Human Rights Forum Nepal (HURFON) is a website presenting links to articles on Nepal's human rights issues as well as important background information. The link collection has been started in September 2016.

HURFON is a subsite of Nepal Research. Its name goes back to an organisation that had been founded in Germany in 1990 but that had to be dissolved some years later. Issues of the periodical of this earlier organisation that had been published under the name Nepal Forum have been archived on this website.

Imprint

Nepal Research Archives:

• Nepal bibliography
  (24/07/2019)
  
• Lists of new publications
  

Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC)

INSEC Online (including Human Ringhts Yearbook, etc.)

NEFAD – National Network of Families of Disappeared and Missing Nepal

Tarai Human Rights Defenders Alliance (THRD Alliance)

Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)

Amnesty International (AI), Nepal website

Human Rights Watch (HRW), Nepal subsite

Relief for hunkered down populace: Tax payment deadline extended; 25pc discount on electricity tariff; Tax rebate for house owners if they waive one-month rent (ht 30/03/2020) [And what about food supply?], City’s squatters, homeless stare at spectre of starvation, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 30/03/2020), Over 6,000 brick kiln workers left in a lurch (ht 30/03/2020)

As Covid-19 fears grow, some medical personnel face eviction from their homes: Reports of medical personnel being forced to work without adequate protection have only aggravated discriminatory behaviour from landlords, say doctors, by Arjun Poudel & Aditi Aryal (kp 30/03/2020)

For many domestic violence survivors, the lockdown means being locked in with their abusers: As countries across the world go into lockdown over Covid-19, cases of domestic violence are rising, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 29/03/2020)

Daily wage earners in Tanahun face starvation (ht 29/03/2020)

COVID-19 patient accuses doctors of denying him treatment, by Tekendra Deuba (ht 29/03/2020)

COVID-19 fears: 21 inmates released from Siraha jail (kh 29/03/2020) [The Siraha prison still exceeds the prison capacity by three and a half times!]

Govt Releases 78 Inmates Amid COVID-19 Fears, by Purushottam P. Khatri (rn 28/03/2020)

Govt told to ensure smooth supply of daily essentials (ht 27/03/2020)

Daily wagers bear the brunt of lockdown, govt fails to provide reprieve: ‘It appears the government has not consulted well with experts and emulated best practices’ , by Rupak D. Sharma(ht 27/03/2020), KMC to provide relief package to homeless, daily wage earners (ht 28/03/2020)

Authorities told to protect health workers, disadvantaged sections of society (ht 27/03/2020)

Nepalis in Qatar live in overcrowded and squalid conditions even during pandemic: In the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, Qatar imposed a harsh lockdown on camps where migrant workers live in close quarters with inadequate amenities, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 26/03/2020)

Hopes of Nepalis stuck abroad dashed (ht 26/03/2020) [This is tantamount to justifying a temporary exile!]

Essentials may run out, the government needs to ensure supply: In the long run, Nepal must prioritise growing more food domestically (kp 26/03/2020), Govt having tough time managing essential supplies (rep 26/03/2020), India lockdown hits supply of daily essentials in Nepal: Foreign Ministry requested to resolve issue (kh 26/03/2020), NHRC urges govt to ensure smooth supply of daily essentials (kh 26/03/2020)

Decision to ban entry of Nepalis returning from abroad challenged: ‘Move violates rights of Nepalis stranded in foreign countries’ (ht 25/03/2020), Govt allows entry of Nepalis stranded on Indian border (rep 25/03/2020) [Govt has no right to prevent that Nepali citizens enter their own country!]

No concrete steps yet to help migrant workers (ht 25/03/2020)

For Nepali migrant workers abroad, no hearth and no home: As Nepal has closed itself off to all incomers, including its own citizens, even Nepalis migrants who have visas expiring are unable to come back home, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 24/03/2020)

In Butwal, juvenile delinquents are compelled to stay at a crowded correctional facility without proper means: As a result of the overcrowding, many suffer from skin-related diseases, by Amrita Anmol (kp 22/03/2020)

Neighbour confesses to rape and murder of 17-year-old girl in Ilam (ht 21/03/2020)

Hospitals with 50 or more beds told to suspend non-urgent checkups, surgeries (rep 21/03/2020) [This will affect basic health care, especially in rural areas!]

17 weekly newspapers cease print editions on COVID-19 fears (rep 21/03/2020) [Limiting right to information!]

Govt prepares to reduce number of prisoners and detainees amid virus scare: The Office of the Attorney General has requested the Supreme Court’s Full Bench to make necessary changes to the existing legal provisions to reduce the possibility of outbreaks in overcrowded prisons and detention centres, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 20/03/2020), Convicts sentenced to less than year to be freed on bail or without bail (rep 20/03/2020)

Your ‘rightful’ place: When people talk of Dalit, Janajati or NGO leadership it is the same old faces that reap benefit without being questioned. This leads to new form of othering and exclusion, by Pranab Kharel and Gaurab KC (rep 19/03/2020)

House committee all set to endorse a bill allowing intelligence agencies to intercept suspicious conversations: Main opposition has demanded that it should be moved ahead only if there is a guarantee that the provision is not misused, by Binod Ghimire (kp 19/03/2020), House panel endorses bill allowing intelligence agency to listen in on conversations: The bill passed with the support of the opposition Nepali Congress, despite legal experts sounding the alarm over its potential for misuse and privacy violations, by Binod Ghimire (kp 20/03/2020)

‘More than half the population denied access to hand hygiene’: UNICEF says 54 per cent health care units in Nepal lack access to handwashing facilites (kp 19/03/2020)

Draft amendment to transitional justice Act ready, Nembang says: Law ministry, conflict victims say they don’t have any information on it, by Binod Ghimire (kp 18/03/2020)

‘2,506 persons disappeared during insurgency’ (ht 18/03/2020), CIEDP makes public names of 2,506 disappeared (rep 18/03/2020)

Cycle of discrimination: Caste system in Nepal, among other impositions, is one example of how a rudimentary form of thinking that entails divide and conquer subsequently took form of a discriminatory tradition, by Sarans Pandey (rep 18/03/2020)

Dowry still rampant in Nepali society (ht 18/03/2020)

Political wranglings continue unabated in Bajhang’s public schools: Many school administrations across the district focus on taking financial benefits out of the school's budgets, according to the Education Unit, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 17/03/2020), Keep politics out of schools: Politicisation has compromised the quality of education (kp 18/03/2020)

Transitional justice is backsliding: To ensure better predictability, a national roadmap with parliamentary ownership could be a way out, by Tika P. Dhakal (kp 15/03/2020)

Complaints of the disappeared have themselves disappeared!, by Dinesh Subedi (rep 15/03/2020), Who did this? Missing complaints of conflict victims (rep 16/03/2020), CIEDP team in Rolpa to investigate into war-time cases (rep 16/03/2020)

Nepal’s political parties rarely encourage public participation in lawmaking: Citizens’ engagement in the formulation of laws not only ensures transparency but also enhances the quality of legislation, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 15/03/2020)

Govt fails to deliver right info at right time (ht 14/03/2020)

Student leader found guilty of rape gets eight and half years in prison: Rai, a former assistant secretary at the Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus chapter of the All Nepal National Free Students Union, was accused of raping an the girl by luring her to his relatives’ place in Makalbari, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 14/03/2020)

Surkhet administration starts eviction of flood victims from public land: Five and a half years since the tragedy struck, victims are still looking for help from the government, by Chandan Kathayat (kp 14/03/2020)

Washington takes a dim view of human rights situation in Nepal: A US State Department report has pointed out cases of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention by the state agencies and government’s restriction in the right to freedom, by Binod Ghimire (kp 13/03/2020),
Extrajudicial killings continue in Nepal, reveals report (ht 14/03/2020), Govt curtailing freedom of expression: Report; The government did not make efforts to preserve safety and independence of the media (ht 15/03/2020)

