In collaboration with the Center for Security and Justice, Niti Foundation convened a half-day workshop on “Democratic Policing: Basis of Institutional Reform” on 26 September 2023. The workshop brought together political party leaders, civil society and human rights activists, lawyers, former and current senior police officers from both Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, former and current bureaucrats from relevant ministries and agencies, media professionals, and experts to discuss the need for police reform based on democratic principles such as transparency, fairness, accountability, responsiveness, human rights, and the rule of law.
Supreme Court Justice Hon. Hari Prasad Phuyal delivered the workshop’s keynote address, emphasizing the importance of police functional autonomy, advancing institutional reforms, and establishing effective complaint-handling mechanisms within police organizations. Additionally, Hon. Ramhari Khatiwada, President of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, praised the workshop initiative and expressed support for future collaboration to refine the draft Police Bill and improve policing services.
The workshop concluded with consensus among participants on the need for continued dialogue through smaller focus group discussions and further engagement with Parliament, specifically the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, the Home Ministry, and Nepal Police.
