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Activities and Achievements of the Year 2008

1) TALK/INTERACTION/WORKSHOP PROGRAMS

• Talk Program Addressed by Ambassador of Israel: His Excellency Dan Stav, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal, addressed the talk program at KSL on 10 July 2008. The talk program aimed at acquainting students and teachers of KSL with the political situation of Israel and its diplomatic relation with Nepal. The program shared information and experience of two countries in relation to political and historical context and conflict transformation.
  
• Talk Programme on How Law Can Support Development: KSL organized a talk programme on ‘How law can support development’ on 28th April 2008. Mr. Mark S. Ward, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia, USAID addressed the program. Mr. Ward owes principal responsibility for the aid programmes in South, Central and East Asia.
  
• Interaction Program on case of Dolma Sherpa: An interaction program was conducted at KSL on 17 Feb, 2008 on the decision of the Kuwaiti court to give death penalty to Ms. Dolma Sherpa, a Nepali citizen incarcerated in Kuwait. Mr. Udaya Raj Pandey, Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula, Executive Director, KSL were present as guest speakers for the program. The programme identified the need of the review of the fair trial procedure being applied in Dolma’s case.
  
• Interaction on Religious Tolerance: Dr. Moshe Halbertal, Professor of Law and Jews Philosophy, Hebrew University, Israel addressed the interaction programme on ‘Religious Tolerance: Its Dimensions and Linkage with Political Context’ at KSL on 22 April 2008. KSL Law Students Society organized the programme in collaboration with Embassy of Israel. Law students and teaching faculty participated in the interaction. During the program Prof. Halbertal addressed queries and issues raised by the participants. The interaction related several issues of conflict of Israel with armed conflict of Nepal.
  
• Interaction with Police Officers in Relation to Reform of Criminal Justice System: 28 police officers from National Police Academy visited Kathmandu School of Law on 31 July, 2008 with a view to interact on “Issues of Prospective Reforms of Criminal Justice System.” As participants of on-going training in National Police Academy, they wanted to deepen the dialogue on the issue with academics. The interaction was facilitated by Prof. Madhav Pd. Acharya, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula, Assoc. Prof. Geeta Pathak Sangroula and Asst. Prof. Ganesh Bhattarai.
  
• Interaction Program on Copyright Entitlement of Students: In light of the Higher Secondary Education Council’s decision to publish a book for students of Higher Secondary level compiling the answer sheets of the students who scored highest in the exam, an interaction program was conducted at KSL entitled Copyright Entitlement of the Students. The program discussed the issues from the perspective of intellectual property rights. Mr. Janmajaya Regmi, Registrar of Copyright Office graced as the Chief Guest. Similarly, Mr. Randip, Basnet Section Officer District Education Office, Bhaktapur and Mr. Chandra Thapa, School Inspector DEO, Bhaktapur were invited as guests at the programme.
  
• Workshop on International Humanitarian Law: KSL in joint collaboration with International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Faculty of Law, Tribhuvan University organized two-day workshop on International Humanitarian Law on 4-5 September, 2008. The program aimed to provide extensive training to the law professors. During the program basic principles of International Humanitarian Law, differentiation between international armed conflict and non-international armed conflict, means and methods of warfare, legal consequences of attack on civilian object, importance of International Criminal Court statute, and state obligation in implementation with special reference to Nepal were discussed.
  

2) KSL PARTICIPATION

• Kathmandu School of Law bagged Overall Academic Excellence Award: Mr. Barun Ghimire, student of LL.B. 4th year, won two awards in “9th Human Rights Summer School”, held from 17-27 December, 2008 at Koitta, Manikgong, Bangladesh. Out of 48 participants from 13 law schools of 4 countries (Bangladesh, India, Iran and Nepal), Mr. Ghimire bagged “Prof. K.A.A Quamruddin Memorial Best Fellowship Trophy” and “Overall Academic Excellence Award”, awarded on behalf of Mofid University, Iran. Students of KSL participated in the program for the third time. The theme of the program this year was “Human Rights after 60 years of the UDHR”.
  
• Participation in South Asian Teaching Sessions on IHL: Asst. Prof. Bishma Prasad Sangroula participated in the 12th South Asian Teaching Sessions on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) held from 16-23 April 2008 in Hyderabad, India. The programme was organized jointly by ICRC and NALSAR University, Hyderabad. 40 participants from nine countries had taken part in the programme. Mr. Sangroula made country presentation on The Situation of Humanitarian Law in Nepal. He was accompanied by representatives from Nepal Army, Nepal Armed Police Force, and National Human Rights Commission.
  
• Students participation in Asian Post Graduate Course on Victimology and Victim Assistance: Students of KSL Ms. Jooni Khadka, Mr. John Karki and Mr. Biswojit Khadka, participated in the 8th Asian Post Graduate course on Victimology and Victim Assistance held in Tokiwa University, Japan from 27th July to 9th August, 2008. The course was conducted in collaboration of World Society of Victimology (WSV) and Tokiwa International Victimology Institute (TIVI). The participants were from 7 countries namely Nepal, Japan, India, China, Srilanka, Cambodia and the United States. The main objective of the program was to provide knowledge about victimology from the diverse spectrum. Students of KSL were also awarded with the Diploma certificate on Victimology.
  
