HURON Profile

 

HURON Profile

Human Rights Organization of Nepal (HURON)

 

Background:

Human Rights Organization of Nepal (HURON) was established on International Human Rights Day, December 10, 1988 as one of the first human rights institution in Nepal. It is the first human rights organization in Nepal. From the creation in 1988, HURON played a pioneering and crucial role in the people’s movement for the restoration of democracy in 1990. HURON grew as a mass-based people's movement for human rights and democracy in the country. HURON’s greatest strength lies in its large membership base, who represent all political persuasions-left, right and center and they are spread throughout the country in all 77 Districts.

 

It has grown from mass based democratic people's movement to protect and promote human rights through advocacy, lobbying and conflict resolution as well as conducting capacity building and awareness raising programs. Since its establishment, HURON is playing pioneering and crucial role in the movement for the restoration of democracy, peace building and human right protection in Nepal. Mr. Rishikesh Shah was the founding President of HURON. He was also the first permanent representative of Nepal to the United Nations (1956-1960) who was later to be appointed to United Nations General Assembly to chair the investigation of tragic death of the then UN General Secretary Dag Hammarskjöld in 1961. HURON has come a long way since its establishment, now having district chapters in all 77 districts and seven provinces of Nepal. HURON has been promoting peaceful negotiation since its formation and played a crucial role in the movement for the restoration of democracy in 1990, playing key role in establishment of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 2000, opposing the Royal takeover of 2005 as well as being key player in negotiations between government and the then Maoist rebels. HURON had two main objectives during this period, to initiate and support a process of conflict resolution in situation of national concern, and to strengthen the democratic process and culture with institutional capacity building at all levels.

 

HURON is registered as a non-political, non-profit making organization of the District Administration Office in Kathmandu. It is affiliated to Social Welfare Council and registered to Inland Revenue Department for Permanent Account Number (PAN) and tax exemption.

 

It is a democratic organization holding elections for the executive management body every three years at the district through district annual general meeting and Annual General Meeting at the central levels.

 

 

 

Vision, Mission and Strategic Goal:

 

Vision:

A just, democratic, and inclusive society where human rights are understood, respected, protected, and practiced in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights standards.

 

Mission:

Human Rights Organization of Nepal (HURON) promotes and protects human rights by monitoring violations, advocating for accountability, providing victim-centered legal support, strengthening democratic institutions, and fostering peaceful conflict resolution through rights-based advocacy, strategic litigation, and civic engagement.

 

Strategic Goals:

1. Accountability & Rule of Law:

·         Monitor, document, and respond to human rights violations through advocacy and legal intervention

·         Challenge impunity through strategic litigation and constitutional remedies

·         Promote independent, victim-centered, and human rights–compliant justice mechanisms, including transitional justice processes

·         Advocate for legal and policy reforms aligned with national and international human rights standards

2. Democratic Governance:

·         Safeguard democratic space, civil liberties, and constitutional freedoms

·         Promote free, fair, and credible elections through observation, reporting, and advocacy

·         Strengthen judicial independence and respect for due process

·         Encourage peaceful dialogue and non-violent resolution of political and social disputes

3. Social Inclusion & Justice:

·         Advance the rights of women, survivors of gender-based violence, conflict victims, refugees, minorities, and marginalized communities

·         Promote equality, dignity, and access to justice for excluded populations

·         Address structural discrimination and social exclusion through advocacy, awareness, and legal empowerment

4. Institutional Strengthening:

·         Strengthen HURON’s nationwide membership base and district chapters

·         Build the capacity of human rights defenders, civil society actors, and local institutions

·         Enhance organizational transparency, democratic governance, and accountability

·         Expand partnerships and networks at national, regional, and international levels

Current Focus Areas :

HURON’s ongoing initiatives reflect its commitment to protecting human rights and strengthening democracy across Nepal. Key focus areas for include:

·         Transitional Justice Reform: Advocating for accountability and reparations for victims of past conflicts.

·         Strategic Litigation & Legal Aid: Providing legal support to marginalized communities and pursuing landmark cases to set human rights precedents.

