Nepal rights body questions party over underage members

Nepal's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has formally requested the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to provide immediate and detailed information regarding allegations of granting party membership to individuals under the age of 18. The commission's inquiry, made public through a letter on Wednesday, stems from information received and published reports in various media outlets. These reports suggest the party has enrolled minors as members, a practice the NHRC has taken "serious note" of.

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The commission stated that it had sought clarification based on information received and reports published in various media outlets, which alleged that the party had enrolled minors as members.

The NHRC emphasized that if the party's general convention report accurately states that membership was distributed to children below 18, this would contravene Nepal's current laws and its international obligations. The commission is seeking clarification based on Section 21(1) of the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2012, urging the RSP to respond promptly.

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It added that if the report presented at the party’s general convention, which reportedly states that membership was distributed to children under the age of 18, is accurate, such an act would be contrary to Nepal’s prevailing laws and the country’s international commitments.

The commission's action highlights concerns over child participation in political parties, a matter that could have legal and ethical repercussions for the RSP. The outcome of the RSP's response will determine the next steps the NHRC might take.

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The commission has therefore requested the RSP to provide detailed information at the earliest on whether party membership was issued to individuals under the age of 18, in accordance with Section 21(1) of the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2012.