The 30th General Meeting of Amnesty International Nepal that was concluded in Dhulikhel Municipality, Kavre on 1 and 2 April 2022 was unlike any other General Meetings held in the past. There was a significant increase in the number of delegates with voting power, especially youth members. This remarkable change occurred due to a specific reform in the organization’s governance that was made possible by a statutory amendment passed through the extraordinary General Meeting held in September 2021.
Through a democratic process of secret ballot, a total of 251 voters representing 77 Groups, 49 Youth Networks and 90 supporter members of Amnesty Nepal exercised their rights to choose the leaders of their choice at the National Board and the Appeals Committee roles for a term of two years.
The mandate for youth in action was reflected in the general meeting. As a result, the National Board is currently led by a 26-year-old youth – Bipin Budhathoki – who not only becomes the youngest chair in the history of Amnesty Nepal but is also the youngest Chair currently in the entire Amnesty movement in the world.
Below here are what these young voters, who exercised their voting right for the first time in Amnesty Nepal’s General Meeting say:
The candidates’ values, and backgrounds. I researched about every candidate in the hope that qualified people will be elected to build a great leading team to fight for human rights. In the election center, the strong presentation by the candidates about their vision encouraged me. There I got a chance to meet many experienced personalities who’ve come a long way to reach where they’re today. Their story of struggle for achieving the milestone made a great impact on me to move forward in a positive way and to contribute something that I can from my level. In the polling center, I read my ballot twice to be sure I had voted for the right people and propositions on my list. I emerged from the polling center with a smile on my face. I felt proud to be voting for the first time in Amnesty International Nepal. I thought of those who fought to provide me this opportunity and thanked them silently. I was anxious to see the result of the election. Like everyone else, I hoped my choices find their way to the national board. I will remember my first time voting with pride, hope, and, most meaningfully, gratitude.
This AGM of AI Nepal was one of the important meetings as it was held to elect a new board. It was also a special moment for us – the youth members representing youth networks – as we were exercising the right to vote, as ensured through the statutory amendment in September 2021, for the first time in the history of AI Nepal. Talking about the experience, it was really an amazing moment. Meanwhile, we also experienced a bit of a dilemma in our head with regard to who we choose as our leaders who would act responsibly and deliver keeping in mind the best interests of the organization. Nonetheless, we were happy to exercise our franchise, and our sincere thanks are due to those who fought for this and convinced the entire Amnesty movement in Nepal to bring young people to the equal footing.
As being the First Time Voter, I felt like I have become part of a Historic day of Amnesty International Nepal. I was very much aware that my status as a “VOTER” there was secured through a very long and hard fight. What was more pleasing for me was that I was exercising that right. While casting my vote, I felt a sense of “belongingness”. I felt that I belonged to Amnesty Nepal and that my voice, and opinion was not only going to be heard but also making a difference.
As I am a very fresh member of this organization, I was unknown about the organization. I feel very lucky to get the opportunity to attend this AGM as soon as I became a member of it. I was nervous at the same time. I was worried about how the other people would respond to and if I would feel safe or not. And I was wondering how I was going to adjust in that place. But I was surprised to experience the love of all the members. As I was a very young member in comparison to others, none of the members from other youth networks and groups behaved like strangers. They were so familiar and behaved as if we all had met before. I was happy to be around them. The staff of the Secretarait felt very welcoming and caring. They took good care of us. Apart from the friendships and personal stuffs, I alsogot a very good knowledge about Amnesty International and its objectives. I learnt many things from this AGM. I feel proud to be one of the voters and elect the capable candidates who will take Amnesty International Nepal to next level. I would just like to thank my coordinator for providing me this opportunity. It was a great and unforgettable experience.
The 30th General Meeting was the beginning of a new journey for the youth members of Amnesty in Nepal. Many young members of the movement were present as voters from different youth networks. As a first time voter myself, I got to experience the thrill of the voting procedure and the result announcement. It was exciting to see young people take on the leadership roles for the next two years. I was very lucky to have witnessed and been part of the change process in AI Nepal through this AGM.
Attending 30th General Meeting not only made me go and attend the program but also made me realize the importance of decision-making capabilities. Voting for the first time was an amazing moment for me with a feeling of constraint. The General Meeting was conducted with a well-maintained schedule which made each participant enjoy the content more. Despite the restriction of time frames, the program was completed in the allocated time, this was the best part of the program.
While the politics, influence and manipulation by respective parties was something that I hadn’t expected as a part of an organization like Amnesty International, I would tell that the organization did a great job by giving youth the place they deserve and opening the doors towards welcoming new ideas and creativity from the youths. Overall, the expectations were met and I got a feeling of worthiness as a youth representative.
First of all, I would like to thank AI Nepal for letting the youth representatives to participate in the AGM for the first time. We all know that although the Youth Networks are also an integral part of AI Nepal, they were not allowed to participate in the previous AGMs. Giving voting rights to youth delegates in this AGM was a sensible path chosen by the AI Nepal leadership. It served as a huge opportunity for us and provided a great experience. We were really able to choose diligent, energetic and passionate youth leaders for this tenure democratically and we are very pleased at that. Youths come with new ideas, opinions and visions and have power to change the society. So we’re pretty sure that the newly elected board will do its best to fight for the critical human right issues and bring change in society.
It was a great and remarkable experience for me to participate in 30th AGM of Amnesty International Nepal. It was a great opportunity to me, including all the youths, to explore oneself and be independent to take own decision in order to choose a leader. We did it. The environment during those couple of days were extraordinary. And yes, I really enjoyed all those moments. Similarly, I got to know many information about Amnesty Nepal’s General Meeting processes, and it was a pleasure meeting all members, volunteers, staff and the former Chairs. Getting this opportunity to attend and contribute to a very big event of Amnesty Nepal for a young member like me was something that was possible due to the the recent changes in the governance of Amnesty International Nepal, and I feel indebted to all those who made “the impossible” until few years ago possible. Thank you for the opportunity!!!
“It was awesome to be a part of such an interactive program.”
— Simran Kumari Nath, UCMS Youth Network
The inclusion and equal participation of youth members and individual members of Amnesty Nepal in the General Meeting has not only further liberalized and democratized the governance of Amnesty Nepal but is also expected to charter a clear, robust and focused human rights direction in the days to come.