• Participation in Summer Course of Public International Law: Student of KSL Ms. Puspa Pokharel participated in Summer Course of Public International Law held in The Hague, Netherlands from 28th July to 15th Aug, 2008. The course was conducted by The Hague Academy of International Law. There were 340 participants from 90 countries. The main objective of the course was to enhance participants with in depth knowledge and understanding on Public International Law basically focusing on challenges of developing countries in international arena.

3) MOOT COURT COMPETITION

• KSL Qualified for 13th Annual International Environmental Moot Court Competition: KSL has been qualified to compete in the International Final Round of Thirteenth Annual International Environmental Moot Court Competition to be held in Stetson University College of Law, Florida, USA. A team of students comprising Mr. Apurba Khatiwada, Mr. Barun Ghimire and Mr. Sudip Pokharel competed against 19 other law Schools in the qualifying round organized jointly by Surana and Surana International and Madras University, Department of Legal Studies, in Chennai India from October 17-19 and remained unbeaten in its preliminary rounds. Further, KSL also bagged Spirit of Surana Award (Overall Excellence Award) after the team’s display of “higher standards and ideals in mooting symbolized by holistic excellence in camaraderie and performance, excellence of intellect and astuteness in argumentation, spirited and healthy competition, team solidarity, and goodwill and harmony with other teams.”
  
• KSL participation in Regional Moot Court Competition: A team of students from KSL participated in the 8th Henry Dunant Memorial Moot Court Competition organized in New Delhi from 17-19 October by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Indian Society of International Law. Students from six countries viz. Bangladesh, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan and Srilanka had participated in the programme. Students of KSL- Aruna Joshi of LL.B 4th year, Avishek Gazmere of LL.B 3rd year and Rojina Thapa of LL.B 3rd year represented Nepal in the Competition.
  
• National Round on 4th Henry Dunant Memorial Moot Court Competition: KSL and ICRC organized National Round on 4th Henry Dunant Memorial Moot Court Competition on 26th Sept 2008. The competition was held to select the participants to represent Nepal in Henry Dunant Memorial Regional Moot Court Competition to be held in New Delhi from 17th -19th Oct 2008, going to be jointly organized by Indian Society of International Law (ISIL) and ICRC Delhi. The panel of judges comprised Christopher Harland, Regional Advisor, ICRC; Bijan Farnoudi, Communication Dlegates, ICRC, Nepal; Krishna Chalise, Communication Officer, ICRC, Nepal; Kedar Paudel, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice; Hon’ble Dr. Ananda Mohan Bhattarai, Judge Appellate Court, Karna Bahadur Thapa, Teaching Faculty, Nepal Law Campus; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula, KSL. The team of Rojina Thapa, Aruna Joshi and Avishek Gazmere won the competition and got selected for the Henry Dunant Memorial Regional Moot Court Competition.

4) SPEECH AND DEBATE COMPETITION

• Inter College Speech and Essay Competition: KSL organized Inter College Speech and Essay Competition on 12th August, 2008 aimed at educating and inspiring youth towards contemporary issues of the country. Prof. Dr. Jay Raj Acharya and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula remained as chief commentators of the programme. In the speech competition, Mr. Simon Dewapathy of S.S. College bagged first prize while Ms. Swechha Sangroula of St. Mary’s High School won the second prize and Srijana Maharjan of Campion College bagged third prize. Similarly, Subhash Lamichhane of Caspian Valley College won first prize in Essay Competition while all of the participants received certificates. Total 13 participants from 9 colleges, namely; Xavier Academy, Manakamana Higher Secondary School, Caspian Valley College, Campion Academy, St. Mary’s High School, National Integrated College (NIC), Khowpa College, Noble Academy participated in the program.
  
• Speech and Debate Competition: As a part of the annual program of the school, KSL organized Speech and Debate Competition on 26th and 30th November, 2008 respectively targeting the students of LL.B. 1st and 2nd Year. The speech competition aims at enhancing the eloquence capacity of the students in LL.B. 1st year. This year total 80 students participated in the competition. Among them, twenty were selected for the second round. The participants put forward their views on present issues of Nepal. Similarly, students of LL.B. 2nd Year participated in the debate competition on various issues of national importance. The selected competitors will take part in the speech and debate competition held every year at the Annual Function of the school.
  
• Speech, Debate winner on Annual Day, 2008: KSL marked its 8th Annual Day on 21st Poush 064 (5th Jan 2008) with several events. The programme observed debate, speech and elocution competition of LL.B. students. Students of LL.B 1st Year made a speech in guise of Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Oppositional Leader of the country. Students of LL.B 2nd Year presented debate on the issue of socio economic and civil and political rights. Similarly, the program added its attraction by the elocution contest on ‘Federalism’. During the program, Ms. Laxmi Bakhadyo stood first in speech competition, Ms. Rojina Thapa stood first in the elocution competition while the team comprising Avima Upreti, Asha Pokharel and Amrita Pradhan won the Debate Competition based on audience polling and marking of panel of judges.