Nepal’s Rule of Law Index remains static (ht 13/03/2020) [see WJP comment on Nepal]

Pragmatics Of Ending Orphanages, by Umesh Raj Regmi (rn 13/03/2020)

Marriage halted during day, conducted at night (ht 13/03/2020)

Financially free abroad, socially constrained at home: Women migrants acquire expertise and financial independence abroad but on return, they find themselves trapped in a social order that does not value their talent, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 12/03/2020)

The media’s portrayal of Dalits is incomplete: Narratives of Dalits as just being victims of caste hierarchy ignores many stories of resistance, by Sarita Pariyar (kp 12/03/2020)

Pradip Pariyar selected for the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders Class of 2020: Pariyar, a social activist and executive director of Samata Foundation, joins global leaders like the prime minister of Finland, Pakistani and Bhutanese ministers, and an Olympic gold medallist (kp 12/03/2020)

Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Its Ideology, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km 12/03/2020)

Twenty-nine-year-old woman held for throwing acid on husband’s face (ht 11/03/2020), Victim of acid attack blamed on wife runs out of money (rep 22/03/2020)

Keep fighting: Anti-Chhaupadi drive (rep 11/03/2020)

The victims and human rights defenders reject transitional justice commission’s request for support: Two months after formation the commissions are yet to commence their job, by Binod Ghimire (kp 10/03/2020)

The cost of extreme political traumatisation: The state and the political parties are in denial about the sexual violence that occurred during the conflict, by Susan Risal (kp 10/03/2020)

The case for achieving gender parity: Formal structures like laws and policies play a decisive role in eliminating gender inequality, by Geeta Bhattrai Bastakoti (kp 10/03/2020)

Anti-graft body detains doctor for 25 days over report, suspends him: The doctor posted in Butwal was released after a probe panel endorsed his findings, by Arjun Poudel (kp 10/03/2020)

Women have numerical strength in local units, but little say: Gender pay gap runs deep in all kinds of profession in Makwanpur, women leaders say, by Pratap Bista (kp 09/03/2020)

Women’s status: Figures speak for themselves, by Chanda Chaudhary (ht 09/03/2020)

Holi is prime time for the consent conversation: The festival of colours has become a day of dread for women—and they want the bad behaviour to stop, by Ankit Khadgi (kp 09/03/2020)

Chief accused of journalist Birendra Sah’s murder arrested: Sah, a print and broadcast journalist, was killed in October 2007, by Laxmi Sah (kp 09/03/2020)

The fight goes on: Men and women both benefit from living in a gender-equal society (kp 09/03/2020)

There are more women in politics, but few and far between at decision-making level: Despite inclusion refrain, there is a huge underrepresentation of females in Nepali political parties and state organs, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 08/03/2020)

Nepali women are unequal by law: Nepal is still lagging far behind international human rights standards concerning equal rights to citizenship, by Jesselina Rana (kp 08/03/2020)

Empowerment vs Commodification: While Nepal is heading toward institutionalizing the federal democratic republic, re-conceptualizing women empowerment appears a vital task, by Mohan Nepali (rep 08/03/2020)

Justice and gender equality in the age of #MeToo: It is only a matter of time before the men hiding behind their title and power are unveiled and brought to justice, by Sakun Gajurel (kp 08/03/2020)

With wider visibility and legal sanctions, parents of queer individuals are coming around: Accepting that their child is LGBTIQ can be difficult for parents who grew up in a more conservative time, but things are slowly changing, by Monica Khanal (kp 08/03/2020)

No More Misogyny, by Prativa Subedi (rn 08/03/2020)

Celebrating the heroes: This Women’s Day, let’s celebrate our everyday local women, our mothers, sisters, maids, colleagues or common everyday women who can be our heroes and inspire us, by Ushma Rebel (rep 08/03/2020))

Caste-based domestic violence against women rife in Rolpa, by Dinesh Subedi (rep 08/03/2020)

Despite campaigns and government policies, child marriage is still prevalent in Makwanpur: The Bagmati Provincial Government has plans to eradicate child marriage by early 2022, but numbers are not all too encouraging, by Pratap Bista  (kp 07/03/2020)

Without a clear statement from the federal government regarding Covid-19, misinformation spreads at local level: In times of crises, Singha Durbar, in coordination with provincial and local governments, should issue an unambiguous statement, say federal and health experts, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 06/03/2020)

In criminal cases, police often fail to ensure privacy or security for complainants, resulting in threats and bribes: Threats and bribes can lead the complainant to ultimately change their statements in courts, weakening the case and resulting in a lack of conviction, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 06/03/2020)

Piety and poison: the insidious spread of Hindutva: Those flirting with the idea of a Hindu state need to look at how quickly India has changed, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 06/03/2020)

Gender Landscape In Nepali Media, by Kundan Aryal (rn 06/03/2020)

Caste-based discrimination continues across Nepal: Report: “Dalits are unable to sell dairy products due to superstitious beliefs in society”  (ht 05/03/2020)

Provincial Assembly member Rawal arrested on attempt to rape charge, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (rep 05/03/2020)

Right to Housing: Right to housing is not the same as the right to land. The state must make every possible effort to implement the right to shelter and take progressive steps in that direction, by Jivesh Jha and Nil Prasad Paneru (rep 04/03/2020)

Why Special Service Bill should be amended: If Special Service Bill is authenticated in current format, it could lead to self-censorship among the journalists and their sources. Besides, journalists, You Tubers and bloggers may be arrested, by Taranath Dahal and Dikchya Raut (rep 03/03/2020)

Conflict victims in Dang express their mistrust on Truth and Reconciliation Commission for justice: Conflict-era victims who attended an interaction programme held in Tulsipur last Wednesday say justice delayed is justice denied, by Durga Lal KC (kp 02/03/2020)

Lawmakers call for stringent action against VAW, acid attack and dowry system (rep 02/03/2020)1

Despite ban, Nepali women heading for Gulf and exploitation, by Rudra Khadka (kp 02/03/2020)

Traffic cops start monitoring public vehicles (ht 02/03/2020)

UN concerned over Nepal’s TJ process (rep 01/03/2020)

Supreme Court orders contempt of court case against four police officials, including the Nepal Police chief: The order comes following the arrest of three Chand party members from the Supreme Court premises immediately after their release on February 17, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 01/03/2020)

Access to medical marijuana: The right to obtain medical cannabis pursuant to the law has been denied to the Nepali people, by Ankit Dhakal (kp 01/03/2020)

Former Maoist guerilla compelled to live with shrapnel in his head, by Dinesh Subedi (rep) [A typical example of a victim of the Maoist insurgency, betrayed by his party leaders who are now living in huff and puff!]

