FOREWORD Nepal has undergone significant changes over the past years in political, social and economic environment. Particularly, transformation from the situation of armed conflict to gradual peace process has given new hope and renewed aspiration to Nepalese people. In order to respond the current need of human rights in changed context of the country, NHRC has decided to formulate new strategic plan for the next three years, i.e. from the year 2008 to 2010. Naturally, planning initiatives have to respond to the changed ethos and aspiration of the people to ensure them more dignified and qualitative life. Further, this entails to equip them with all attributes of human rights enshrined in various international human rights treaties. The National Human Rights Commission has prepared this plan taking the above mentioned perspective into consideration. This is the first strategic plan prepared by the commission after the NHRC has been elevated to an independent constitutional body from previous statutory status. It is, therefore, the present plan has to integrate the human right aspects of the directive principles of the interim constitution within its fold. However, its success depends upon effective implementation in which case, the commission will obviously feel that its goal is accomplished. As the chairperson of the Commission, I feel very much obliged to all our stakeholders for their cooperation and support in the planning process and request them to extend their cooperation in fulfilling NHRC's future endeavors. I would be pleased to welcome their suggestion at any stage of its execution. Along with the planning department which had been specifically engaged, I am equally thankful for cooperation received from my colleagues, heads of departments and all the staff members. Their comments and concerted efforts were helpful in trimming this document and brining it into a proper shape. NHRC is facing new challenges in the ensuing post-conflict situation. With the completion of the Constituent Assembly election, several issues linked with human rights have to be tackled with skill and prudence. At the first stage, we would have to be engaged in enormous task of building pressure for human rights friendly constitution. We would also have to be equally assured of the judicial independence, rule of law and ideals pertaining to equality and justice. The Commission has engrafted into the present strategic plan abundant scope for such initiatives. Our path may be somewhat difficult and our task may be exhaustive in relation to our available resources but we have every hope that we will overcome them one by one with the support and solidarity of all and particularly from human rights community in the days to come. Kedar Nath Upadhyay Chairperson 4