·         Democratic Space & Civic Freedom: Monitoring and safeguarding freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.

·         Election Integrity: Promoting transparent, free, and fair electoral processes through observation, reporting, and advocacy.

·         Women & Survivor Justice: Supporting survivors of gender-based violence and promoting women’s access to justice.

·         Refugee & Minority Rights: Defending the rights of displaced communities, refugees, and ethnic minorities.

 

Area of engagement:

Currently HURON are involved in the following thematic areas in Nepal:

 

1.      Rights Based Advocacy:

Since the establishment HURON, we have been incessantly and persistently advocated for human rights in Nepal. The advocacy and lobbying HURON did during the armed conflict saved lives of thousands of individuals from both the then rebel and security forces. In order to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights in Nepal, we have played pioneer role in Nepal. In our quotidian context, we have been fighting for the rights of people through advocacy, lobbying, legal services, press meets, negotiations, mediations, dialogues and discussions with the stakeholders, civil protests, submission of memorandums and raising our voices on media i.e. radio and television programs. HURON receives hundreds of applications a month all over Nepal from citizens of all walks of life who have been deprived of human rights which we act on through these above-mentioned tools ranging from administrative hassles and delays from bureaucracy, victimization through false allegations and abuse of authority by security forces and government officials to other such legal issues pertaining to human rights, social justice and equality.

HURON actively promotes human rights through public awareness campaigns and mass participation activities designed to connect human rights values with civic responsibility. To mark the 76th International Human Rights Day (10 December), HURON organized a large-scale public blood donation campaign in Lalitpur under the global theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.” The campaign mobilized broad participation from youth, civil society members, and the general public, reinforcing solidarity, humanitarian values, and public ownership of human rights.

In addition to Human Rights Day activities, HURON regularly engages in public campaigns, commemorative events, and outreach initiatives to raise awareness on fundamental rights, democratic freedoms, and social justice. These visibility-oriented actions complement HURON’s policy advocacy and legal interventions by fostering public engagement, civic consciousness, and a culture of human rights at the community level.

 

Ø  Recent Advocacy and Human Rights Interventions (FY 2081/82):

During the fiscal year 2081/82, Human Rights Organization of Nepal (HURON) significantly intensified its rights-based advocacy and rapid response interventions in response to emerging political, social, and civic developments in the country. In a period marked by heightened public protests, political polarization, and growing civic dissatisfaction, HURON remained an active, impartial, and principled human rights watchdog.

HURON closely monitored and responded to human rights concerns arising from ongoing political movements and public protests, issuing timely press statements, appeals, and public positions to ensure the protection of civil liberties, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly. The organization consistently called upon the Government of Nepal, security agencies, and concerned stakeholders to uphold constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards.

In particular, HURON actively engaged in advocacy related to the Teachers’ Movement, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding labor rights, freedom of peaceful protest, and dialogue-based resolution of disputes. Similarly, HURON stood firmly with cooperative victims and meter-byaji (loan-shark) victims, advocating for state accountability, legal remedies, and victim-centered justice for individuals affected by financial exploitation and institutional failures.

During pro-monarchy demonstrations and other counter-democratic movements, HURON publicly raised concerns over incidents of violence, intimidation, and attempts to undermine democratic values. While respecting the right to peaceful expression, the organization strongly condemned violence, hate speech, and actions that threatened constitutional order, rule of law, and fundamental freedoms.

Throughout the year, HURON issued formal appeals, press releases, and public statements on incidents of arbitrary arrests, excessive use of force, judicial interference, and restrictions on civic space. By engaging with media, policymakers, civil society actors, and the broader public, HURON contributed to informed public discourse and reinforced the principle that human rights protection remains central to democratic governance.

Through these interventions, HURON reaffirmed its role as a credible national human rights voice, committed to timely action, non-partisan advocacy, and the protection of democratic space in Nepal.