5) BOOK LAUNCH

• Book Launch: Shisir ma Phuleko Gurans (Novel- Blossomed Rhododendron in the Autumn): The novel Shisir ma Phuleko Gurans written by Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula was officially launched on 19th May 08. The novel with philosophical and realistic flavor was welcomed in the modern literary genre amidst huge applause from the literary laureates of the country.
  Mr. Shyam Prasad Sharma, senior literary laureate chaired the program. Renowned writer, Til Bikram Nemwang, popularly known as Bairagi Kainla, acted as Chief Guest. Dr. Sanjeev Upreti, Ms. Sudha Tripathi, Asst Prof Rudra Kharel and Prof Victor Pradhan were present as commentators of the novel. Senior Journalist Gopal Guragain, Critics Khagendra Sangroula and Hem Raj Gyawali shared their views on the novel as guests.
  
• Book Release: Kathmandu Law Review: KSL Law Students Society released the first volume of ‘Kathmandu Law Review’, a journal with articles from assorted experts, judge, academician and students. Dr. Yubraj Sangroula released the journal on 26th May, 2008. The first volume of Law Review primarily focuses on the theme of ‘Constitutional Transformation’ with article from fourteen writers.

6) OTHERS

• Release of Documentary on Importance of Legal Education: To mark the National Education Day on 12th Falgun (24 Feb, 08), Law Students Society organized an interaction programme reciting the slogan” Kanooni Sikchhya Aajako Aawasyakta” (Legal Education: The Need of Today). A documentary on Importance of Legal Education was released at the programme which highlighted the need of legal literacy or minimum legal education in every field of study and practice of life. The documentary contains wide views of lawyers, students, and dignitaries of different walks of life on the importance and scope of legal education. It has accentuated the need of minimum legal education to be provided to every citizen of the nation, and highlighted the interrelation of law with every aspect of the society and the nation. The documentary clearly visualizes the current situation of legal education in Nepal. The documentary also advocates for the application of practical, research oriented and contemporary education system as per the need of the time.
  
• Thai Justice Ministry’s Team visit KSL: A delegation led by Associate Professor Tongthong Chandransu, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Justice Ministry of Thailand paid an observation visit to KSL on 28th July, 2008. The delegation consisted of 25 officers of law from Thailand. The objective of the program was to learn about Restorative Justice Program of Kathmandu School of Law. The visiting team also observed different Centers and departments of KSL and its operating mechanism.
  
  

Achievements of the Year 2007

• US Assistance to Kathmandu School of Law: US Ambassador James F Moriarty inaugurated KSL’s newly expanded library and computer facilities on 30 Jan, 2007. USAID/Nepal through The Asia Foundation had provided a grant and reading resources to strengthen the library and information system of KSL. The support provided over 4,500 books including law-related materials, reference books, and other social science texts of interest to the school. The grant procured 20 computers and other technical equipments, which are being used by both students and faculty of the school. Additionally, Supreme Court judgments provided by this support have helped developing capability of students to practice pleading in a courtroom and passing fair judgments. Moot sessions as part of trial advocacy class are held as part of curriculum.
  
• Interaction Program on Federalism: An interaction program on Concept of Federalism was conducted at KSL on 23rd February, 2007. The interaction intended to expedite discussion on critical dimensions of the concept of federalism and to share experiences of other federal countries on its different aspects. Professor Yash Ghai, Constitutional Expert was invited as Keynote Speaker. The interaction dealt on critical dimensions, importance of technical and legal aspects, and effects and shortcomings of the federalism.
  
• KSL and CeLRRd supported Bar Council Exam Preparation Class: Kathmandu School of Law (KSL) and Center for Legal Research and Resource Development (CeLRRd) provided logistics and financial support to Law and Development Initiative Nepal (LDIN) to conduct Nepal Bar Council Examination (for Advocate Level) Preparation Classes. Students of KSL and Nepal Law Campus attended a twenty five-day intensive Preparation Class beginning from 29th January, 2007.
  
• Capacity Building Training on Human Rights and Gender Justice: KSL organized one day training program for its staffs and teachers from non legal background, to enhance knowledge about issues of human rights and gender justice. The program aimed at developing human rights culture in the society and nation at large starting from the school’s premises itself.
  
• Celebration of KSL Establishment Day: KSL celebrated its establishment day on 6 Baisakh, 2064 (19 April, 07) to mark the day of its official beginning. Students performed cultural show and speech was delivered at the occasion. At the same occasion, the school declared to celebrate its annual day on 21st Poush to mark the official inauguration of the school premises.
  
