Advocacy

BVS-Nepal is working collaboratively with Forum for Women Law and Development (FWLD) to advocate for changes in the law as it relates to burns violence. Nepal’s new constitution abolishes all forms of discrimination which are gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, color, creed or faith-based and enshrines the right to the physical and mental wellbeing of its citizens. Nonetheless, given Nepal’s complex social structure, physical abuse of women and children continues to take place. The majority of burns violence is perpetrated by a family member, neighbour or guardian for reasons including dowry demands, inability to provide a male heir, allegations of witchcraft or an extramarital affair. Our Organizations are filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) at the Supreme Court. Current legislation is inadequate and yet this issue has the far-reaching impact on a major constituency in Nepal and as a consequence reaches the threshold that enables the PIL to be filed. With the co-operation of public service providers and other stakeholders, legislation relating to burns violence is being enforced to ensure there is justice for the survivor and public attention is drawn to the issue. Efforts are also made to ensure all survivors are aware of their basic rights.