Video of police officer baton charging a woman carrying a child outrages the public: The video once again calls attention to the police’s use of excessive force against peaceful protestors who pose no threat, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 29/02/2020), [No one has the right to beat other people, especially not with wooden sticks. Even policemen who do this are to be treated as criminals!], Police inspector mercilessly beats up woman, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht 29/02/2020), Condemnable act: The Nepal Police must strive to develop professional skills to win the confidence of the general people (ht 02/03/2020)

Accept the criticisms: Government needs to understand that appreciation of different perspectives and criticisms can only help the government become more accountable, by Tulasi Acharya (rep 29/02/2020)

Hundreds of young, healthy Nepalis die sudden deaths in foreign lands. No one knows what’s killing them: Otherwise healthy men in the prime of life suffering cardiac arrests do not constitute ‘natural deaths’, say rights activists, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 29/02/2020)

Two Bajura teachers absconding on facing rape allegations, by Tekendra Deuba (ht 28/02/2020)

Gyawali claims progress on transitional justice in Geneva but back home, victims are boycotting the process: Rights activists and victims call Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali’s claim that the transitional justice commissions are working independently a ‘blatant lie’, by Binod Ghimire (kp 27/02/2020)

Civil code deems a man and woman married if a child is born, but opinions are divided: While some rights activists believe that the provision will help ensure citizenship for the child, others see it as a patriarchal imposition, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 27/02/2020)

Advisor to state minister arrested for abduction and rape of a teenager: Amrit Kumar Ghale, economic advisor to State Minister for Urban Development Ram Bir Manandhar abducted a teenager, held her captive for several days and raped multiple times, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 27/02/2020)

Rush hour traffic snarls slow down ambulances, put patients’ lives at risk: Although traffic police try their best to clear the way, some drivers don’t help the cause, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 27/02/2020)

Civil liberty group calls for more changes in proposed Media Council Bill: In a statement, Freedom Forum has welcomed recent changes but pointed out a number of provisions that could jeopardise freedom of expression in the country (kp 24/02/2020)

Laws aren't enough to end discrimination: Prejudices surrounding race, religion and caste have to be shattered (kp 24/02/2020)

House panel’s letter to police reflects lawmakers’ low understanding of law and court rulings: Public Accounts Committee breached its jurisdiction by instructing police to book two people for cybercrime, legal experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/02/2020)

All-male panels are on their way out, but women’s representation remains tokenistic: Instead of acknowledging that women have valuable contributions to make, they are often limited to women-specific panels or are placed as moderators, by Elisha Shrestha (kp

Transitional justice could be an issue for Nepal at the upcoming Human Rights Council meet: It is likely that questions will not be too critical, but at the Universal Periodic Review in November, the government is certain to face serious queries, say activists, by Anil Giri (kp 22/02/2020)

Regulate sale of acid, rights activists and attack survivors urge government: According to a report, 16 people, 13 of them women, have been attacked with acid since 2015/2016. Yet acid is readily available for just Rs 25, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 21/02/2020)

Youth arrested for raping junior college student (ht 21/02/2020) [A 21-year-old man should no longer be called youth!]

Thirteen cases of police torture reported in 2019 (ht 21/02/2020)

Women protest demanding arrest of murder accused (ht 21/02/2020)

Majority of human rights violations in past year involved women, report says: Nearly 80 percent of human rights violations last year were against women, with domestic violence accounting for over a half, according to a yearly human rights review, byBinod Ghimire (kp 20/02/2020) [see INSEC Yearbook 2020]

What’s in a name? Sometimes, everything: An effort to restitute indigenous names would surely reveal countless examples of cultural approximation all over Nepal, by Deepak Thapa (kp 20/02/2020) [The effort of the male Tagadhari minorityelite to recognise historical and ethnic names and territories was one of the outstanding reasons for the failure of the first Constituent Assembly. The same thinking is reflected by the naming of the current provinces!]

After the executive, legislature restricts media’s access: At least two parliamentary committees have refused to allow journalists to cover their meetings, while both the Prime Minister’s Office and Home Ministry have also imposed restrictions, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 19/02/2020) [This is a serious violation of Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees all citizens the right to information. It is the duty and right of the media to provide this information without restriction (article 19).]

Chinese Embassy takes exception to article carried by Post on coronavirus: The Post on its February 18 edition had carried an op-ed, previously published by The Korean Herald, about China’s handling of the outbreak (kp 19/02/2020), Journalists and diplomats seriously concerned over Chinese embassy statement: The Chinese embassy’s statement objecting to an article published by the Post is against press freedom and breaches diplomatic protocol, they say, by Anil Giri and Tika R. Pradhan  (kp 20/02/2020), Why China’s statement targeting The Post is a cause for concern: The Chinese embassy’s statement, ultimately, is not just about the Post, or its Editor-in-Chief. It is a rebuke to not bite the hand that feeds (kp 20/02/2020), Editors condemn Chinese ambassador’s statement (ht 20/02/2020)

Shadow of impunity: Election of Agni Sapkota to the post of House Speaker looked like a state-sponsored drama orchestrated by undermining criminal accountability, by Charan Prasai (rep 19/02/2020)

Conflict victims warn non-cooperation to the transitional justice commission until Act is amended: Chief of disappearance enquiry commission assures ‘fair and impartial investigations’, by Binod Ghimire (kp 19/02/2020)

CIEDP making final-round probe into disappearance cases (rep 19/02/2020)

Mahara’s acquittal and Tumbahangphe’s elevation to minister will have lasting effects, analysts say: While Krishna Bahadur Mahara was acquitted of attempted rape charges, Shiva Maya Tumbahangphe was appointed minister for law, both on the same day, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 18/02/2020) [Without clarification and disclosure of the full circumstances of the Mahara case, the decision remains unsatisfactory!]

Teacher accused of molestation, primary schoolgirls request school authorities for investigation, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 17/02/2020), Justice likely to elude children allegedly molested by their school teacher, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 18/02/2020), Guardians offer to get teacher booked, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 19/02/2020), School teacher accused of molesting students arrested: Police act after principal finally files FIR, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 20/02/2020)

NHRC reports dismal state of Nepali women (ht 16/02/2020) [see report by NHRC]

Fear the threat: If the state fails to control corruption, ensure accountability and provide basic needs such as food, shelter, clothes, education, health and employment, threat of insurgency will always loom, by Suresh Sharma (rep 16/02/2020)

Karnali reeling under food shortage: Six districts out of 10 in the province are not able to meet the demand for food (ht 16/02/2020)

Jails in Karnali Province overcrowded, by Ganesh Bishu (rep 16/02/2020)

Rural municipality chair accused of coercing a Dalit woman into abortion: Jaya Bahadur Chemjong is among seven people accused of forcing a Dalit woman to abort her fetus at 21 weeks as she was in an intercaste marriage, district police say, by Ananda Gautam (kp 15/02/2020)

‘Negligent’ officials in Nirmala Pant case could be exonerated: Review committee endorses police move to arrest Dilip Singh Bista, by Shuvam Dgungana (kp 14/02/2020)

VAW complaints up (ht 14/02/2020)

Despite robust legal provisions, pregnant women still find it difficult to get maternity leave: The law mandates a total of 98 days of maternity leave, with 60 days fully paid, but most private employers fail to comply and women are hesitant to ask, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 13/02/2020), Maternity leave: Women are discriminated against in the workplace (kp 14/02/2020)

Maoist insurgency aftermath: Waiting for son,waiting for daughter, by Devendra Basnet and Nagendra Upadhyaya (rep 13/02/2020)

‘Herstory’ repeats itself: The misogynic politics of all political parties mustered to make women the political underdogs of Nepal, by Chandra Bhadra (kp 13/02/2020)

All 10 prisons in Gandaki Province in dismal state, lawmakers find: A committee comprising members of the provincial assembly suggests immediate reforms, by Pratikshya Kafle (kp 13/02/2020)

'Elderly people biggest hurdle to campaign against chhaupadi', by Jagat Khadka (rep 12/02/2020)

Nirmala murder mystery: Police get nod to probe Dilip Bista again (ht 11/02/2020), I’ll become a different person if justice prevails: Durga Devi, by Anjali Subedi (rep 11/02/2020)

Visiting Canada senate speaker not scheduled to meet Agni Sapkota (rep 11/02/2020) [This reflects the image of Nepal's rule of law abroad!]