• KSL Students Participated in the 2007 Shearman & Sterling Jessup Cup Law Moot Court Competition: Jessup Team of Kathmandu School of Law comprising of three members participated in the 48th Annual Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2007 for the first time from Nepal. Jessup team members included Pralad Bhattarai (LL. B 4th Year), Apurba Khatiwada (LL. B 3rd Year) & team coordinator Niranjan Adhikari (LL. B 4th Year) .The competition was held in Washington DC from March 25- March 31, 2007.
  
• Participation in International Course: Promotion and Development Officer of KSL Mr. Pradeep Pathak attended the international course on Corruption, Human Rights and Access to Information organized by Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) from 23-27 April 2007 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The course was aimed for international human rights and development workers (NGO, UN), and civil servants whose work involves human rights and the rule of law.
  
• Professor’s visit to universities of Japan: Assoc. Prof. Yubaraj Sangroula paid a visit to two universities of Japan viz. Ehime University and Tokiwa University from 30 May to 8 June, 07. Purpose of the visit was to promote school’s academic collaboration with the Japanese universities. Prof. Sangroula attended the program in International Forum at Ehime University as a Guest Speaker and made presentation on Political Changes and Developments in Nepal. He addressed the scholarly mass that included professors, faculty members, foreign students, local consultants, students of Ehime University and Matsuyama residents. In his presentation he discussed on the present situation of Nepal and restructuring of the state and urged Japan to support politically to transform conflict in Nepal. Prof. Sangroula also paid a visit to Tokiwa University and discussed with its President and Board Chairperson about the possibilities for establishing future relationships. During both the occasions, mutual understandings have been developed to promote academic relation of these universities with KSL in the days to come.
  Observation Visit to KSL: Students of Nepal Law Campus and leaders of its Student’s Union paid a visit to KSL to observe its library, moot court practice, IT resource center and other program centers. The visit was aimed at motivating students to raise their effort to strengthen clinical legal education with special emphasis on community responsive legal education. It also aimed at extending academic relationship between two law schools. The program ended up with mutual consensus to promote library facilities and teachers’ exchange between two law schools.
  
• Residential School on Epistemology and Research Methodology: Kathmandu School of Law (KSL) organized a seven-day residential school on Epistemology and Research Methodology from 5 July, 07 at Nagarkot to materialize the aim of the school to apply pragmatic and research oriented teaching methodology. The program is an annual activity of KSL and is targeted to LL.M. students to strengthen students’ knowledge and skills on epistemology and research methodology. The school primarily intended to help students develop critical knowledge on fundamental concepts, elements and process of epistemology and legal research.
  
• ToT on Philosophy and Research Methodology: KSL organized ToT on Philosophy and Research Methodology for its faculties in Nagarkot. The training enhanced teachers’ capability in understanding philosophy and applying various methodologies of research in teaching law. Major topics covered in the training included introduction and concept of philosophy; science and metaphysics; perception building; methods of drawing reasoning; research design and formulating research problem.
  
• Students of Kathmandu School of Law Awarded: On the occasion of its 14th Annual Day, Nepal Bar Council awarded students of Kathmandu School of Law amidst the law students who scored highest in Nepal Bar Council Exam and LL.B. / B.L. programs. Ms. Pravinata Osti, student of KSL-2006 batch, bagged award for standing in top position in Nepal Bar Council Exam (license awarding exam). She was also awarded for scoring high among women competitors in the same examination. Similarly, Mr. Ram Sharan Pokharel, student of KSL-2006 batch was adjudged top among the students who passed LL.B. in 2006. Other students of KSL awarded on the occasion were Ms. Dikshya Tuladhar and Ms. Bikita Basnyat for standing within top ten positions in Nepal Bar Council Examination.
  
• ToT for faculty of KSL: Visiting Prof. Dr. Nomita Aggarwal provided ToT on skills and techniques of teaching law and jurisprudence for KSL faculty. The program was organized on 14 August, 2007 at KSL Seminar Hall in order to enhance teachers’ capacity in teaching law and jurisprudence, and maintaining conducive teaching environment.
  
• Visit of Japanese Students to KSL: Students of Ehime University, Japan along with Prof. Tozawa Kenji paid a visit to KSL in order to exchange ideas and experiences of two universities and countries. An introductory session was held to brief about the academic and extra curricular programs and teaching methodology being applied in KSL. Prof. Kenji on behalf of Ehime University briefed about the programs and scholarships provided to the international students interested to pursue legal studies in Japan.
  
• Prime Minister Felicitated KSL Student: Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala felicitated Ms. Reena Pathak, student of KSL, for securing Nepal Chaatraa Vidhya Padak (Medal for Women Toppers). She was awarded with the medal for her outstanding performance in the university board exam in area of law. She obtained the honor for the highest score she had obtained in LL.B. examination under Purbanchal University held in the year 2006. Prime Minister Koirala conferred the medal at a function organized to felicitate students with Vidhya Bhusan and Nepal Chaatraa Vidhya Padak for the top-scorers at the University Exam under different categories.
  
