Amnesty International Urges Parties to Prioritize Human Rights

Nepal faces general elections on March 5. Ahead of the vote, Amnesty International has released a 10-point human rights charter. The organization urges political parties and candidates to prioritize human rights and the rule of law.

Key Areas of the Human Rights Charter

The charter outlines recommendations for an incoming government to address human rights concerns and align with international law. It focuses on ten specific areas. These include the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and association, and truth and justice for victims of past abuses. Other areas addressed are access to justice, non-discrimination and equality, and the rights of women, girls, and LGBTQI individuals. The charter also covers economic, social, and cultural rights alongside climate justice, the rights of migrant workers, freedom from torture, and the protection of civic space and human rights defenders.

Accountability and Past Violations

Nirajan Thapaliya, Director of Amnesty International Nepal, noted the significance of the upcoming elections, referencing the “Gen-Z” protests last September. He stated the charter provides a roadmap for the next government to address past abuses, end ongoing violations, and ensure the rights and dignity of all Nepalis.

Challenges to Human Rights in Nepal

Despite constitutional guarantees and Nepal’s ratification of international human rights treaties like the ICCPR and ICESCR, human rights are not consistently realized. Political interference, lack of accountability, and ineffective justice systems hinder the rule of law and impede victims’ access to justice and remedies. Amnesty International is calling on political parties to incorporate these commitments into their platforms and implement them if elected.

Opportunity for Change

The upcoming elections present a chance for Nepal’s next government to shift away from past practices, end impunity, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to upholding human rights.