28th September 2025, Kathmandu
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its deep commitment to the principle of continuous and uninterrupted public service by announcing that all its offices will remain operational throughout major public holidays, specifically during the upcoming festive season of Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath.
NHRC Operational During Dashain
This proactive decision ensures that citizens have access to a crucial mechanism for redress and monitoring, even when most other government and public institutions observe extended breaks.
Operational Mandate and Schedule During Festivals
The NHRC’s commitment is rooted in the recognition that periods of heightened social and civic activity, such as festivals, can also see an increase in potential human rights violations and urgent incidents requiring immediate attention.
Office Hours: To effectively balance staff welfare and public need, the NHRC offices—including the central office at Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur, and its various provincial and branch offices across the country—will be open from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM during all public holidays designated for Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath.
Core Services Provided: During these special operating hours, citizens can access essential services, including:
Registration of Complaints: The public can file complaints related to any violation of human rights that may occur before or during the festive period.
Reporting of Urgent Incidents: The commission ensures that critical and urgent matters that require rapid intervention, monitoring, or investigation are promptly reported and addressed.
Proactive Role in Peace and Security
The decision to maintain operational continuity is a strategic measure intended to mitigate the risks associated with the festive season. The NHRC highlighted several factors that necessitate its continued presence:
Heightened Public Mobility: Increased travel and public gatherings during Dashain and Tihar can sometimes lead to disputes, conflicts, and accidents, which may impinge upon human rights.
Potential for Misconduct: The commission acknowledges the possibility of a rise in certain types of misconduct, including petty crime, theft, harassment, or disputes over commercial activities like price gouging and black market activities, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Effective Monitoring and Intervention: By remaining open, the NHRC is better equipped to conduct emergency monitoring of serious incidents and collaborate with other government authorities, local administrations, and civil society organisations to maintain peace and security.
NHRC’s Appeal and Governance Commitment
Dr. Tikaram Pokhrel, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson of the NHRC, issued a formal press release to disseminate this information and urge public cooperation.
Call for Public Participation: The spokesperson called upon the general public to report any incident of human rights violations to the nearest NHRC office immediately. Early reporting is vital for enabling the commission to undertake timely and effective intervention.
Emphasis on Stakeholder Collaboration: The advisory emphasized that maintaining peace and facilitating smooth service delivery during festivals is a collective responsibility. It stressed the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders, including government bodies and civil society, to ensure an orderly and rights-respecting environment.
Strengthening Accountability: The NHRC’s continuous service demonstrates a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. By serving as a reliable point of contact for grievances, the commission reinforces public confidence that their rights will be protected regardless of the calendar.
Significance for Human Rights Protection
The continuous operational status of the NHRC during holidays serves as a crucial safeguard for democratic values and citizen welfare:
Guaranteed Access to Justice: It ensures that the lack of open public offices does not become a barrier to justice and redressal for victims of rights violations.
Deterrence Against Violations: The known accessibility of the NHRC acts as a constant deterrent against potential human rights abusers and authorities who might otherwise assume a lapse in oversight during holidays.
Reinforcement of Governance: By maintaining service, the NHRC underscores the constitutional mandate for human rights protection, even during periods designated for national celebration, thereby strengthening the quality of governance.
The National Human Rights Commission’s decision is a commendable step that prioritises the protection and promotion of human rights in Nepal by ensuring that this essential oversight function remains proactive, accessible, and fully effective throughout the important festive season. The public is strongly encouraged to make use of the scheduled open hours to ensure all human rights matters are promptly brought to the commission’s attention.
For More: NHRC Operational During Dashain