1. Organizational Identity
The Human Rights and Rural Environment Protection Centre (HUREC Nepal) is a non-governmental, non-profit, and non-political organization established in 2009 in Surkhet, Karnali Province. Since its inception, HUREC has positioned itself as a credible and community-rooted institution dedicated to advancing human rights, social justice, peacebuilding, environmental protection, and youth empowerment across Nepal. Its work combines local knowledge with nationally recognized frameworks, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and acted upon in both local and national platforms.
HUREC Nepal envisions a just, democratic, and peaceful society where human rights are universally respected, the natural environment is preserved, and communities — especially youth and children — are empowered to lead pathways of sustainable development.
The mission of HUREC Nepal is to promote human rights, democracy, peacebuilding, social justice, and environmental protection through advocacy, awareness, and capacity-building initiatives in rural communities of Nepal. The organization translates this mission into action by mobilizing youth networks, strengthening grassroots institutions, and building resilience among vulnerable populations.
HUREC Nepal operates with an unwavering commitment to:
- Human dignity and justice, ensuring fairness and equality in all actions;
- Peace and non-violence, fostering dialogue and reconciliation at the community level;
- Child protection and safeguarding, upholding the rights and safety of children in all activities;
- Community participation and empowerment, placing local voices at the center of decision-making;
- Environmental sustainability and climate resilience, integrating ecological consciousness into every program.
HUREC Nepal is formally registered with the District Administration Office, Surkhet (Reg. No. 508/2009) and affiliated with the Social Welfare Council, Kathmandu (Reg. No. 28013/2009). The organization holds a valid VAT registration (No. 303947619) and is an active member of the NGO Federation Nepal (Reg. No. 105 MWR). It is also affiliated with the Ministry of Home, Drug Addiction Control Section (Affiliation No. 195/2011). HUREC is a recognized member of the Association of Youth Organization Nepal (AYON) and the CMDRR Forum Nepal, and is officially registered with the Mediation Council of Nepal as a training provider.
2. Strategic Focus & Thematic Areas
Since its establishment, HUREC Nepal has positioned itself as a community-rooted organization with a multidimensional approach to rights, justice, peace, environment, and youth empowerment. Guided by its mission, HUREC’s programs are structured around five interlinked thematic areas, each reinforcing the organization’s vision of a just, democratic, and sustainable society.
At the heart of HUREC Nepal’s work is the promotion of fundamental human rights and democratic values. The organization has pioneered grassroots awareness campaigns and rights-based education programs that empower rural citizens to understand and claim their rights. Through innovative platforms such as the widely recognized radio program “मेरो आवाज मेरो अधिकार” (My Voice, My Rights), HUREC has extended civic education to remote communities, ensuring that voices often excluded from mainstream discourse are heard and respected.
HUREC Nepal has been at the forefront of safeguarding the rights of children and addressing some of the most pressing challenges affecting them, including child marriage, trafficking, child labor, and exploitation. Beyond awareness campaigns, the organization has invested in practical solutions such as the formation of community-based child networks like the Lali Gurans Child Network. These structures empower children to monitor violations and advocate for their own rights, while training sessions equip community leaders and families to create safe environments for every child.
Peacebuilding and Social Justice
Recognizing the need for peace and reconciliation at the grassroots level, HUREC Nepal promotes civic dialogue and democratic participation as tools for social transformation. The organization has facilitated community dialogues, civic education workshops, and local mediation efforts that reduce conflict and strengthen social cohesion. Its affiliation with the Mediation Council of Nepal underscores its credibility in offering mediation services, while its peacebuilding initiatives provide vulnerable groups with pathways to resolve disputes non-violently.
Environment and Climate Change
HUREC Nepal is equally committed to addressing the urgent environmental challenges facing Nepal. The organization raises awareness about sustainable rural environmental practices and the long-term impacts of climate change on livelihoods. Its advocacy campaigns emphasize both environmental protection and climate resilience, helping rural communities integrate sustainable practices into their daily lives. In doing so, HUREC not only addresses immediate concerns but also builds resilience for future generations.