• Interaction on Newly-enacted Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act, 2064: In order to mark the first Anti Trafficking Day on 20th Bhadra as declared by the Government of Nepal, Kathmandu School of Law (KSL) and Terre des hommes Nepal (Tdh/Nepal) jointly organized an interaction on the newly-enacted Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act, 2064 on 6th September, 2007. The interaction on prospects and challenges of newly enacted laws was organized to scrutinize and evaluate the effectiveness of the Act to address the problem of human trafficking, and most importantly to assess its compliance with international standards.
  
• Talk Program Addressed by British Ambassador: His Excellency Dr. Andrew Hall, British Ambassador to Nepal, paid a visit to Kathmandu School of Law on 26 September, 2007 to address a talk program on ‘Support of British Government in Conflict Transformation and Promoting Democratic Values in Context of Nepal’. The program was organized as one of the sessions of the 4th Residential School on Socio Economic and Development Rights, and Good Governance.
  
• KSL bags two awards in Regional Moot Court Competition: KSL bagged two awards in the 3rd Henry Dunant Memorial South Asia Regional Moot Court Competition. Students of KSL, Ms. Antara Singh and Mr. Barun Ghimire, studying in LL.B. 3rd Year, bagged awards of Best Mooter, and Best Researcher respectively. A team of three students- Antara Singh, Barun Ghimire and Mr. John Karki participated in the competition, held from 26th-28th Oct, 2007 in New Delhi, India. Assoc. Prof. Geeta Pathak accompanied the team as Coach. The International Committee of the Red Cross and the Indian Society of International Law had organized the competition. Aim of the competition was to orient and test law students in the subject of international humanitarian law.
  
• Field Research on ESDR: As a follow up of 4th Economic, Social and Development Rights (ESDR) Residential School, LL.B. students of KSL conducted a research on ‘Impact analysis on living standard of people having different level of income with special reference with price hike in petroleum products.” The study aimed at critically analyzing the impacts of fluctuating exorbitant price of petroleum products on general people affecting their socio economic condition. A team of 37 students including members of 4th ESDR Residential School conducted the research.
  
• Global Activism on 16 Days of Violence against Women: Law Students Society of KSL organized manifold activities to mark the Global Activism on 16 Days of Violence against Women. The program continued from 25th November, 2007 till 10th December, 2007. The activities aim at enhancing academic as well as professional discussion on several issues of violence.
  
• International Visitor Leadership Program: Assistant Professor Seema Dhami and Ms. Sadhana Ghimire participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program in USA on behalf of Kathmandu School of Law from 22 September to 13 October, 2007.
  
• KSL Contribution: (a) KSL contributed sets of furniture and reading resources to Shambhu Gyawali Memorial Library, a newly established library by Lalitpur Bar Association. The contribution deemed to promote academic environment in every component of justice sector. (b) KSL donated a total of 648 books to Grand Academy, Lalitpur and 989 books to Araniko Secondary School, Dadhikot Bhaktapur on different subjects. KSL donated the books in recognition of school’s sisterly relationship with these schools and shared interest to promote concept of community responsive and pragmatic education in Nepal.
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Notable Achievements of the Year 2006

• KSL Student awarded by Gold Medal for being Best Researcher in First Henry Dunant Memorial Regional Moot Court Competition for South Asia organized by ICRC
• KSL Student awarded by Academic Excellence Award in 6th Human Rights Summer School Program (HRSS) organized by ELCOP, Dhaka University, Bangladesh
• Memorandum of Understanding between Bangladesh Legal Aid Service Trust (BLAST) and KSL
• Memorandum of Understanding between (Legal Aid Services- West Bengal) LASWEB, India and KSL
• Memorandum of Understanding between University School of Law and Legal Studies, New Delhi and KSL.
• Approval from University to launch M.A in Human Rights, and conflict and International Humanitarian Laws.
• Developed research oriented reading resources on Human Rights:
  i. Sangroula, Yubaraj (2005). Concepts and Evolution of Human Rights: Nepalese Perspective. Kathmandu School of Law.
  ii. Sangroula, Yubaraj (2005). Nepalese Legal System: Human Rights Perspective. Kathmandu School of Law
• ALL KSL Students passed out the written exam of Bar Council

First KSL Products Appeared in Bar Council Exam

KSL gained its sixth year maturity by brining its first product in the legal profession.All students of LL.B first batch who appeared the Bar Council examination successfully passed out also securing the top most position Mr. Narayan Chaulagain of KSL stood first among the 585 examinees.

First : Narayan Chaulagain
Second (Women group) : Pratima Kandel

Passout Students :
- Rajeshwor Shrestha
- Kamal Guragain
- Mukesh Dhungana
- Ramesh Parajuli
- Lekhnath Bhattarai
- Krishna Katwa

Visit by Education Minister

Mr. Radha Krishna Mainali, Minister, Ministry of Education paid an observation visit to KSL to obtain information about system of legal education and activities of KSL. Assoc. Prof. Yubaraj Sangroula highlighted the academic programs and curricular activities being conducted by the school and particularly addressed the lack of policies of Nepalese universities in terms of status, recognition, and facilities provided to the affiliated colleges and schools. Appreciating the development made by KSL, Mr. Mainali expressed his optimistic view on the issues stating that the government is preparing for national academic plan in this regard.

