Public Defender Society of Nepal formally launched

With an aim to ensure human right to fair trial through the provision of quality, effective criminal defense services for the poor and vulnerable, Public Defender Society of Nepal (PDS-Nepal) was formally launched on 15^th September. The launching was a gala event participated by luminaries of judicial sector, delegates from International Legal Foundation, New York, lawyers, law students and other well-wishers.

Former Chief Justice of Supreme Court and Former Chairman of National Human Rights Commission Kedar Nath Upadayaya was the Chief Guest of the Program while Rt. Honorable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Gopal Parajuli was the invited as a Special Guest. Other Guests on the launch program included Former Chief Justice Kedar Prasad Giri, Former Chief Justice Ram Prasad Shah, Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha,  Hon. Attorney General Mr. Basantram Bhandari, Former Justice Mohan Prakash Sitaula, Honorable Keshari Raj Pandit Executive Director of National Judicial Academy (NJA), Mr. Kevin Burke from the US Embassy in Kathmandu and Nepal Bar Assosiation President Mr. Sher Bahadur KC. Former High Court Chief Judge , President of PDS-Nepal Mr. Eka Raj Acharya chaired the program.

Similarly, international delegation participating in the launch event were Founder of International Legal Foundation Natalie Rea, Executive Director Jennifer Smith, Program Director Nicole Taylor, Communication Officer Andrew Raiseman, and ILF fellow Liyah Brown.

The program was inaugurated by Chief Justice Rt. Honorable Gopal Parajuli by lighting a lamp. Addressing the program, Chief Justice Parajuli said that he was happy to attend the program that was being attended by luminaries of judicial sectors that included Former Chief Justices under whom he had an opportunity to work with. Praising ILF-Nepal, Chief Justice Parajuli said that ILF's contribution to Nepal's judicial sector was immense and expressed his belief that PDS-Nepal, as a byproduct and a sister organization would continue to work for the poor. Chief Justice Parajuli on the occasion said that an organization like PDS-Nepal is very necessary in the context of Nepal where accused people cannot have meaningful representation in their case in the absence of their lawyers. He hailed PDS-N for working for the needy and poor.

Jennifer Smith, Executive Director of International Legal Foundation said that it was an honor for her to be in Kathmandu to celebrate the establishment of PDS-Nepal. Giving background information about ILF, Executive Director Jennifer Smith said that the ILF is a leading global advocate for the right to counsel for the poor and works in post conflict and transitional countries around the world. She further said that every day around the world, people are being arrested not for what they have done, but for who they are, and for what they believe. She further said that ILF is alarmed by the increasing criminalization of poverty and added that ILF will continue to fight against discrimination by criminal justice system around the world against minorities and vulnerable groups. On a final note, Executive Director Jennifer Smith said that we must take action against global community and that –Being Poor is not a Crime.

Chief Justice Rt. Honorable Gopal Parajuli on the occasion, handed over token of love to Executive Director Jennifer Smith and Founder Natalie Rea. The token of love was handed over on behalf of PDS-N staffs. Executive Director of PDS-Nepal Mr. Ajay Shankar Jha "Rupesh" conducted the inauguration program. Inauguration program was followed by dinner reception which was attended by Chief Guest, Special Guests, dignitaries, lawyers and law students.