HUREC Nepal believes that young people are both agents of change and the foundation of a sustainable future. The organization invests heavily in building the leadership, skills, and capacities of youth through workshops, campaigns, and mobilization programs. Whether leading environmental campaigns, participating in peace dialogues, or championing human rights causes, youth engaged by HUREC serve as catalysts for lasting transformation. By creating opportunities for meaningful participation, HUREC ensures that the energy and creativity of young people become a driving force for democracy and development.
3. Target Groups & Geographic Coverage
HUREC Nepal works primarily with marginalized, rural, and underserved populations, ensuring that the most vulnerable voices are represented in Nepal’s development and rights-based discourse. The organization’s interventions are designed to reach those communities that are often excluded from mainstream opportunities and services, with a particular emphasis on children, youth, women, and disadvantaged groups.
Children and young people form the heart of HUREC Nepal’s programming. By building child networks, leading awareness campaigns, and providing training opportunities, HUREC ensures that children and youth not only benefit from protection and education initiatives but also take on active leadership roles. The organization has created safe spaces where young people can engage in democratic dialogue, advocate for their rights, and become catalysts for community transformation.
Women and Vulnerable Populations
Recognizing the systemic barriers faced by women and socially excluded groups, HUREC Nepal integrates gender equality and inclusion into all its thematic areas. Programs on social justice, peacebuilding, and environment actively engage women as decision-makers and beneficiaries, while targeted interventions seek to reduce gender-based violence, child marriage, and exploitation.
Rural and Marginalized Communities
HUREC Nepal’s primary geographic focus is the Karnali Province, one of Nepal’s most remote and resource-constrained regions. Headquartered in Surkhet, the organization has deep community linkages across rural municipalities and villages. Through its partnerships, outreach networks, and media programs, HUREC’s work extends beyond Karnali to neighboring provinces, ensuring that even geographically isolated communities benefit from advocacy and awareness initiatives.
In addition to direct interventions, HUREC leverages media platforms — particularly community radio — to expand its outreach. Programs like “मेरो आवाज मेरो अधिकार” (My Voice, My Rights) and “हामी युवा” (We Youth) have enabled the organization to reach thousands of listeners across multiple districts, creating an informed citizen base that is more aware of human rights, democracy, and social justice issues.
4. Program Portfolio & Major Achievements
Over the past fifteen years, HUREC Nepal has demonstrated its ability to design, implement, and sustain impactful programs that combine advocacy with community-based action. Its portfolio reflects both breadth and depth—ranging from human rights education to youth leadership and environmental resilience. Through this integrated approach, HUREC has become a trusted actor in Nepal’s development and rights landscape.
Human Rights and Democracy in Action
HUREC’s flagship intervention in this domain is the community radio program “मेरो आवाज मेरो अधिकार” (My Voice, My Rights). Broadcast across Surkhet and neighboring districts, the program has raised awareness of civic rights, democratic values, and social justice issues for thousands of listeners. This innovative use of media has helped bridge information gaps in remote communities, ensuring that even those in isolated villages gain access to vital civic knowledge.
Child Rights and Protection Achievements
In Surkhet’s Ratu village, HUREC organized an intensive child rights awareness training that directly benefited 35 children. This initiative led to the creation of a village-level child network, which continues to monitor and report violations at the community level. The establishment of such grassroots structures has proven to be a sustainable and replicable model for child protection in other regions.
Peacebuilding and Social Justice
HUREC has successfully promoted community dialogue and reconciliation, embedding principles of non-violence and inclusivity into local governance. Its mediation and civic education programs have not only resolved disputes at the grassroots level but have also strengthened community resilience against conflict. These achievements underline HUREC’s role as a credible peacebuilder in Nepal’s rural settings.
Environmental and Climate Advocacy
Through targeted campaigns, HUREC has raised public awareness of environmental degradation and the risks of climate change. By working directly with rural households, the organization has promoted sustainable practices that reduce vulnerability and build long-term ecological resilience. These initiatives demonstrate HUREC’s ability to link environmental protection with social development in a context-sensitive manner.