Training on Skills and Techniques for Monitoring of Fair Trial Rights

Experts of KSL facilitated the three days training program on “Skill and Techniques for Monitoring of Fair Trial Rights”, organized by CeLRRd in support of The Asia Foundation, Nepal. The program oriented to strengthening the fair trial situation in Nepal through enhancing the monitoring role of National Human Rights Commission. A total of 52 participants comprising of officer level staffs of NHRC, defense lawyers, civil society-based human rights defenders, government attorneys covering different development/ administrative regions of Nepal participated in the program.

Trial Advocacy Training for New Lawyers of Bar Council

KSL organized a three days moot court training program, for the new lawyers who recently passed out Nepal Bar Council Exam on 27th June 05. This training program, which explicitly focused to orient the novice advocates on advocacy skills and mooting techniques, was organized upon the request of Nepal Bar Council. A total of 27 participants participated in the training program.

Official Establisment of Prof. Dhurba Bar Singh Thapa Scholorship Fund

Official establishment of Prof. Dhurba Bar Singh Thapa Scholarship Fund was established by students, faculties and staffs of KSL. The fund is intended for indigent intelligent students to pursue their academic career. Late Thapa’s family declared to deposit two hundred thousand rupees in the said fund. Similarly, different organizations and individuals have contributed amounts in this fund. The royalty collected by the sale of books written by Assoc. Prof. Sangroula is being contributed in this fund.

2nd Winter Residential School on Socio Economic Rights & Good Governance

KSL organized a seven days 2nd Winter Residential School on “Socio Economic Rights and Good Governance” from 18th November 05 at Nagarkot for the law students in order to address the socio economic issues of the community and to explore innovative ideas to overhaul the setbacks seen in socio economic rights and good governance through in-depth academic discussions and interactions.
National and International experts of the similar field acted as Resource persons for the program. Students from KSL and Indraprastha University, New Delhi participated in the program. At the end of the same program, two students from KSL, Ms. Antara Singh and Barun Ghimire bagged award entitled “Nation’s Future Human Rights Lawyer”.

Program addressed by representative of OHCHR

Mr. Ian Martin, Representative, OHCHR officially released the book entitled Concepts and Evolution of Human Rights: Nepalese Perspective by Yubaraj Sangroula on 3rd Oct. 2005 at KSL. On his remark, Chief Geust, Mr. Martin appreciated KSL’s effort in protection and promotion of human rights and stated that OHCHR and KSL can be integrated in this mission. Reviewing on the book Asst. Prof. Khagendra Prasai, KSL commended on the book stating it as a comprehensive research oriented literature in human rights. Mr. Hem Raj Gyawali, Chairperson, Kantipur Publication made remarks on the book by saying it as a research based literature on concepts, values and practices of human rights. KSL faculty and students including dignitaries from national and international organizations, media personnel and advocates participated in the program.

Free legal aid to Indian and Nepali Nationals

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Legal Aid Services-West Bengal (LASWEB), India and Kathmandu School of Law (KSL), Nepal to provide free legal aid to Nepali citizens needing such aid anywhere within the territory of India by LASWEB and to citizens of India needing such legal aid anywhere within the territory of Nepal by KSL. The MoU was signed on 28th December 2005 by Justice D.K Basu representing LASWEB and Assoc. Prof. Geeta Pathak Sangroula on behalf of Kathmandu School of Law.

The MoU offers aid for citizens of India needing legal aid in criminal cases in Nepal who are unable to secure it for want of money. Similar legal aid will be provided to the Nepalese in similar circumstances by LASWEB in India. KSL and LASWEB are entitled to decide eligibility and other necessary arrangements for providing the aid to the needy.

The agreement was signed at the end of the conference on 'Cross Border Migration and Protection of Human Rights among the Neighbors in South Asia' held from 26th to 28th December 2005 in Bangladesh. The conference was organized by Bangladesh Legal Aid and Service Trust (BLAST). The conference dealt with diversified issues of cross border movement and human rights with country presentation by representative of the respective South Asian Countries.

Assoc. Prof. Geeta Pathak Sangroula, on behalf of KSL, presented a paper on "Access to Justice to All: Scenario of Criminal Justice and Legal Aid in Nepal" from human rights perspective. The major focus of her presentation included; concept of legal aid as human rights for all, protection of migrants: objective analysis, commitment of Nepal towards human rights standards, legal measures for the protection of migrants, scenario of progress of prisoners legal aid program being conducted by KSL in cooperation with CeLRRd, DIHR and DANIDA.

According to her, 6000 cases (since 1998-2005) represented by CeLRRd/KSL, which also include about 200 cases of foreign nationals; formation of legal aid network in the country as institutionalizing the legal aid; and MoUs with BLAST and LASWEB are important indicators to illustrate the scenario of prisoners legal aid program as a viable and most useful program in the country and South Asian regions at large.

