURJA-Nepal will be based on its objectives and guidelines.

Executive Committee
(2008 to 2011 AD)