National Human Rights Commission directs government to take immediate measures to evacuate Nepalis from China’s Hubei province: The rights body, in a statement, has also decided to call government officials to take stock of the situation of Nepali’s in the disease-hit area and the government’s effort to bring its citizen back, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 10/02/2020)

Transitional justice commissions have not taken any steps to bring victims and rights activists on board: Disappearance commission is preparing its work plan without consulting with conflict victims, by Binod Ghimire (kp 08/02/2020)

Home Minister misled Parliament over extrajudicial killing of Kumar Paudel: Home Ministry has instructed Nepal Police to take action against officers involved in the killing, even though Minister Thapa had said that Paudel died in an encounter, by Binod Ghimire (kp 07/02/2020)

Supreme Court quashes contempt of court case against Kantipur: The case was filed two years ago over a series of stories published in Kantipur daily on then chief justice Gopal Prasad Parajuli (kp 07/02/2020)

Dalit children drop out of school due to poverty, by Janak KC (rep 06/02/2020)

The quest for a conformist press: Media entrepreneurs are happy to sing along the tune of triumphant political and economic masters, by CK Lal (kp 05/02/2020))

Oli says govt wants to create civilised society: Says media should not cross limit, by Rupak D, Sharma (ht 05/02/2020) [Please start by replacing the politicians who constantly cross limit!]

Ganga Maya knocks on UN’s door for justice (ht 05/02/2020), Ganga Maya seeks justice with UN Resident Coordinator (rep 05/02/2020)

Law ministry starts drafting transitional justice law amendment without victims onboard: Activist says bill being prepared in the darkrooms cannot be expected to deliver, by Binod Ghimire (kp 04/02/2020) [Nepalese understanding of justice: The perpetrators are involved in leading roles, but the representatives of the victims are excluded!], Sushil Pyakurel: The longer the transitional justice process, the more complex it will become: The human rights activist on his resignation as president’s advisor and the transitional justice process (interview) (kp 04/02/2020)

Early marriages common in Rolpa, by Dinesh Subedi (rep 04/02/2020)

Unable to trust adults, rescued children end up back on the streets: While on the streets, children are often physically and sexually abused and end up addicted to drugs, which can cause them to relapse once rescued, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 04/02/2020), Mean streets: Make sure that the children enjoy their rights in practice (kp 05/02/2020)

Minor raped in Bara (ht 04/02/2020)

Cops involved in killing CPN leader to face action: Police had fired nine shots to kill Kumar Poudel on the banks of the Lakhandehi River in Lalbandi, Sarlahi, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 04/02/2020)

Victims of police torture deprived of justice (ht 04/02/2020)

Citizens still deprived of fundamental rights in lack of regulations, by Ashok Dahal (rep 03/02/2020)

Student’s arrest from university library prompts questions over intent: The student, who was released after 24 hours in custody, had in his possession a book by an Indian politician which police said was only read by “terrorists”, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 03/02/2020) [????]

Nepal: Stalled Justice, by S. Binodkumar Singh (SAIR 03/02/2020)

National Human Rights Commission appointees should be independent and competent: The commission is in danger of ending its term in disrepute, largely over its role in relation to transitional justice, by Mohna Ansari (kp 02/02/2020)

Children at high risk of sexual exploitation in Nepal: Report (ht 02/02/2020) [see ECPAT International report]

Dharan SSP booked for rape, suspended (ht 01/02/2020)

54-yr-old man arrested on the charge of raping 4-yr-old girl, by Madan Thakur (rep 01/02/2020)

Government drafts action plan to eliminate child labour: Many children have been found to be employed in informal sectorsr (ht 01/02/2020)

Freedom of expression is under attack and transitional justice stalled in Nepal, rights group says: Amnesty International in its global report has painted a bleak picture of Nepal’s human rights situation and pointed at government’s regressive ways to restrict freedom, by Binod Ghimire (kp 31/01/2020) [see AI report on Nepal], Shrinking democratic space raises AI’s concern: Nepal government resorted to methods to curtail the freedom of expression in 2019 (ht), Amnesty concerned over shrinking freedoms in Nepal (rep 31/01/2020)

Bid to enact restrictive laws opposed; FNJ calls for redrafting controversial Media Council Bill (ht 31/01/2020), FNJ: Licensing exam for journalists against constitutional spirit (rep 31/01/2020)

What is the controversy over Agni Sapkota as Speaker all about? Ever since the ruling Nepal Communist Party selected Sapkota as its candidate for Speaker of the House, rights activists and conflict victims have protested the decision, by Mohan Guragain (kp 30/01/2020)

Preventing medical negligence: Medical negligence needs a serious and speedy attention from the government to provide justice to the victims and guarantee non-recurrence, by Udayan Regmi (rep 30/01/2020)

Media for change: Nepali media has to work more boldly and inquiringly toward nourishing Nepal’s production-centric economy, neutralizing fatalism that resides deeper in the public psyche, by Mohan Nepali (rep 30/01/2020)

Supreme Court refrains from squashing Sapkota’s election as Speaker: Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla refused to issue an interim order but instructed the Home Ministry and police to present a progress report on the case within 30 days, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 29/01/2020) [Someone accused of such a capital crime is not qualified for public office as long as his innocence has not been proven in court!], SC rejects stay order against speaker, calls for detailed murder probe report (rep 29/01/2020)

Civil servants spreading awareness against chhaupadi in Bajura (ht 29/01/2020)

Respect the press: The media played a vital role in Nepal’s transition to a republic (kp 29/01/2020)

Children of conflict victims deprived of scholarship provided by the state: Conflict victims demand an amendment to the act and removal of the age and number limit for the scholarship, by Amrita Anmol (kp 28/01/2020) [Those responsible for the killings are not deprived of anything but are promoted to highest positions!]

Conflict victims still hopeful, but not sure about getting justice (rep 28/01/2020), Message of impunity (rep 28/01/2020)

Activists continue protest against Sapkota’s election as HoR speaker, 12 arrested (ht 28/01/2020), Sapkota’s challenges: The ruling party should have reconsidered Sapkota’s candidacy as Speaker given his murky past and that his case is sub-judice in court (ht 28/01/2020) [Sapkota's nomination was made deliberately, despite all the unsolved crime accusations!], Activists protesting speaker appointment arrested (rep 28/01/2020))

NA committee endorses Media Council Bill (ht 28/01/2020), House panel removes Rs 1m fine for journalists, by Ashok Dahal (rep 28/01/2020), Amend further: Media Council Bill (rep 29/01/2020)

Conflict victims threaten to ask UN to intervene in TJ process (rep 27/01/2020)

Sapkota becomes Speaker amid concerns from conflict victims and rights watchdogs: The House elected the former Maoist leader unopposed, hours after a court hearing on a writ against him was stalled, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 27/01/2020) [R.I.P. democracy, human rights and rule of law!], Sapkota elected HoR speaker unopposed, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 27/01/2020)), Speaker election hearing put off till today (ht 27/01/2020)

Local levels told to establish fund for GBV victims (ht 27/0/2020)

Women’s concerns won’t be addressed unless they are at the decision-making level, interview with Binda Pandey, NCP (kp 27/01/2020)

Awareness drive launched to end chhaupadi (ht 26/01/2020)

International rights bodies warn Nepal’s conflict victims could seek justice in foreign courts: Recent appointments to transitional justice commissions and nomination of a person accused of killing as Speaker undermined transitional justice, the rights orgsanisations say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 26/01/2020), Recent Nepal steps undermine TJ process: Int’l rights bodies (rep 26/01/2020) [see statement by ICJ, AI, HRW and TRIAL]

NCP urged to reconsider Sapkota’s nomination (kp 26/01/2020)

Who will save Nepalis awaiting execution in foreign lands? As a country that has done away with the death penalty, it is up to the Nepal government to make all efforts to rescue its citizens from being executed abroad, rights activists say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 26/01/2020)

Petition at Supreme Court demands Agni Sapkota’s arrest: The petition, filed by advocate Dinesh Tripathi, also asks that Sapkota’s nomination for Speaker of the House be dismissed, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 25/01/2020), President’s advisor resigns over Sapkota’s nomination as House Speaker: Sushil Pyakurel, one of the petitioners in the murder case against Sapkota, resigned after being asked to withdraw the case by ruling party members, by Anil Giri (kp 25/01/2020), President’s political advisor Sushil Pyakurel quits (ht 25/01/2020)

Bill of surveillance: Special Service Bill provides unrestricted right to the government to collect information via supervision and interception of communication of any person or organization. This is dangerous, by Roshani Giri and Harihar Khadka (rep 25/01/2020)

Prakash Osti runs into controversy for his nod to transitional justice nominations: Osti represented National Human Rights Commission in the committee that nominated officials on Saturday at political parties’ behest, by Binod Ghimire (kp 24/01/2020) [It should not be called controversy but total disqualification! This looks like party political bondage of the NHRC representative!]

