26 May 2024, Kathmandu: Advocacy Forum-Nepal (AF) partnered with the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) to host a three-day capacity-building training for human rights defenders from 23 to 25 May 2024. The program focused on effective documentation of human rights violations.
In the first session of the first day of the training, Dr Mandira Sharma, Senior International Legal Advisor for the ICJ and Founder of AF, provided a clear definition of human rights violations, emphasising the importance of a robust understanding for accurate documentation.
In the second session, Dr Srijana Kunwar, a leading forensic expert, delivered a presentation on the crucial role forensics play in establishing human rights violations. She stressed the necessity of thorough and impartial examinations.
In the third session, Dr Sharma addressed the psychological well-being of human rights defenders. Recognising the sensitivity of their work, she highlighted the importance of incorporating yoga activities and regular breaks from work to maintain mental health.
Day two saw participants actively engaged in group work. Divided into four groups, they tackled a sample case encompassing extrajudicial execution, enforced disappearance, torture, and sexual violence. Each group identified key elements for comprehensive documentation, with a designated member presenting their findings.
The final day featured a presentation by ICJ’s National Legal Advisor, Kashiram Dhungana. He delved into effective methods for gathering evidence in enforced disappearance cases, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong dossier for potential prosecution.
