KATHMANDU, Oct 24: The opening ceremony of ‘Citizen But???, a photo exhibition compiling the stories of Nepalis deprived of citizenship certificates, and the launch of book regarding 'The summary of decisions rendered by the courts and the precedent set by the Supreme Court of Nepal on Citizenship Rights' was held on Monday at Nepal Art Council, Baber Mahal. 

The exhibition is being organized by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD). The exhibition aims at sharing the stories of citizens who are denied citizenship certificates under various circumstances.

Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission, Anup Raj Sharma, formally inaugurated the event by cutting a ribbon. Speaking during the inaugural ceremony, President of FWLD, Meera Dhungana, Executive Director of FWLD, Sabin Shrestha, and Legal Officer of FWLD, Sushma Gautam, shared their insights on the issues faced by those deprived of citizenship.

Dhungana said the photo exhibition not only unveils the sorrow of individual citizens but serves as an approach to advocate for equal rights in every respect. Furthermore, Sharma expressed his gratitude on being able to be a part of the event and shared that such exhibits played a significant role to invite equal rights in its true essence.

“Even though our new constitution has introduced progressive laws, the laws on conferring citizenship still remain discriminatory in terms of sexes. With the help of such events we can aware and empower citizens to end the discrimination,” said Shrestha. 

The exhibition continues till Wednesday.