Police, local reps destroy chhau huts in Dadeldhura district (ht 24/01/2020), 241 chhaugoths demolished in Dailekh (rep 24/01/2020)

For most transgender women, sex work remains the only way to make a living: Faced with discriminatory hiring practices, most transgender individuals are unable to get jobs and resort to sex work, which comes with its own hazards, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 24/01/2020)

Civil society vows to protest until Sapkota’s nomination for Speaker is dismissed: Agni Sapkota, who is accused of murder, is certain to become Speaker of the House as he is running unopposed, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/01/2020)

Nationalists unite: Oli’s ramblings could very well have come from Trump’s mouth: Self-aggrandisation and cracking down on enemies—Trump and Oli share not the best of traits, by Deepak Thapa (kp 23/01/2020)

Lack of laws affects implementation of fundamental rights (ht 23/01/2020)

Nepal, China to hand over nationals illegally crossing mutual border, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep 23/01/2020) [As was to be expected, this means that in future Tibetans fleeing from the Chinese occupying forces in their home country will be handed over to the Chinese occupying power.]

Mockery of press freedom: The year 2019 saw more incidents related to press freedom violation than in the past seven years, by Bhanu Bhakta Acharya (kp 23/01/2020)

Govt urged to rectify controversial IT Bill (ht 22/01/2020)

Patriarchy stronger than monarchy, says Tumbahangphe after quitting (ht 21/01/2020)

Underage mothers regret early marriage, by Mukti Narayan Neupane (rep 21/01/2020)

Women urge for 'brainwashing' along with strict measures against Chhaupadi, by Jagat Khadka (rep 20/01/2020)

Conflict victims and human rights activists cry foul over Agni Sapkota for Speaker: Sapkota, who faces a murder charge for an insurgency-era killing, has been proposed for House Speaker by the ruling party, by Anil Giri and Tika R. Pradhan (kp 20/01/2020) [The NCP proves once again that it protects and encourages potential murderers. People who take responsibility for the murder of 5000 people decide on this. The NCP's commitment to peace, justice, the rule of law and social inclusion proves to be a sheer mockery!],
Justice as elusive as ever: The government has been leading the conflict victims in circles (kp 20/01/2020), Pipe dream: It’s unfortunate that the political leadership just wants to put to rest Nepal’s transitional justice process (ht 20/01/2020), NCP nominates Sapkota for speaker’s post, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht 20/01/2020), NCP picks Agni Sapkota for speaker (rep 20/01/2020), An insult of conflict victims: Rights activists, lawyers (rep 20/01/2020), Proposing a murder accused for Speaker is mocking public opinion: The ruling party’s decision to propose Agni Sapkota is doing Parliament no good. In fact, it is self-destructive (kp 21/01/2020), ‘How can someone responsible for murdering my husband be elected speaker?’, by Madhusudhan Guragain (rep 22/01/2020)

Conflict victims condemn parties for bulldozing decision on transitional justice appointments: After an agreement between ruling and opposition forces, recommendation committee picks 10 individuals, all with affiliation to political parties, by Binod Ghimire (kp 19/01/2020) [Those who share responsibility for so many crimes will never provide justice! Dahal, Deuba, Ex-King Gyanendra and the top brass of the army had highest responsibility!], Mockery of justice (rep 19/01/2020), CVCP objects to nomination of TJ bodies’ office bearers (ht 20/01/2020))

Shamans join hands to end Chhau practice, by DB Budha (rep 19/01/2020)

Dahal says he will take responsibility for insurgency deaths but his actions don’t match his words: Victims say he is delaying the justice process, by Binod Ghimire (kp 18/01/2020), How a photo has come to symbolise long wait for justice: Muktinath Adhikari, a teacher and a member of Amnesty International Nepal, was killed in Lamjung 18 years ago by the Maoists (kp 18/01/2020)

NCP and NC inch closer to revising TJ law: A meeting between Oli, Dahal and Deuba scheduled for Friday evening has been deferred until Saturday morning (rep 18/01/2020) [TJ cannot be provided by those who are resposible and partly even have admitted to be responsible!]

Implementation status of women’s rights dismal: HRW (ht 18/01/2020)

Puppy love marriages destroying young lives (ht 17/01/2020)

Tipping point on menstrual banishment in Nepal: It is when local women take the lead to end the practice that it is most effective, by Marty Logan (nt 17/01/2020)

AI urges Parliament to amend draconian bills (ht 17/01/2020), Amnesty Int’l urges parliament to amend disputed bills (rep 17/01/2020)

Nepal failed to ensure justice for conflict victims, as the government continued to stifle freedom of expression, Human Rights Watch says: The rights body’s World Report 2020 has also taken note of draconian legislation and controversial decisions that the Oli administration has made in the past year (kp 16/01/2020) [see HRW report on Nepal], Nepal turning into land of injustice: Rights watchdog (ht 16/01/2020), HRW raps govt over failures in transitional justice, freedom of expression (rep 16/01/2020)

Transitional Justice Deadlock, by Mukti Rijal (rn 16/01/2020), Justice still eludes conflict victims a decade after peace accord, by Rekha Bhusal (rep 16/01/2020)

Dahal ready to own up 5,000 deaths during insurgency: Says state killed 12,000 people (ht 16/01/2020) [It does not matter who is responsible for more killings! They all have to stand trial for this: Maoists, politicians, army leaders, ex-king etc.], Dahal says he’s responsible for killing 5,000, not 17,000 (rep 16/01/2020) [If you admit that you are resposible for the killing of 5,000 people you should resign from all offices immediately!!], Law enforcement bodies should act on Dahal’s public confession, by Ananta Raj Luitel (rep 17/01/20101)

Young girls taking one step at a time to fight menstrual banishment: Although complete eradication of the practice seems like a far cry at the moment, various anti-Chhaupadi campaigns launched by young women have paved a way to fight against the practice, by Tularam Pandey (kp 15/01/2020)

Widows in Nepal still need to fight for their property right: Despite legal provisions that ensure widows’ rights to the property of their husbands, implementation has been impeded by societal norms and customs, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 15/01/2020)

Peace minus justice: The promises made under the Comprehensive Peace Accord have been thrown to the winds, by Daman Nath Dhungana (kp 15/01/2020)

Conflict victims decry government’s consultations as a sham: The consultations were not aimed at ensuring justice but simply at showing the world that feedback was collected, victims say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 14/01/2020), Consultations held with stakeholders amid rift among victims (ht 14/01/2020)

Police intervene rally demanding justice for Nirmala Pant: Security personnel used force on women rights activists who were protesting in front of the Kanchanpur District Court seeking justice for Nirmala Pant, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp 14/01/2020)

Most homeless people suffer from mental health problems, but there’s little help for them: The stigma against mental illness has meant that people with psychosocial problems are often neglected and abandoned, ending up on the streets, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 13/01/2020)

Child marriage, child labour still remain major challenges in Rolpa: The local level had made efforts from running awareness campaigns to introducing mid-day meals in government schools in a bid to ensure child rights, by Kashiram Dangi (kp 13/01/2010)

Government rescues hundreds of children every year but does little for their care: Children are usually put up in transit homes before they are either handed over to other shelters or their families, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 12/01/2020)

Two rape cases reported in valley, suspects held (ht 12/01/2020)

Around 40 percent of pregnant women undergo unsafe delivery in Jajarkot: Although the government has been running the Safe Motherhood Programme as part of its bid to ensure safe births in remote areas, only a few people are getting benefits from the programme, by Bhim Bahadur Singh (kp 12/01/2020)

Closing the border isn’t an option: There is no reason why Rohingyas will not be able to successfully integrate into Nepali society, by Maximillian Morch (kp 12/01/2020)

Organisations gear up for protest against IT bill saying it will curb freedom of expression: Even within the ruling party, some leaders have been raising voices against the bill, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 11/01/2020)

Youth crushed to death by tipper for protesting illegal extraction of riverbed materials in Dhanusa: Twenty-four-year-old Dilip Kumar Mahato was struck and dragged by the tipper driver, say police, by Santosh Singh (kp 11/01/2020) [Not only the direct murderers are responsible, but also the idle and disinterested government and administration!]

