Rights groups urge Nepal to strengthen human rights safeguards

Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have collectively called on the Balendra Shah-led government in Nepal to implement significant reforms aimed at bolstering human rights and the rule of law. In a joint letter, these prominent international bodies outlined a series of recommendations across thirteen critical areas, such as transitional justice, women's and girls' rights, the rights of Dalits and minorities, protections for migrant workers, LGBTI rights, housing rights, and freedoms of expression and association.

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The protests by young Nepalis were a demand to end entrenched inequities, and that can only be addressed with transparent and accountable governance.

The organizations expressed apprehension regarding the government's initial actions, citing the forced eviction of landless individuals from informal settlements and a proposed ordinance that could potentially undermine the independence of the constitutional council. These moves, they argue, appear to contravene housing rights and due process, signaling a worrying disregard for established procedures and the rule of law. Elaine Pearson of Human Rights Watch highlighted that the recent protests by young Nepalis were a clear demand for an end to deep-seated inequities, which can only be effectively addressed through transparent and accountable governance.

A strong emphasis was placed on the necessity of a credible and timely transitional justice process, aligned with international standards, to address violations that occurred during the 1996–2006 armed conflict. The groups noted that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence are still awaiting relief. Despite some improvements in the transitional justice law through 2024 amendments, the process has faltered due to concerns raised by victims' groups regarding the appointment of commissioners perceived as lacking independence or expertise. Mandira Sharma of the International Commission of Jurists stressed that justice for conflict victims has been long delayed, and the prevailing culture of impunity has fueled ongoing violations, including the recent killing of Gen-Z protesters. She underscored that completing the transitional justice process according to international legal standards is paramount for establishing a rights-respecting system governed by the rule of law.

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Victims and survivors of crimes that were committed during the conflict have waited far too long for justice, while the culture of impunity that took root in that period has contributed to ongoing violations, including the killing of Gen-Z protesters.

Furthermore, the organizations urged accountability for rights violations during the Gen-Z protests, the release of previously unpublished official reports detailing instances of lethal force against protest movements since 1990, and the implementation of recommendations from the National Human Rights Commission where criminal conduct is evident. Regarding gender and social rights, the groups pointed out that women and girls remain highly vulnerable to sexual violence, and child marriage continues despite being illegal. They also drew attention to the persistent discrimination faced by Dalits and marginalized communities, noting the weak enforcement of the 2011 Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act.

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Completing the transitional justice process in line with international legal standards is crucial to building a rights-respecting system under the rule of law.