The ‘rights’ debate is taking a ‘wrongs’ twist in today’s context of the country. The issue at stake is, in the name of human rights, political groups, student unions, ethnic groups, trade unions and employees are giving up their responsibilities. Nepal’s human rights movement started against the oppression of the state during the Panchayat days. It is still state-centric and rights activists see the state as the main violator of rights. There is a confusion over what are ‘rights’ and what are ‘wrongs’. As Nepal is celebrating the International Human Rights Day, the scope of human rights has already broadened to include economic, cultural and health rights. With the broadened scope, rights activists are re-adjusting their roles, in going beyond defending the rights of the individual to promoting their responsibilities.  Our cover story this fortnight looks into several aspects of the debate on human rights and human wrongs.


Keshab Poudel
Editor