 

 

2.      Transitional Justice:

One of the important issue HURON acted on during armed conflict was to contribute to human rights issues for both the then rebels and for security forces, the two warring factions. Acting on immediate re-arrest by security forces we were able to secure the rights of former rebels from security forces. The security forces after releasing the former rebels immediately arrested them, which we advocating on their behalf; were able to secure for their release. Similarly, the families of security forces in areas of rebel control were being intimidated; their homes evicted and property confiscated, which HURON was able to secure in many parts of the country. HURON also negotiated and mediated the release of kidnapped individuals during this time. Many schools were targeted and notably the rebels targeting the then S.L.C examinations were menacing with the educating system. Upon discussions and negotiations with both government and the then rebel forces, we were able to declare schools as “zones of peace” during this epoch in history. The transportation system was also left paralyzed in many parts of the nation which upon further negotiations and discussions, we were able to functionalize smoothly. HURON opposed the kidnapping and missing of the people from both the State and the then Maoist Rebels. During that period, HURON mainly concentrated its activities to track the record of the arrests of the politicians and visited them where ever possible and accessible. During this conflict, more than 1100 complaints of Human Rights violations were registered with HURON, from both the State and the then Maoist Rebel sides. In August, 2004, HURON filed writ petition in Supreme Court under Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for 433 disappeared people during the conflict. After PIL, HURON filed cases in favor of 14 other disappeared people on habeas corpus and urging the Supreme Court to issue order to the Government to stop illegal arrests in October, 2004. In January, 2005, 19 more cases of disappeared people were filed writ of habeas corpus to free them from illegal detention. Currently, HURON is pressuring Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to solve the cases without delay. Although TRC is established to find out the truth about gross human rights violations during the conflict era, including providing recommendation for legal actions, HURON feels that there is much to do by the TRC which was established eight years after the conclusion of Comprehensive Peace Agreement. In addition to this, HURON and Civil Society Organizations have already drafted and submitted an amendment framework to the Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Parliament and concerned stakeholders on November, 2016. Another issue that HURON has been advocating is the case of Ganga Maya Adhikari and Nanda Prasad Adhikari. Human Rights Defenders from HURON have been visiting and comforting her after her misfortune which saw her son, 17-year-old, Krishna Prasad Adhikari, murdered by Maoists in 2004 and her husband Nanda Prasad Adhikari passed away, succumbing to hunger strike in 2014. HURON has initiated “Save Ganga Maya Campaign” which advocates for social justice through the plight of Ms. Adhikari in Nepal. Along with the case of Krishna Prasad Adhikari we have been advocating for the prominent case of Maina Sunwar and other numerous other cases.

 

Ø  Current Engagement on Transitional Justice (2023–2024):

During 2023–2024, Human Rights Organization of Nepal (HURON) has assumed a strong and visible leadership role in the transitional justice (TJ) process, with a clear focus on victim-centered justice, accountability, and compliance with constitutional and international human rights standards. HURON actively opposed the proposed amendment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act (TRC Amendment Bill 2080/81), publicly asserting that several provisions of the bill risk institutionalizing impunity and re-victimizing conflict-affected individuals. The organization formally submitted appeals and policy positions to the Federal Parliament, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee, urging lawmakers to ensure that any legal reform aligns with Supreme Court rulings, international humanitarian law, and Nepal’s obligations under international human rights treaties.

In parallel, HURON organized and co-facilitated high-level public dialogue on transitional justice and democracy, including a national-level civic discussion in Kathmandu with the participation of over 250 stakeholders, among them conflict victims, civil society actors, political representatives, and a former Prime Minister. These forums created critical space for public scrutiny, victim voices, and informed debate on the future direction of Nepal’s TJ process.

Beyond policy advocacy, HURON has maintained continuous, hands-on engagement with conflict victims through strategic litigation, court-based advocacy, and public mobilization. The organization has supported victims’ cases in district, high, and Supreme Courts, while simultaneously engaging in peaceful street-level advocacy to ensure that transitional justice remains a matter of public accountability rather than political compromise. Through these combined legal, civic, and policy-level interventions, HURON continues to position itself as a trusted national actor advocating for credible, victim-centric, and rights-compliant transitional justice in Nepal.

