What happened in 2008?

The Nepalsese Age Demands Action delegation was made up of members of NEPAN, the National Senior Citizen Organisation's Network Nepal (NSCONN) and older people from associations working with HelpAge International.

The delegation met with the speaker of the constituent assembly, representatives from the UN and other NGOs working with older people in Nepal.

The speaker strongly supported their cause saying:

"Elderly persons deserve dignified, secured and active lives. I will try my level best to make sure elderly rights are addressed as fundamental rights in the upcoming constitution of the Democratic Republic Nepal. I will discuss this issue with all political parties in the next session of constituent assembly."

Over 50,000 people signed NEPAN's petition for older people's rights. This added great weight to the delegation's asks, which included: 

• Incorporate senior citizens' rights into the upcoming new constitutions.
• Issue more identity cards to older people so they can access their entitlements.

Highlights from 2007

• As a result of the 2007 Age Demands Action campaign, several political parties included older people's policy and issues in their manifesto.
• Our partner organisation, NEPAN, produced a radio programme on ageing issues which was broadcast three times on national radio.

The delegation

Mr Bahadur Serchan, 75

A keen climber, Mr Serchan climbed Mount Everest in 2008. Talking about his achievement, Mr Serchan said he wanted to inspire his fellow Nepalese pensioners to strive for a better life. Read more about Mr Serchan on our updates page.

Prof Dr Leela Devi KC, 84

Dr Devi is a retired professor and has been President of the National Senior Citizen Organization Network, Nepal (NSCONN) since its establishment in 2003. She served as Department Head in Education Faculty, Tribhuvan University, Nepal.

Dr Gauri Shankar Lal Das, 84

A former member of the Human Rights Commission, Dr Gauri is one of the founder members of National Senior Citizen Organization Network, Nepal (NSCONN). He is avid campaigner on ageing issues.

Mr Bhairav Rishal, 80

A senior environmental journalist, Mr Rishal is a prominent advocate for the rights of senior citizens.

Hutaram Baidya, 85

Hutaram Baidya is an agricultural engineer and campaigns for the protection of the Bagmati River. Hutaram has been a pioneer in raising awareness of issues affecting senior citizens in Nepal. He is also a vice president of NSCONN.

Prakash Akela, 68

Prakash Akela has been chairperson of the Children and Women Development Centre (CWDC) for the last ten years. He is coordinating four programmes including the elderly people care programme. Mr Akela is one of members of National Committee on Elderly People, part of the Ministry of Women, Child and Social Welfare.

Krishna Bhakta Shrestha, 72

Krishna Bhakta Shrestha is a retired high school teacher and currently chairperson of the Ashapureshowor Senior Citizen Group in Gothatar. He is actively engaged in social work.

Mr Ishwori Khatiwada, 69

Mr Khatiwasda is Chairperson of The Tejbinayak Senior Citizen Group. He is also a retired civil servant engaging in social service.

Mr Shreedhar Lamichhame, 51

Mr Lamichhame is chairperson of Ashmi, an organisation that has been raising issues on elderly people in Nepal.

Uttam Uprety

Mr Uprety is a coordinator for the Ageing Working Group of The Nepal Participatory Action Network (NEPAN). He is a trainer and facilitator, and is actively engaged in building the capacity of older people’s associations and other organisations working on issues affecting older people.

Durga Laxmi Mulmi, 63

A retired staff nurse, Ms Mulmi is now a health worker and has been responsible for the Elderly People Care Programme at the Children and Women Development Centre (CWDC) for eight years. She is also a keen musician.

Chhatra B Pradhan, 60

A former Senior Superintendent for the Nepalese Armed Police, Mr Pradhan is now studying gerontology.

Fatik B Thapa, 47

Mr Thapa was a Member of Parliament from 1999 to 2008. He is currently a Network Coordinator for NEPAN. He conducted research for Senior citizens in transition: An exploration of key issues on elderly care in Kathmandu (September, 2004).