Q&A: Impunity and nepotism remain major issues in the current government

Nepal is experiencing significant public discontent and urban displacement, straining the relationship between the state and its citizens. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) finds itself at the center of these dynamics, monitoring state accountability and constitutional rights. NHRC Commissioner Lily Thapa recently discussed the tragic self-immolation of a ride-sharing driver, aggressive enforcement tactics against street vendors, and the commission's report on Gen Z protests.

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Ganesh Nepali recently committed self-immolation. He was a young man working for ride-hailing services. These services were his main source of livelihood. It is reported that he faced a fine of Rs1,000 for a parking violation. For a person in his economic position, such a fine is a massive burden. This incident highlights a failure to protect the constitutionally guaranteed right to livelihood. The National Human Rights Commission views this through the lens of systemic failure.

Thapa highlighted the case of Ganesh Nepali, a ride-sharing driver who died by suicide after facing a Rs1,000 fine for a parking violation. She described this as a "massive burden" for someone in his economic position and a failure to protect the constitutionally guaranteed right to livelihood. The NHRC views this as a "systemic failure," noting that similar desperate acts have occurred, including attempts at self-immolation in front of Parliament.

According to Thapa, Nepal's policies are often formulated "top down" and fail to consider the specific needs of the poor, frequently copying unsuitable models from developed nations. She explained that individuals like Ganesh Nepali, who relied on ride-hailing for income while facing financial pressures from bank loans and the threat of vehicle impoundment, are pushed to extreme measures. The confiscation of motorcycles by police further removes their sole means of employment, creating immense mental pressure.

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Nepal is a country where over 20 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. However, our policies are often made from the top down. They do not target or consider the specific needs of the poor. Instead, the government often copies the policies of large, developed nations. These policies are often unsuitable for our citizens.

Thapa argues that the state consistently prioritizes revenue collection and large infrastructure projects over basic human needs, warning that ignoring local realities is driving vulnerable populations to desperation. She stressed the urgent need for "structural reforms, empathetic policy-making, and institutional accountability" to address these issues and prevent further tragedies.

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The state consistently prioritises revenue collection and large infrastructure stunts over basic human needs. She warns that ignoring local realities is pushing vulnerable populations to the brink of desperation.