CZOP Opposes Draft Association Act, Citing Threat to Rights and Freedoms

Kathmandu — The draft bill on the Association and Organization Act, 2082 has curtailed the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including the freedom to establish associations and organizations, according to the National Campaign for Child Peace Zones (CZOP), which has expressed serious objection.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has brought the draft — prepared by integrating the National Directive Act, 2018, the Institution Registration Act, 2034, and the Social Welfare Act, 2049 — for public feedback. In this context, CZOP issued a press release on Friday raising its concerns.

The statement reads:

"The freedom to establish associations and organizations guaranteed under Article 17(2)(d) of the Constitution, and other fundamental rights, are being unfairly curtailed. The provisions are more controlling than regulatory in nature, which adversely affect civil rights, child rights, the freedom to operate associations, and democratic practices."

CZOP further stated that civil organizations, with the government’s collaboration and approval, have been contributing for a long time in areas ranging from child rights, human rights, and women’s rights to physical infrastructure development, but the draft undermines these contributions.

Similarly, CZOP believes that the proposed bill would weaken civic space, go against the spirit of federalism, and create unnecessary administrative hassles. Instead of facilitating and empowering institutions, the draft aims at controlling them, thereby attacking civil liberties, inclusivity, and transparency, the statement added.

CZOP has demanded that the concerned stakeholders hold broad consultations to make the bill friendly toward associations and organizations, respect fundamental rights and freedoms, and create an implementable environment with children and child rights at the center.