Conflict victims say their hope on Pradeep Gyawali might have been misplaced: Gyawali, who had appeared sympathetic to the cause of conflict victims, is also moving ahead on transitional justice without taking victims into confidence, by Binod Gjhimire (kp 09/01/2020)

Nepal’s arrest and deportation of 122 Chinese raise legal and ethical questions: The Chinese were deported despite Nepal Police’s failure to establish any criminal charges against them—and to a country that practices capital punishment, by Anil Giri (kp 09/01/2020)

School teacher held on charge of beating and injuring student: The victim’s family lodged a complaint with the police on Sunday and urged authorities to take strong against the guilty, by Sanju Poudel (kp 07/01/2020)

At a community school in Salyan, there are no teachers: The municipal office reportedly transferred the last remaining teacher of the school to another institution, citing low enrolment numbers, by Biplab Maharjan (kp 07/01/2020)

Children left behind are the hidden costs of labour migration: Labour migration leads to transnational families which are often dysfunctional, causing adverse psychological impacts on children and adolescents at home, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 07/01/2020)

MPs demand court nod for tapping personal phone calls (rep 07/01/2020), Internet service providers open to criminal liability under new IT bill (rep 07/01/2020)

Transitional justice: This time around, the government must not go back on its promise (kp 06/01/2020), NHRC’s threat to withdraw its member from ex-CJ-led panel (ht 06/01/2020), Amend the TRC Act: It makes no sense in appointing members in the TRC and CIEDP without amending the TRC Act in line with the Supreme Court verdict (ht 06/01/2020), Victims want a say in TJ Act amendment (ht 07/01/2020), Consultations to be held in all 7 provinces to expedite TJ process (rep 07/01/2020)

Adults with Down syndrome don’t just need sympathy—they need jobs: A job can provide people with Down syndrome with not just an income but also a sense of belonging and identity, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 05/01/2020)

Law Ministry aims to get Transitional Justice Act amended from ongoing session of Parliament: Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, also the law minister now, who has made commitments from various platforms including the United Nations, is taking the lead for amendments, by Binod Ghimire (kp 05/01/2020), TRC, CIEDP office bearers to be named soon: Conflict victims, rights activists say justice won’t be served without amending TRC Act (ht

For Nepali women seeking work in the Gulf, new routes and old risks: Despite restrictions from traveling to the Gulf countries, desperate Nepali women are falling into traps of trafficking agents who are exploiting new routes to take them out of the country, by Parbat Portel (kp 04/01/2020)

'We don't follow Chhaupadi', by Dhan Bahadur Budha (kp 04/01/2020)

572 India-bound girls, women missing (ht 04/01/2020)

The current government is breathing down our necks: The Information Technology Bill will asphyxiate freedom of speech and expression, by Sushrey Nepal (kp 03/01/2020)

Nepalgunj prison inmates end agitation following agreement (ht 03/01/2020)

As the government pushes ahead with IT Bill, rights watchdog expresses concern: The bill in its current form infringes on the fundamental freedom of expression, says the National Human Rights Commission, by Binod Ghimire (kp 02/1/2020)

Child marriage continues unabated in Dang: Activists advocating against child marriage say most children succumb to family pressure and there’s no help forthcoming from authorities (kp 02/01/2020)

Probe panel formed to look into activities of children’s homes (ht 01/01/2020)

Without proper sanitation facilities, girls keep missing school during menstruation: While menstrual taboos already lead girls to miss school, a lack of water and sanitation at schools only pushes them to stay away, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 31/12/2019)

Attacked and violated: From Chhaupadi death to incidents of sexual exploitation to cases of acid attacks, there was no let-up in incidents of violence against girls and women in 2019, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 31/12/2019)

Curtailing civil liberties in Nepal, one legislation at a time: The KP Sharma Oli-led government has been repeatedly criticised for trying to curb dissent through its laws and policies, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 31/12/2019)

Pushpa Kamal Dahal calls the press “bourgeois media”, and the Nepali internet isn’t taking any of it: Dahal’s disdain towards critical voices in the press and social media receives flak and ridicule, b y Bhrikuti Rai (kp 31/12/2019)

Rape accused godman freed on bail (ht 31/12/2019) [??]

Sugarcane farmers march to Kathmandu as their dues keep on piling: There are around 15,000 farmers engaged in commercial sugarcane farming in Sarlahi alone, by Krishana Prasain  (kp 30/12/2019), House panel tells government to make sugar mills pay farmers their money: Protesting cane growers from Sarlahi say they have not been paid for five years, by Krishana Prasain (kp 31/12/2019), Sugarcane farmers high and dry as mills delay payment since years, by Rajesh Khanal (rep 31/12/2019), ‘If I lose my land, I will hang myself’: Owed more than Rs1 billion by sugar mills, sugarcane farmers are afraid their creditors will begin seizing their land, by Krishana Prasain (kp 01/01/2020), Arrest absconding mill operator: Govt (ht 01/01/2020), NHRC demands justice for farmers: Says state should not deviate from its duty to protect its citizens (ht 01/01/2020)

House panel passes controversial IT Bill disregarding dozens of amendment proposals: In an attempt to regulate the cyberspace, the government has given itself enormous new powers to curb online content, experts say, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 30/12/2019), HoR panel passes ‘restrictive’ IT Bill, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 30/12/2019), Government tables bill that will allow intelligence agencies to listen in to private conversations: Provisions in the bill contradict the spirit of the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and privacy, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 31/12/2019), Shades of Panchayat: The KP Sharma Oli administration is putting the squeeze on freedom of speech (kp 31/12/2019), Draconian bill: The parliamentary panel should have held wider consultations with the stakeholders before endorsing it with majority vote (ht 31/12/2019)

Polluted air spikes respiratory illness: The govt standard for unhealthy air is way above WHO’s, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht 29/12/2019)) [And the government is doing nothing!]

Battle against Chhaupadi in Karnali: Govt gets aggressive, but people’s blind belief too strong (rep 29/12/2019)

National conference on sexual harassment held (ht 29/12/2019)

Catch the momentum (rep 29/12/2019)

NHRC stresses enacting rights friendly laws: House panel, PAs told to issue directives against rights violations (ht 28/12/2019)

Addressing The Issue Of Gender Violence, by Indu Pant Ghimire and Saurav Raj Pant (rn 28/12/2019)

Government and police fail to abide by human rights commission’s recommendation: The commission two months ago had recommended action against police officials involved in extrajudicial killing of Kumar Paudel, by Binod Ghimire (kp 26/12/2019)

Breaking the chain: Human trafficking under the guise of labour migration has become one of the most severe problems faced by Nepali migrant workers in recent times, by Anurag Devkota (kp 26/12/2019)

New bill ensures reproductive rights of inmates (kp 26/12/2019)

Quake victims waiting for housing grant (ht 26/12/2019)

Suffering in silence: The deep-seated stigma against menstruation and disability has led to biased and prejudice understanding of the issue and triggered discriminatory practices at the cost of their wellbeing, by Obindra B. Chand and Romi Giri (rep 26/12/2019)

No help at home for women migrants who come back with babies: When women migrants get pregnant out of wedlock, they are generally evicted from their destination countries and come back to stigma at home, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 25/12/2019)

Dahal defers proposal to make party secretariat more inclusive: The proposal, tabled by two women standing committee members, envisions turning the all-male nine-member secretariat into a 15-member inclusive body, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 25/12/2019) [This reflects the arrogance of the male Bahun elite that dominates all political parties and tries to uphold the non-inclusive state at any cost!]