Youth Engagement and Empowerment
HUREC’s longstanding commitment to young people is reflected in programs such as the Youth Partnership Program with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the SAFE (Social Awareness for Empowerment) Program, and the youth-focused radio broadcast “हामी युवा” (We Youth) conducted in collaboration with OSI and HimRights Nepal. These initiatives have nurtured a generation of young leaders who are active in promoting peace, democracy, and environmental protection in their communities.
5. Experience in Youth Mobilization
Youth have always been at the center of HUREC Nepal’s vision for a just and sustainable society. From its earliest programs, the organization recognized that young people are not only beneficiaries but also agents of change. Over the years, HUREC has developed an extensive portfolio of youth-focused programs, combining information, empowerment, advocacy, and leadership-building initiatives.
Information and Counseling for Youth
HUREC Nepal established an Information and Counseling Centre for Youth that serves as a hub for knowledge, guidance, and engagement. This platform provides young people with resources on education, employment, rights, and leadership, helping them make informed decisions and connect with broader networks.
In partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, HUREC launched the Youth Partnership Program, which provided structured opportunities for youth to engage in civic life. The program trained young leaders in advocacy, leadership, and rights, creating a pipeline of youth activists and community leaders who now contribute at both local and national levels.
HUREC Nepal collaborated with the Open Society Institute (OSI) and HimRights Nepal to produce and broadcast the radio program “हामी युवा” (We Youth). The program became a dynamic platform for young people to voice their concerns, share ideas, and advocate for policy changes. It also amplified youth voices to thousands of listeners across rural Nepal, creating a generation that is more informed and vocal about rights, democracy, and social justice.
In collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Association of Youth Organizations Nepal (AYON), HUREC mobilized youth to monitor international and national policy frameworks, including the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY), and Nepal’s National Youth Policy (NYP). This engagement not only enhanced policy literacy among youth but also ensured accountability in policy implementation.
The Social Awareness for Empowerment (SAFE) Program was another milestone initiative designed to strengthen youth participation. By addressing issues of social inclusion, empowerment, and rights awareness, SAFE built confidence and capacity among youth to lead in their communities and advocate for social transformation.
6. Governance & Leadership
HUREC Nepal is governed by a robust and accountable leadership structure that ensures transparency, community ownership, and strategic direction. The organization is led by a General Assembly, which is the highest decision-making body, and an Executive Committee that provides oversight and guidance on policy, strategy, and program implementation.
At the forefront of HUREC’s governance is Mr. Ganesh Wali, the Chairperson, who has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s vision and expanding its credibility. Under his leadership, HUREC has strengthened its reputation as a rights-based organization committed to social justice, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment. His deep community roots and advocacy for inclusive governance have anchored HUREC’s growth in both local and national networks.
The Executive Committee is comprised of committed representatives from diverse backgrounds who bring expertise in human rights, community development, child protection, environmental advocacy, and mediation. This diversity ensures that decisions are inclusive and aligned with the needs of the communities HUREC serves. The committee is responsible for setting strategic priorities, approving annual work plans, and overseeing compliance with legal and financial standards.
Volunteers and Community Networks
Beyond its formal leadership structures, HUREC relies on a vibrant network of volunteers, youth leaders, and child clubs who extend the organization’s reach into rural communities. These networks act as the bridge between HUREC’s central leadership and grassroots realities, ensuring that programs remain participatory and locally owned.
Accountability and Transparency
HUREC Nepal operates with a strong emphasis on accountability. Regular audits, compliance with national regulations, and active reporting to the Social Welfare Council and other oversight bodies guarantee financial integrity and programmatic credibility. In addition, participatory monitoring practices and community feedback mechanisms allow beneficiaries to influence decision-making and program design.
7. Partnerships & Collaboration
HUREC Nepal recognizes that sustainable impact cannot be achieved in isolation. Its success has been built on a foundation of strategic partnerships and collaborative networks that amplify reach, enhance credibility, and align local actions with national and international agendas.
Collaboration with Local Governments and Communities
At the grassroots level, HUREC works closely with municipalities, rural councils, and community-based organizations (CBOs). These partnerships ensure that interventions are aligned with local priorities, embedded within community structures, and sustained beyond project timelines. Through joint initiatives, HUREC has supported inclusive planning, child protection committees, and peace dialogues that foster ownership at the community level.