 

3.      Victim-Centered Free Legal Aid and Strategic Litigation:

Human Rights Organization of Nepal (HURON) places victim-centered free legal aid and strategic litigation at the core of its human rights mandate, ensuring access to justice for individuals and communities who are otherwise excluded from legal remedies. During recent years, HURON has significantly expanded its role as a frontline legal advocate, providing pro bono legal representation in cases involving grave human rights violations and systemic injustice.

HURON has actively represented survivors of rape and sexual violence, domestic violence, and other forms of gender-based abuse, combining court-based litigation with advocacy and mediation to secure protection, accountability, and dignity for survivors. The organization has also provided free legal assistance in citizenship denial cases, successfully pursuing writ petitions before the High Court and Supreme Court that resulted in court orders enabling affected individuals to obtain Nepali citizenship and enjoy their fundamental rights.

In cases involving extrajudicial killings, abuse of authority, and conflict-era violations, HURON has filed and argued strategic writ petitions in the Supreme Court, including landmark cases related to the Maina Sunuwar killing, the Tikapur incident, and other serious violations of the right to life and due process. Through these interventions, HURON continues to challenge impunity and reinforce the rule of law by demanding accountability from state institutions.

Beyond litigation, HURON has played a critical humanitarian and mediation role in facilitating justice for victims engaged in prolonged hunger strikes and public protests, particularly survivors of sexual violence and conflict-affected families. By coordinating with government authorities, law enforcement agencies, and relevant ministries, HURON has helped negotiate legal remedies, case reopening, and formal commitments toward justice while prioritizing the safety and dignity of victims.

Through its integrated approach—combining legal advocacy, strategic litigation, mediation, and public accountability—HURON has established itself as a trusted national actor delivering concrete justice outcomes for victims and strengthening Nepal’s human rights protection framework.

 

Refugee Rights:

HURON has been advocating and lobbying the re-issuance of Refugee Cards for new born refugees and those who entered Nepal after 1989. HURON advocates for the rights of refugees to be assured in Nepal. Also, we have been lobbying for the cases of cultural and social rights which the government restricts in Nepal.

 

Human Rights Education:

For the last three years, HURON District Chapters have been organizing educational programs with special focus on Refugee & Human Rights, Gentleman’s Agreement and The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The target groups of Human Rights Educational Programs are Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and individuals from Civil Societies, Political Party Members, HURON Human Rights Defenders, Youths and other interested participants. The Nepal Police and Armed Police Forces are given special priorities in the bordering districts of China and India. A total of thirty district chapters has delivered this program.

In recent years, HURON has further expanded the geographic reach of its human rights education programs, extending beyond previously covered districts to include remote and hard-to-reach areas such as Dolpa and Humla, as well as districts across Madhesh Province. These programs focused on constitutional rights, human rights standards, civic freedoms, and state accountability, with particular attention to communities facing structural exclusion, limited access to justice, and low institutional presence. By prioritizing remote, marginalized, and underserved populations, HURON ensures that human rights awareness and capacity-building efforts reach citizens most vulnerable to rights violations.

 

Election Monitoring and Observation:

Since our establishment, we have been involved in Election Observation and Monitoring in national and local level. For National Election of 1991, HURON conducted a series of Voters Education Program as part of its Campaign for Human Rights Awareness through a Task Force for Free and Fair Elections (TAFFE), with view to extend cooperation to the Election Commission in ensuring free and fair elections. After 1990, HURON has played an active role, in monitoring and advocating for human rights, organizing demonstrations, seminars and workshops, and producing publications. For the National Elections of 2007 and 2013, we were involved in Election Observation and Monitoring as National Election Observation Council Nepal (NEOC) with 3,000 election observers participating in national level elections. At the 2017 Local, Parliamentary and Federal level elections almost 4,000 Election Observers participated. HURON is co-chair of a Consortium of election campaign in Citizens Campaign for Clean Election (CCCE). HURON sends Election Observation and Monitoring Reports to the Election Commission with detailed information of Election Cycle I.e. Pre-Election, During Election and Post-Election activities. Along with our Methodologies, Major Findings and Conclusions, HURON also sends our Recommendations and Suggestions to the Election Commission for further improvements strengthening in part of the commission. As a part of CCCE, we have organized and promoted healthy election environment and reporting activities that are against the norms as set by Election Commission, making the elections unbiased and transparent. The activities under CCCE were:

· Voter Orientation and Educational Programs

· Provincial and Local Level Discussions

· Television and Radio Programs

· Public Hearings

· Election Observation & Monitoring

· Election Reporting

 

Ø  Recent Election Observation Initiatives:

Building on its long-standing experience in election monitoring, HURON continued its active engagement in safeguarding electoral integrity during the 2081 Local Level By-Elections. In coordination with the Election Commission of Nepal, HURON deployed trained and accredited election observers across 32 districts, covering 44 polling locations, to monitor the electoral process throughout the election cycle. The observation focused on the protection of voters’ rights, transparency of polling procedures, compliance with electoral laws, and the overall fairness of the process. Findings and observations were systematically documented and shared with relevant authorities, reinforcing HURON’s commitment to promoting free, fair, and credible elections as a cornerstone of democratic governance in Nepal.

 

Networking:

HURON also organized numerous districts level-human rights educational programs and dialogues with the Government and Madheshi parties, urging both parties to abstain from use of excessive force during the two phases of Madhesh Aandolan. Since the commencement of Madhesh Aandolan, HURON pressurized the government to deal with the issue in a sensitive manner in order to eliminate the unfolding of dire humanitarian situation. Further, we conducted a series of meetings with Madheshi and government leaders, directly observing and monitoring Madhesh Aandolan and raising voice through numerous Press meets for justice. Various political party members, government officials, representatives of Madhesh movement, members of civil society organizations and concerned stakeholders were addressed in ensuing dialogues for the issue. HURON also voiced concern for unlawful detention of Madeshi activist Mr. C.K.Raut by the state for the solution of Madhesh crisis. In March, 2017, HURON conducted a program in partnership with National Human Rights Commission of Nepal on “How to Find Way Out to Resolve Present Political Deadlock in Nepal or Nikash Kasari” and other such programs which included eco-political commentaries and participation from economists, political leaders, social and political activists and members of civil society organizations. Further, HURON team members presented a paper on Human Rights, Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership. The paper dealt with the issues of inclusive economic growth, distribution and legal issues pertaining to human rights in juxtaposition with sustainable development goals. The paper made recommendations to the Government of Nepal by analyzing the patterns of economic development and factors affecting human rights in development issues. Also, the organization is proactively engaged in movements for witchcraft, gender equality; violence against women, rights of children and minority rights.

 

International Advocacy and Solidarity Actions:

Human Rights Organization of Nepal (HURON) actively engages in international and regional human rights advocacy, recognizing that human rights protection extends beyond national borders and requires solidarity with global democratic and humanitarian efforts. In recent years, HURON has issued formal appeals and public statements concerning serious human rights violations in the region, including appeals related to the human rights situation in Bangladesh, calling for accountability, protection of civilians, and adherence to international human rights norms.

HURON has also consistently raised its voice in support of minority and religious rights, advocating against discrimination, violence, and persecution based on faith or identity. Through public advocacy and engagement with international partners, the organization has highlighted the need for inclusive governance and protection of minority communities in line with international standards.

In addition, HURON maintains active engagement with United Nations agencies, particularly UNHCR, on refugee protection, legal status, and access to basic rights. The organization has participated in regular dialogue and coordination meetings to address legal, administrative, and humanitarian challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Nepal.

HURON further collaborates with international faith-based networks, democracy-focused institutions, and human rights alliances, contributing to cross-border dialogue, information sharing, and coordinated advocacy. Through these international and regional solidarity actions, HURON strengthens its role as a globally connected national human rights organization, committed to universal human rights values, democratic principles, and international cooperation.

