LAHURNIP Receives Prestigious Human Rights and Business Award 2025
We are proud to share that KIOS grantee LAHURNIP (Lawyers’ Association for Human Rights of Nepalese Indigenous Peoples) has been honored with the 2025 Human Rights and Business Award, announced today in Geneva during the United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights.
This global recognition celebrates LAHURNIP’s tireless work over the past 30 years. Since its founding, LAHURNIP has stood alongside grassroots Indigenous communities in Nepal, defending their human rights and advocating for justice and remedies for those harmed by corporate and government actions. Their efforts have been instrumental in amplifying Indigenous voices and ensuring accountability in contexts where economic interests often overshadow human rights.
What Does This Award Mean for LAHURNIP?
KIOS had the chance to speak with Vice Chair Shankar Limbu about the significance of receiving the Human Rights and Business Award. For Shankar, the award is a powerful acknowledgment of decades of collective effort.
“The BHR Award is very important for human rights defending work, and we thank the Human Rights and Business Awards Foundation,” Shankar said. “This is the recognition of collective effort in defending human rights.”
He emphasised that the award sends a clear message to human rights defenders everywhere:
We are consistently standing against human rights violations, and there is no space for them.
Shankar also expressed deep gratitude to partners and allies:
It’s not only for LAHURNIP but also for all our allies who have worked tirelessly to protect fundamental freedoms. We thank our allies, our partners, and those human rights colleagues who are working to defend, promote, and protect the rights and fundamental freedoms of Indigenous peoples.
On this special occasion, Shankar highlighted the role of KIOS:
I would like to mention our partner KIOS. This work really gives hope for LAHURNIP and to our members who are working with the community. It also gives hope to communities who are suffering on the ground because of gross human rights violations in the name of development.
Finally, he shared a vision for the future:
We really can make a positive change if we work collectively, if we work in collaboration, and if we truly respect the rights and the fundamental concept of Indigenous peoples and human rights.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
KIOS warmly congratulates LAHURNIP on this remarkable achievement. We are grateful for the collaboration and strong partnership over the years. Together, we have worked to advance human rights and justice for Indigenous peoples, and this award is a testament to the impact of that shared commitment.
Congratulations, LAHURNIP!