Nepal’s New Government Urged to Prioritize Human Rights Reforms
International human rights organizations are urging Nepal’s newly elected government, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, to swiftly implement human rights protections and uphold the rule of law. The call comes following a recent electoral victory and amidst ongoing concerns regarding accountability, judicial independence, and fundamental freedoms.
In a joint letter released on April 30, 2026, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the International Commission of Jurists emphasized that the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)-led administration has a crucial opportunity to address long-standing issues. The appeal follows months of youth-led protests in 2025, sparked by government restrictions on digital platforms and fueled by broader dissatisfaction with corruption and governance failures. These demonstrations tragically resulted in 77 deaths and have intensified demands for accountability, particularly regarding alleged excessive force used by authorities.
A History of Unfulfilled Justice
Nepal’s political landscape has been marked by persistent human rights concerns since the end of the civil conflict in 2006. Successive governments have faced criticism for failing to deliver justice for violations committed during the war. While the Comprehensive Peace Accord laid the groundwork for a transitional justice process, implementation has been inconsistent, with commissions often hampered by political interference and a lack of independence.
Broader Human Rights Challenges
Beyond the transitional justice process, the organizations highlighted a range of ongoing human rights issues in Nepal. These include:
- Discrimination: Persistent structural challenges like caste-based discrimination, despite existing legal protections.
- Gender-Based Violence: Concerns regarding gender-based violence and child marriage.
- Minority Rights: Gaps in safeguarding the rights of minority groups, including LGBTI individuals.
- Freedom of Expression: Concerns over civil liberties, particularly freedom of expression and media regulation, with past restrictions on digital platforms raising fears of potential misuse to suppress dissent.
- Social Protection: Limited coverage of social protection programs, such as the Child Grant.
- Migrant Worker Exploitation: The protection of migrant workers facing exploitation abroad.
- Displaced Populations: The rights of displaced and refugee populations.
Constitutional Reform and Oversight Concerns
Recent discussions have centered on institutional governance and the balance of power. Constitutional experts have suggested a task force prepare a debate paper for constitutional amendment, aiming to improve everything from the judiciary to the electoral system. However, critics caution that such moves could weaken oversight institutions at a time when public trust in governance remains fragile.
Forced Evictions in Kathmandu
Recent developments have also brought attention to forced evictions in Kathmandu, where authorities have cleared informal riverbank settlements affecting hundreds of households. While relocation and verification processes are underway, rights observers have raised concerns regarding housing rights, due process, and the adequacy of rehabilitation measures.
Call to Action
The human rights organizations are urging the government to take concrete steps to ensure judicial independence, strengthen oversight mechanisms, and deliver accountability for both historical and recent abuses. As of now, the government has not publicly responded to this appeal.