 

Institutional Capacity Building Program:

In keeping up with the historical development of Nepal’s administration, we have been conducting capacity building programs for implementation of federalism in Nepal. After the promulgation of Constitution of Nepal, 2015, the success of this constitution rests on the implementation of federalism in Nepal. We have been disseminating information and providing capacity building programs to government officials, the public and members of civil society organizations on the roles, responsibilities and jurisdiction of newly formed local units and newly elected officials in various capacities in different parts of Nepal for strengthening federalism and creating accountability, transparency and good governance. In addition to trainings, we have been conducting public hearings, discussions and putting our legal and moral views on available platforms on this critical issue. Further, we have already established provincial and local branches which will serve to monitor human rights issues in all parts of the countries. In all of 754 local units, we have at least one each representative to monitor, observe and facilitate this process. HURON District Chapters organizes Human Rights Educational Programs in their respective districts with the objective of disseminating knowledge of Human Rights in the country. Till date, 30 district chapters have organized this program. The target groups of Human Rights Educational Programs are Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and members from Civil Societies, Political Party Members, HURON Human Rights Defenders, Youths and other interested participants. The Nepal Police and Armed Police Forces are given special priorities in the bordering districts of China and India. Depending upon the context of Human Rights violations in each corresponding districts, the District Chapters organize Educational Program on Human Rights & Fundamental Rights; Human Rights &Nepalese Law; Human Right in Constitution of Nepal; Refugee Rights ; Gentleman’s Agreement; International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD; International Convent on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR); International Convent on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR); Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment (CAT); Convention on Rights of Child (CRC) and human rights defenders. Till date, HURON has given such human rights education to more than 5000 participants. Notable human rights experts facilitate our programs while district head of police and administration departments and political leaders are invited to chair the programs.

 

Ø  Provincial and Local Level Engagement:

To translate its nationwide presence into meaningful democratic practice, HURON has strengthened province- and local-level democratic dialogue and engagement across Nepal. During recent years, the organization conducted province-specific discussions and consultations in Madhesh Province and Bagmati Province, including programs in Mahottari, Chitwan, and Dhading districts, in close coordination with provincial structures and district chapters. These dialogues brought together local government representatives, political party members, civil society actors, community leaders, and citizens to discuss human rights, democratic governance, accountability, and civic participation in the federal context.

Through these localized engagements, HURON has facilitated inclusive platforms for dialogue between citizens and duty-bearers, promoting peaceful problem-solving, respect for constitutional values, and responsiveness of local institutions. By grounding democratic discourse at the provincial and local levels, HURON ensures that human rights and democratic principles are not only advocated at the national level but are also practiced and reinforced within communities across all regions of Nepal.

 

 

Petitions, Legal Cases & Decisions:

HURON has been involved in numerous cases pertaining to the welfare of Tibetan Refugees filing Habeas Corpus on behalf of unlawful detention of Tibetan in Nepal and other legal cases pertaining to refugees in Nepal.

 

Proposed Bill for Refugee Protection Act in Nepal:

A proposed act for protection of refugees was drafted by HURON, Legal Department of Tribhuwan University, INHURED International, PPR Nepal & Pro Public in 2011. In accordance of Article 83(1) of Interim Constitution of Nepal, the proposal was supposed to be enacted by the parliament of Nepal. The proposed act to be called The Refugee Protection Act still remains unattended by the Government of Nepal.

 

Advocacy and lobbying:

We also have been proactively engaged in promotion and protection of human rights issues in Nepal through legal advocacies and lobbying for civil activism cases like Dr. Govinda K.C, and for anti-corruption movements and good governance with success and relief for people of Nepal.

 

Recently Completed HURON’s Projects:

· Taiwan Foundation for Democracy – Promoting Democracy and Human Rights through Civic Action in Nepal

 

Past projects:

· Taiwan Foundation for Democracy – Capacity Building of Human Rights Defenders in Nepal

· Danish Association International Cooperation – Promotion of Human Rights Activism and Democracy

· Danish Association International Cooperation – Strengthening of Human Rights Activism and Democracy

· U.S. State Department – Population Refugee and Migration

· National Human Rights Commission – Nikash Kasari

 

HURON’s Thematic area of Expertise:

HURON currently has been engaging in the following thematic areas;

·         Impunity and Rule of Law

·         Transitional Justice

·         Human Rights

·         Refugee Rights

·         Deepening and Strengthening Democracy

·         Peace Buildings

·         Election monitoring

 

HURON Modality:

HURON has developed a modality over the years of its activities and experiences in grass root and local level. It conducts Research/study, Networking, Sensitization on regulatory framework, civic campaign, legal aid, legislation drafting, develop training manual and resource materials, capacity building and activities for community development to accumulate knowledge and professional skills for future action and intervention. Plan of intervention or action are mainly implementation work at grass root level of beneficiaries as well as with key stakeholders at policy making level, which are meant to organize the target groups for their own needs. This is the modality of HURON: RESEARCH–ACTION¬ORGANIZATION model.