KSL and BLAST also entered into the MoU on 19/04/2005 recognizing the need of expanding the legal aid service within South Asian Region and promotion of human rights in their respective countries.

KSL Student bagged Excellency Award in Bangladesh

Mr. Apurba Khatiwada, LL.B 2nd year student of Kathmandu School of law was awarded Professor Z.I. Chowdhury Memorial Trophy for Academic Excellence after his adjudgement of academic proficiency in the program entitled 6th Human Rights Summer School organized by Empowerment Through Law of the Common People (ELCOP), from 14th to 26th December 2005 in Koitta, Manikgunj, Bangladesh.

Students from Kathmandu School of Law for the third time participated in the Sixth Human Rights Summer School (HRSS), which covered the theme of “Non-State Actors and Human Rights”. With Seven other Universities from Bangladesh and India, students from KSL, Apurba Khatiwada, Niranjan Adhikari, Rajib Sangraoula, Pravinata Osti and Suprity Timilsena, were among forty-Seven student participants. Assoc. Prof. Geeta Pathak Sangroula acted as the resource person on behalf of KSL for the program.

With the theme of Non-State Actors and Human Rights, and with the pursuit of turning law students into ‘human rights militant’ with ‘rebellious Lawyering’ HRSS proved to be an edifying platform for students, who were involved in the intellectual discourse on various contemporary issues of human rights. As this year’s HRSS covered Non-State Actors and Human Rights, more stress was given to the importance of Non-State Actors such as NGOs, MNCs, Civil Society in preserving Human Rights of the people. At the mean time the real picture of the current situation regarding Non-State Actors and Human Rights was also portrayed, showing some dismal and some really bright examples in this regard. Even though a definite theme of HRSS was in place, still students were oriented in various aspects of Human Rights, such as historical antecedent of Human Rights, Implementation mechanism of International Bill of Rights and so forth, so that a definite outcome for students was inevitable. Moreover, participants were also taken in actual setting through community visit Programme on 23rd December 05, which also provided Human Rights education with new dimension.

During their participation in HRSS, students from KSL along with other participants were also involved in various group activities. Students started the first day with the drafting of the Fundamental Charter of Rights and Duties of the people of Adhikarbhumi. Then with every new day participants were involved in group exercise covering wide array of contemporary social concern especially issues regarding Human Rights of the people. All participants, from KSL, were also involved in Moot court competition, which definitely sharpened the mooting capabilities of students and introduced them to the possible areas of improvement in this regard. Apart from collecting the Moot Court experience, students at the end of the Programme were motivated to be a Human Rights militant and realized their responsibility towards the people of the society as a Lawyer or as law students. With the experience of street Law, community work, moot practice in human rights issue, theoretical background on Human Rights and various Non-State Actors, participants felt really fortunate in being part of HRSS.

The sixth summer school of HRSS concluded with the adoption of the charter of the fundamental rights and duties and the sixth HRSS declaration on the 26th of December 05. On the very day some participants were also awarded for their distinguished participation in the Summer School and in this term Apurba Khatiwada, LL.B 2nd year student of Kathmandu School of law was awarded Professor Z.I. Chowdhury Memorial Trophy for Academic Excellence, after securing highest mark in the test so given to the students covering the scope of 6th HRSS and other relevant Human Rights issues.

To the pride of KSL, Mr. Ram Sharan Pokharel and Ms. Sadhana Ghimire were awarded by Best Performance Trophy and Fellowship Award in the year 2003 and 2004 respectively in the same program.

Report by: Apurba Khatiwada on behalf of team

HM Ambassador, Keith Bloomfield, British Embassy, addressed the program.

The program commenced with the welcome speech by Mr. Yubaraj Sangroula, Executive Director, Kathmandu School of Law. Mr. Sangroula welcomed all the guest speakers and participants to the institution. He thanked the Ambassador for accepting the request to speak to the faculty and students of the college as the college holds the culture of having dialogue on different issues. He gave a brief highlight of the institution, its various programs, its centers, community activities involved in and its role in significantly contributing to generate legal resources contrary to the tradition of wearing coats and going to courts.
British Ambassador delivering his speech in the talk program at KSL premises

Richard Miles, Senior Adviser, Nepal Police Development Project, DFID further made remarks on the Policing System and the difference that exists between the policing system in the UK and in Nepal . Differences such as in recruitment, qualification, pay structure , promotion were talked about.

The British Ambassador thanked Kathmandu School of Law for inviting him to speak on a subject close to his heart and the future of Nepal. He said that everyone in Nepal want an end to violence. To achieve this he suggested the exercise of toleration and forgiveness.

He mentioned that all desire for a durable solution to conflict. But should it be through the defeat of one side or the other, or should it be through strengthening of the bulwarks against terrorism and authoritarianism?

Further he questioned whether socio- eco- political constitutional changes should be made through democratically based dialogue or dictated from above by a ruling elite? On this he said that UK firmly believes that democracy is an answer to all.

