Press Release
Labour rights as human rights: A step forward in strengthening labour rights protection in Nepal
The ILO Nepal and the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal (NHRCN) have agreed to collaborate in promoting fundamental labour rights in Nepal. The five-year partnership aims to strengthen labour rights through fair employment, migrant worker protection, and labour standards enforcement, with a focus on monitoring, capacity building, and research.
26 March 2025
KATHMANDU, Nepal (ILO News)- Labour rights are fundamental human rights, ensuring dignity, equality, and protection for all workers. Upholding these rights is essential for fostering inclusive economic growth, reducing inequality, and safeguarding the well-being of workers, particularly those in vulnerable sectors such as migrant labour. In line with this commitment, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal (NHRCN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in promoting and protecting fundamental labour rights in Nepal.
The MoU, signed by Numan Özcan, Country Director of the ILO Country Office for Nepal and Mr. Murari Prasad Kharel, Secretary of NHRCN, marks a significant step towards ensuring decent work and social justice.
Recognizing the intrinsic link between labour rights and human rights, the agreement aims to advance the objectives and principles enshrined in international labour conventions and recommendations. The collaboration will focus on promoting fair and inclusive employment practices, ensuring the protection of migrant workers, and strengthening national mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing labour standards.
Key Areas of Cooperation:
Capacity Building: Enhancing NHRCN’s ability to monitor and investigate labour rights violations under national laws and ILO conventions.
Labour Rights Promotion: Developing programmes to support human rights defenders, civil society organizations, and stakeholders in advancing labour rights and gender equality.
Programme Implementation: Implementing activities that reinforce fundamental labour rights enforcement in Nepal.
Protection of Migrant Workers: Strengthening cooperation with national human rights institutions in key destination countries to safeguard the rights of Nepali migrant workers.
Research and Monitoring: Conducting studies on labour and migrant workers' rights and monitoring compliance with fundamental labour rights.
Under the MoU, the ILO and NHRC will collaborate closely to ensure the effective implementation of the agreed programmes and initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Murari Prasad Kharel emphasized the NHRCN’s commitment to strengthening the protection of labour rights as a fundamental aspect of human rights. He stated, "Thank you, ILO, for being a formal partner of NHRC. We will be collaborating in the future on new dimensions of human rights, labour rights, and the rights of migrant workers.”
Mr. Numan Özcan, ILO Nepal Country Director, highlighted the importance of the agreement in advancing Nepal’s commitment to international labour standards. He said, "This is more than just a piece of paper. It’s a commitment to work together to protect the rights of workers, and to make sure labour rights are seen and treated as human rights. Because they are. When people are denied fair wages, when they are forced to work in unsafe conditions, when their voices are silenced – that’s not just a labour issue. That’s a human rights issue. This agreement allows us to make sure that violations are not ignored. That they’re monitored, documented, and addressed."
In his closing remarks, Hon'ble Chairperson of NHRC, Top Bahadur Magar, emphasized that the primary objective of this MoU is to promote and implement fundamental labour rights. He highlighted that Article 34 of Nepal’s Constitution guarantees every worker the right to fair labour practices, dignity, fair treatment, and social security, reinforcing the shared commitment of NHRC and ILO in these areas of collaboration.
The MoU will remain in effect for five years from the date of signing. This initiative reflects the shared vision of NHRCN and the ILO in fostering sustained economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
For more information, please contact:
Nistha Rayamajhi
Communications Officer