 

General Assembly:

General Assembly is the highest body in the institutional structure of HURON. Executive Committee, Founders, life and ordinary members as well as honorary members participate the General Assembly. The General Assembly is held every year. The General Assembly formulates and passes policy of HURON, plan of action, audit report, annual budget, amendment in the by law and appointment of auditor.

 

Executive Committee:

HURON has 7 members Executive Committee. The Executive Committee assists program section, executive director, program theme coordinator for formulation of policies and programs, implementation and monitoring. This is the second organizational level of HURON after the General Assembly. Advisory Council is formed to make the functioning of the Executive Committee more effective. The Advisory Council is formed of at least 5 members having expertise on different subject. Executive Director remains under the Executive Committee. From the Executive Committee, Secretary General is designated as Executive Director. The Executive Committee is formed through election. Under the Executive Committee, HURON has Program Theme Coordinators for various themes. The theme coordinators lead the program units namely Impunity and Rule of Law Section; Transitional Justice Section; Human Rights Section; Women Rights Section; Democracy Section; and Peace & Conflict Management Section. Executive Director and Theme Coordinators carry out planning, monitoring, and execution of HURON activities under the directives of the Executive committee. For the management of programs, Account & Administration Section works under the supervision of Executive Director. Prior approval of the Executive Committee is necessary for all these management works.

 

Financial Management of HURON:

 

(a) Financial resources of HURON

Financial resources of HURON are as follows:

1.  Membership fees,
2.  Monthly Levy from Executive body,
3.  Membership renewal fees,
4.  Grants and aids,
5.  Publication sale,
6.  Other miscellaneous resources.

 

(b) Financial System

Bank account of HURON is run in accordance with the provision in the HURON Statute. Chairperson, General Secretary, Treasurer and Programme Coordinator / Director sign the cheque. All financial decisions are made by Finance Committee. Finance Committee is chaired by Treasurer and Chairperson, General Secretary and Programme Coordinator/Director are members. It is obligatory to submit decision of the Finance Committee in the Executive Committee meeting that sits every three months; and the decision of the Executive Committee is submitted to the General Assembly.

(c) Internal Control

HURON has strongly applied the internal financial control system in the organization. Responsibilities and authorities as to various financial transaction and activities are distributed amongst the executives and members in such a way that they can be ensured to have been due and prudent. Many transactions involving amounts of substantial / material effect are authorized jointly by more than one member / personnel of the organization. Transactions of the organization are passed through a process fulfilling minimum required internal control and are duly supported by relevant documents. Activities transactions are cross-checked and cross-verified to ensure their existence, accuracy, prudence etc. HURON has written financial guidelines and all financial control systems are guided accordingly.

(d) Accounting System

All the capital and liabilities of HURON are kept under double entry book keeping system of accounts. Weekly and monthly trial balance of income and expenditure are prepaid and approved by the Finance Committee. General Assembly of HURON appoints registered auditor for the period of one fiscal year. Accounts is audited and report is submitted to the District Administration Office, Social Welfare Council and other relevant authorities. Necessary tax, if applicable, is paid according to the advice of the auditor. Necessary laws and policies have been followed by the organization.

 

Contact Details:

Contact Person: Mr. Indra Prasad Aryal

Designation: President

Mailing Address: G.P.O.Box 5424, Kathmandu, Nepal

Street Address: 171 Sahayogmarga, Anamnagar, Kathmandu

Phone: +977- 9851058368

Email: huron.nepal@gmail.com, info@huronnepal.org

Website: http://www.huronnepal.org