National Networks and Civil Society Alliances
HUREC is an active member of several national networks and forums, including the Association of Youth Organizations Nepal (AYON), the NGO Federation Nepal, and the Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction (CMDRR) Forum. These affiliations strengthen advocacy campaigns, provide access to policy dialogues, and amplify grassroots voices within national decision-making spaces.
Recognizing the transformative role of media in shaping public opinion, HUREC collaborates with local radio stations and media outlets to disseminate information on human rights, democracy, child protection, and environmental issues. Programs such as “मेरो आवाज मेरो अधिकार” and “हामी युवा” have been possible only through sustained partnerships with broadcast platforms that connect remote audiences with critical awareness campaigns.
Collaboration with International and Development Partners
HUREC Nepal has also worked in collaboration with respected development partners, including the Open Society Institute (OSI), HimRights Nepal, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). These collaborations have enhanced program quality, brought technical expertise, and enabled the scaling of initiatives such as youth empowerment programs, policy monitoring, and rights-based education.
8. Organizational Capacity & Systems
Over the years, HUREC Nepal has built strong internal systems that enable it to deliver complex programs with efficiency, transparency, and accountability. The organization combines its grassroots legitimacy with professional management standards, ensuring that it remains a trusted partner for donors, governments, and communities alike.
HUREC follows a structured project cycle management (PCM) approach, from needs assessment and program design to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. Programs are designed collaboratively with community stakeholders to ensure ownership and sustainability. Field coordinators, supported by thematic experts, provide technical guidance to ensure quality implementation.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)
The organization has developed a MEAL framework that integrates both quantitative and qualitative monitoring tools. Regular field visits, beneficiary feedback mechanisms, and participatory reviews are used to track progress and adapt programming. HUREC places a strong emphasis on accountability to communities through open dialogue forums, complaint-handling mechanisms, and transparent reporting practices.
Financial Management and Compliance
HUREC Nepal maintains strict financial protocols in line with government and donor requirements. The organization undergoes regular external audits and submits reports to the Social Welfare Council and other relevant authorities. Its finance team follows standardized accounting practices, ensuring accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and integrity in fund utilization.
Policies and Safeguarding Measures
To uphold the highest standards of ethics and protection, HUREC has adopted key institutional policies, including:
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy
- Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers
- Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy
- Conflict of Interest Policy
These policies are not only enforced internally but are also integrated into partner agreements, ensuring that the organization and its networks adhere to the same standards of protection and accountability.
9. Sustainability & Community Ownership
HUREC Nepal firmly believes that true development is only possible when communities take ownership of both the process and the outcomes. For this reason, sustainability and community leadership are embedded into the design and implementation of every program.
From planning to execution, HUREC ensures that beneficiaries are active stakeholders, not passive recipients. Village-level consultations, participatory needs assessments, and community dialogues are systematically conducted before launching interventions. This participatory approach allows programs to respond to real needs and encourages long-term ownership.
Institutionalizing Local Structures
HUREC places strong emphasis on strengthening community institutions such as child networks, youth clubs, and peace committees. These structures remain functional long after project completion, ensuring that awareness and advocacy efforts are continuously carried forward at the grassroots level.
Partnership with Local Governments
To align with Nepal’s federal governance system, HUREC collaborates with municipalities and rural councils in program planning and execution. By integrating its initiatives into local government action plans, the organization guarantees continuity, policy relevance, and institutional support.
Capacity Building and Leadership Development
HUREC invests in developing the capacities of local leaders, teachers, youth, and women’s groups so that they become agents of change within their own communities. This leadership development ensures that program outcomes are not donor-dependent but rather sustained by local initiative and accountability.
Environmental and Financial Sustainability
By integrating environmental awareness into all projects, HUREC promotes practices that preserve natural resources while reducing vulnerability to climate change. At the same time, efficient financial systems and transparent practices attract continued donor confidence, ensuring that the organization remains resilient and adaptive.