Govt to act tough against those who encourage Chhaupadi (ht 25/12/2019)

NHRC urges govt to ensure fundamental rights of citizens (ht 25/12/2019)

Call for survivor-friendly approach to investigate human trafficking cases: Experts urge adopting Forensic Experiential Trauma Interviews approach for better dealing with survivors and investigating such cases, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 24/12/2019)

Bangladeshis are being trafficked into Nepal, but most cases go unreported: The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu receives two to three cases of labour trafficking every month, by Eliha Shrestha (kp 24/12/2019)

Female jailbirds stage protest (ht 21/12/2019), Probe into Naike starts, two inmates transferred (ht 22/12/2019)

Growing inequalities: A painful reality of the 21st Century: What could be more depressing than realising that irrespective of one’s ability, the outcome is still guided by gender, ethnicity, and parents' wealth?, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp 20/12/2019)

A rural municipality in Salyan launches campaign against child marriage: The campaign is being launched in view of the increasing incidents of child marriage across the district, by Biplav Maharjan (kp 20/12/2019)

Sexual violence case involving faculty member settled in school (ht 20/12/2019) [???? Such cases cannot be settled but must be puniushed!]

Birgunj High Court seeks suggestions from lawyers to transfer Aftab Alam’s case away from his hometown: Government attorney appealed for a transfer of the case following threats from the lawmaker who has been charged with mass murder, by Binod Ghimire (kp 20/12/2019)

Dahal’s proposal to set up mechanism for transitional justice raises alarm: Conflict victims and human rights defenders say it is wrong to have a political body that influences the commissions, by Binod Ghimire (kp 19/12/2019)

Saving daughters: Karnali Province deserves praise for initiating the bold step to save daughters, an idea never thought out by the Centre (ht 19/12/2019)

A crisis centre provides relief to victims of violence in Janakpur: The centre was built nine years after the state said it would set up such centres in several other districts, by Shahiman Rai (kp 18/12/2019)

Government tables bill allowing intelligence agencies to intercept personal conversation: Rights defenders and main opposition object to the bill, saying it infringes upon people’s right to privacy and individual freedom, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/12/2019) [Is Nepal more and more turning into an the authoritarian control state?], New bill lets govt snoop on citizens: Comes under fire from rights activists, lawyers and NC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 17/12/2019), Big Brother is listening: The government has once again shown its tendency towards authoritarianism. It must stop (kp 18/12/2019), Ensure privacy right: It would be in the interest of the government not to push the bill through the Parliament on the strength of its near two-thirds majority (ht 18/12/2019)

Scores of Nepali migrant workers go missing every year in foreign lands: Most missing persons are either in jail and cannot contact their families or have chosen to voluntarily break contact after starting new families, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 17/12/2019)

One year since the sexual abuse exposé: It would be a disservice to all if we forget the survivors of Lalitpur Madhyamik Vidhyalaya and the victims in so many other schools, by Monika Niroula (kp 17/12/2019)

Jailbirds reeling under drinking water, sanitation woes in Syangja (ht 17/12/2019)

Ending the stigma of menstruation: How many girls must die before we realize that Chhaupadi in all its forms must stop? Three-month jail time or Rs 3,000 fine is not enough to stop this brutal practice, by Sakun Gajurel (rep 16/12/2019)

The government must ensure it establishes the consumer court expeditiously: Consumer courts enable consumers to make the best choices based on their interests and prevent them from being mistreated (kp 16/12/2019)

Rape cases on the rise, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 16/12/2019)

Prison capacity increased to 15,466: Jails across Nepal are cramped with over 23, (ht 16/12/2019)

Women deliver: Let them handle GBV, by Chanda Chaudhary (ht 16/12/2019)

Police inspector among three killed in Dhanusha blast: No one has claimed responsibility for the midnight blast, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 15/12/2019)

CDOs instructed to form anti-chhaupadi mechanisms, intensify campaigns (rep 15/12/2019)

“They turned me into a living corpse”: For victims of the Maoist insurgency, no justice and no peace: Over 13 years after the peace agreement, transitional justice process has largely been held hostage to partisan interests, with both the political parties and Army playing for time, by Binod Ghimire (kp 14/12/2019)

Amend act on human trafficking: NHRC (ht 14/12/2019)

Evidence to prosecute Dr Rohit Kumar Jha for attempt to rape insufficient (ht 14/12/2019)

Families are sites of love and affection but also violence and discrimination: A new report by UN Women points to the dual role of families in Nepal, where 26 percent of women face domestic violence, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 13/12/2019)

Let’s talk about the queer: Bringing LGBTIQ discussions to the mainstream at WOW festival, as the community struggles for social acceptance, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp13/12/2019)

High pollution level taking toll on public health, says NHRC (ht 13/12/2019)

‘Big sisters’ work to rescue Nepali child brides (ht 13/12/2019)

Everything you need to know about Chhaupadi, the taboo ritual of banishing women to period huts: Legal actions and social campaigns have failed to make people in Nepal’s remote western regions understand the urgency of abolishing the deadly tradition, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 12/12/2019)

Exploitation continues unabated at Kathmandu’s dance bars and dohori restaurants: As such informal entertainment venues are not regulated by the government, there is ample room for labour exploitation and physical and sexual harassment, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 12/12/2019)

Rape incidents up in Saptari (ht 12/12/2019), Three, including ward chair, held for attempt to rape (ht 12/12/2019)

South Asian states urged to end culture of impunity (rep 12/12/2019)

Female deputy speakers of various provinces complain of being given rights, but no responsibilit: The task of the deputy speaker is to run the house in the speaker’s absence but the position doesn’t allow one to take decisions independently, by Pratiksha Kafle (kp 11/12/2019)

Nepal moves up in Human Development Index but still lags behind in South Asia. Nepal’s human development index of 0.579 indicates that people are living longer, are more educated and have greater incomes, according to the Human Development Report, by Sangam Prasain (kp 11/12/2019) [see UNDP report on Nepal], Lack of health facilities deprives Nepalis of medical care: Concerned government agencies are responsible for inequalities in human development, experts say, by Arjun Poudel [kp], Gender inequality continues to plague Nepal: The country has made progress in areas such as life expectancy but there is still a long way to go before it attains gender equality (kp 12/12/2019), Ending inequalities: Most of the countries in South Asia are way ahead of Nepal, making it more and more difficult to catch up with them (ht 12/12/2019)

Overall human rights situation dismal: NHRC (ht 11/12/2019)

Abused and forced to flee: How unchecked superstition displaced a family in Dolakha: Belief in superstition and the abuse of human rights that comes with it is widespread in this mountainous district of about 200,000 people, by Rajendra Manandhar (kp 11/12/2019)

Nagarik reporter injured in police assault, by Rajan Shah (rep 11/12/2019), Criminal case filed against police over assault on Nagarik journalist (rep 18/12/2019)

Police want to be friends with the community but they act more like foes: Time and again, police quickly resort to baton charges and physical violence to deal with protests, even when unnecessary, by Anup Ojha (kp 11/12/2019)

LGBT community seeks an end to discrimination (ht 11/12/2019)

Nepali women say they are not just ‘cheli’ but individuals in their own right: Many have protested the media’s use of the word ‘cheli’ to refer to women athletes, arguing that it is patronising and demeaning, by Ankit Khadgi (kp 10/12/2019)

Violence against differently-abled women goes largely unreported, by Anjali Subedi (rep 10/12/2019)

‘Protecting human rights a challenge’ (ht 09/12/2019)

What should NHRC do? While NHRC has to do the regular job of protecting and promoting human rights, it also has to ensure that those people who grossly violated human rights are punished, by Mohna Ansari (rep 09/12/2019)

Time to think out of the box: If we had tackled this problem from women’s health perspectives rather than cultural taboos, perhaps the woman who died in Chhaupadi shed would be among us today, by Mukesh  Adhikari (rep 09/12/2019) [Chhaupadi is an archaic and perverse tradition that has its origin in the morbid delusion of superiority of a deeply patriarchal way of thinking. This crime against women must be eradicated if women's health is to be protected.]