Talking of rule of Law he gave the essential criterions as:

- Creating an effective and fair criminal justice system

- Protection of Human Rights

- Ensuring functional correction system

- Establishing Legitimate Political System

The Obstacles to maintain Rule of Law that he mentioned were:

- Leaders who refuse the creation of rival centers of authority

- Corruption

- Criminality and Terrorism

Further more speaking in the context of Nepal he mentioned that the rule of law is in crisis. He said respect of Rule of Law and Democracy are key elements for Peace Process. So they need to be understood and worked out if it is to be successful. Similarly he said that terrorism and authoritarianism is a threat to the peace process.

He said reform is difficult without consensus and in the absence of desire on the part of one who has to be reformed. He also mentioned about the role of various International Organization in maintaining the Rule of Law. He concluded his remarks by mentioning about UK developmental projects to bring about reform in these sectors. The program came to an end with the closing remarks by Prof. Madhav Prasad Acharya who on behalf of all the staff, students and teachers of Kathmandu School of Law thanked the guests for interacting with the teachers and the students.

International Humanitarian Laws and Implementation

International Criminal Law and Court System

Protection of Women and Children in Armed Conflict

Conflict Resolution (Principles, Norms and Practices)

Field Research and Reporting

Dissertation

The topics cover wide range of areas such as international humanitarian tools relating to the protection of people, property, and environment in the time of armed conflict; dynamics and impacts of conflict, jurisdiction and performance of the international criminal tribunals from Nuremberg trial to Rome statutes etc.

Similarly, the Master degree program in Human Rights aims to build up a qualified human resource to contribute in the area of human rights with a correct concept, essential contents, including practical strategies for the implementation of human rights in general and, in the context of Nepal in particular. The program has wider scope as it is an interdisciplinary course and covers broad areas of human rights.

The programs are gaining recognition within and outside the country. KSL shares its gratitude to the organizations that have supported in launching this kind of program. ICRC/Nepal, EU are to name a few in this regard.

Case Study: detainee released by Supreme Court
Mr. Ram Kumar Bhandari, illegally detained by the order of the Chief District Officer, in terrorism case was released by the Supreme Court with support from KSL prisoners legal aid clinic on November 2004. The Clinic had filed habeas corpus writ at the Supreme Court on the ground that he was illegally detained by the administrative authorities in their subjective satisfaction by applying terrorism and disruptive activities ordinance 2061. He was detained in investigation centre Sundarijal Kathmandu.

Supreme Court after observing all the process and ground of detention found that Mr. Bhandari was subjectively detained, and thus issued the habeas corpus writ in the name of Chief Administrative Officer. He was released from the detention on 8th June 2005. Advocate Ram Prasad Aryal has represented the case on behalf of KSL, Prisoners Legal Aid Clinic.
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May 2005 in Nagarkot for newly admitted LL.M students. The program aimed to intensively familiarize students with ideas of empirical research and research models and methodologies, and to develop skills of taking field research.

The program started with Pre- test and Scientific Writing Test to evaluate the original academic quality of the participants. Associate Professor Yubaraj Sangroula made a presentation on the importance of Scientific Writings stating that judiciary is facing grave problems in writing judgements and judicial orders due to lack of this. Research writings should avoid ambiguity, and doubtfulness, he underlined. Khagendra Prasai, Assistant Professor delivered his lecture on Science & Commonsense and the Difference between Theory and Practice followed by the presentation on Qualitative & Quantitative Research by Yubaraj Sangroula. The session was followed by group discussion. During the program, participants were taught in different Topics viz. Research & Research Problem/ Theory/ Facts / Data, Variable / Grounded Theory/ Sampling (Exercise)/ and Data Collection Technique. Mr. Sudeep Gautam, Asst. Prof. conducted session on Sampling and its Use in Empirical Research. Additionally, the class focused on the different topics such as Group Discussion on Logic, Generalization and Abstraction. Moreover, the Classes on Report Preparation, Analysis and Presentation of the Report and Language Sensitivity were conducted. Groups were formulated for the field work on identified topic and presentation of the Research Reports followed thenafter. Mr. Babu Varghese, representing the Business and International Trade Law Students, presented his group research report on "Seasonal Hotel Occupancy at Nagarkot". Mr. Sukh Dev Sapkota, representing the Criminal Law and Justice Students, presented research report on "Awareness on Child Marriage in Baluwapati V.D.C." Similarly, Mr. Samir Raj Ghimire, on behalf of Human Rights and Gender Justice Students , presented research report on "Child Education :Discrimination on the Basis of Sex". Feedbacks upon the Report were provided by the Resource Persons and students in regard to these presentations.

A Team comprising of Associate Professor Yubaraj Sangroula, Executive Director, Asst. Prof. Sudeep Gautam, Asst. Prof. Khagendra Prasai, Asst. Prof. Rabindra Bhattarai, Asst. Prof. Bhoj Raj Bhatt, Assistant Professor, Asst. Prof. Saroj Krishna Ghimire, were resource persons at the program.

The seminar has empowered the participants by making their involvement in the empirical study to know about various specific components of Research and to increase the critical logical thinking of the students.