Continued political interference is weakening crucial constitutional bodies: Though such commissions are envisioned as independent agencies, parties have not allowed them to function independently, experts say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 08/12/2019)

Madhesi inclusion in judiciary still a far cry (ht 08/12/2019)

Brick kiln workers’ health at risk, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht 08/12/2019)

Pact to enhance quality of services for kids inked (ht 07/12/2019)

‘Collective effort needed to curb rape’ (ht 06/12/2019)

Banke District Prison in sorry state (ht 06/12/2019)

Victims of domestic violence must make the decision to take back control of their lives: The national mission to end domestic violence must be taken to every family, school, workplace, courtroom, cabinet and police station, by Madhuri Rana Singh (kp 05/12/2019)

Children feature most in media coverage on human trafficking (ht 05/12/2019)

NHRC concerned about status of its recommendation on differently-abled (ht 04/12/2019)

Menstruation huts become death traps: 17 die in sheds in ten years , by Prakash Singh (ht) [If men cannot stay in the house together with menstruating women, then men must leave the house and stay in sheds!!], Banishing women to “period huts” is a national shame: Young girls and women losing their precious lives to a deadly superstition is distressing (kp 05/12/2019)) [It's not only a shame, it's a grave crime!], For greater activism: The local school is a good place for intervention, where an appropriate curriculum could help create awareness among the students (ht 05/12/2019) [related to chhaupadi crime], Police arrest brother-in-law of Parbati Budha who died in a menstruation hut in Achham: This is the first arrest since the country criminalised Chhaupadi in August 2017, by Binod Ghimire (kp 06/12/2019)

Transitional justice: Truth is its foundation; Transitional justice is a challenge by which we test ourselves, our vision of the future and the kind of society we want to build out of the rubble of the decade of conflict, by Mohna Ansari (ht 04/12/2019)

Lessons from Sri Lanka: Provision of postal vote is something Nepal can immediately learn from Sri Lanka. In Nepal, thousands of security personnel and election staff cannot vote during the elections, by Krishna M. Pradhan (rep 04/12/2019)

Banished from home, Achham woman dies in menstrual hut, by Prakash Singh (ht 03/12/2019)

State fails to allocate adequate budget to rebuild quake-ravaged public schools: The current delay means students will have to wait a few more years to shift from makeshift structures, by Binod Ghimire (kp 03/12/2019)

Domestic violence up in Lamjung (ht 03/12/2019)

Right to Information Act: Most ministries fail to update their information (ht 03/12/2019)

High-profile culprits skip police custody on medical grounds (ht 03/12/2019)

CVCP calls for parliamentary panel’s meeting (ht 02/12/2019)

Man arrested for 'raping' distant granddaughter (rep 02/12/2019) [What is a 'distant' granddaughter? And why is 'raped written with quotation marks?]

Parliamentary panel proposes reducing fine against journalists to as low as Re 1 (rep 02/12/2019) [As long as the threat of punishment is not completely rejected, journalists remain offenders!]

Kathmandu’s Newars watch cautiously after government hints at reviving the Guthi Bill: Although officials said the new land bill will include suggestions from indigenous communities, local leaders say no one has reached out to them yet, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 02/12/2019)

Most traffickers are relatives of victims, officials say: Police in the past four fiscal years have rescued 2,333 trafficked persons, statistics show, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 01/12/2019)

International concern: Delay in transitional justice process (rep 01/12/2019)

NVC seeks action against 258 employees (kp 01/12/2019) [How can the Nepalese state dare to force all civil servants to wear the Hindu caste clothes in office?]

Rape-accused godman admits himself to hospital fearing arrest: Sunsari police say he will be arrested once discharged, by Santosh Kafle (ht 30/11/2019), Rape-accused Siddhababa in ICU (ht 02/12/2019), Rape accused 'godman' taken from ICU of nursing home to court for remand (ht 03/12/2019), Siddhababa’s remand extended by seven days (ht 07/12/2019), Giri to be in judicial custody for 7 more days, by Amar Khadka (rep 07/12/2019), Siddhababa’s remand extended by three days (ht 14/12/2019)

‘Domestic violence prevalent among poor families’, by Narahari Sapkota (rep 30/11/2019)

Conflict victims demand government to dissolve the recommendation and start afresh selection process: They claim the government is inviting international intervention by politicising the transitional justice process, by Binod Ghimire (kp 29/11/2019), TJ appointments process hits snags (rep 30/11/2019)

Butwal Sub-metropolis implements programme to end incidents of sexual abuse in schools: Under the programme, every school is supposed to assign a focal person for resolving complaints filed by students, by Amrita Anmol (kp 28/11/2019)

In Achham, domestic abuse is driving women to depression: Every week, the Bayalpata Hospital, which has a dedicated mental health bureau, sees over a hundred women suffering from depression, doctors say, by Menuka Dhungana (kp 28/11/2019)

Sanibheri Municipality takes strict measures to curb child marriage: Underage couples and their guardians will be barred from receiving government services and facilities, by Hari Gautam (kp 28/11/2019)

Rights groups’ statement shows the world is watching Nepal’s transitional justice process, experts say: The statement from four prominent human rights organisations is stronger than ones issued in the past, indicating the international community may be gradually losing faith in Nepal’s system, by Binod Ghimire (kp 27/11/2019) [see joint statement by ICJ, AI, HRW and TRIAL], International rights watchdogs concerned about justice for victims (ht 27/11/2019)

NHRC decision too little, too late: Conflict victims, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht 27/11/2019)

NCP student wing cadres thrash college chief: ANNFSU targets Tri-Chandra College principal for hiking fees (ht 26/11/2019)

Officials stress need for ending all forms of violence against women, by Mukti Prasad Neupane (rep 26/11/2019)

Mediciti doctor held for rape bid (ht 26/11/2019)

Detainee’s death in police custody suspicious (ht 26/11/2019)

Couple ostracised for practising witchcraft (ht 26/11/2019)

Child rights march: Partnership for progress, by Janes Immanuel Ginting and Pratistha Koirala (ht 26/11/2019)

Protect Tibetans: Tibetan community in Nepal has raised serious concerns over the treaty that could be used to persecute them under Chinese pressure (ht 26/11/2019)

Free education by law: Nepal’s constitution and compulsory education act are more progressive than UN Conventions and other constitutions in terms of ensuring education as a human right, by Jivesh Jha (rep 25/11/2019)

The transitional justice process has failed to envision the pains of women who were sexually abused during the insurgency: As the state has excluded rape in the interim relief process and in transitional justice, many victims still await closure, by Chandra Bhadra (kp 24/11/2019)

Panel moves to recommend TJ officials amid widespread criticism (rep 24/11/2019)

Raut’s party holds mass rally in capital against ‘discrimination’ (rep 24/11/2019)

With new legislation in the works, Nepal’s civil society organisations fear tighter control: The KP Sharma Oli administration has been repeatedly criticised by national and international rights bodies for trying to curb dissent through laws and policies, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 23/11/2019)

Our songs from the forest: Finding freedom from menstrual taboos in the lap of nature, by Uma Bista (kp 23/11/2019)

FNJ to hold demonstration for protection of press freedom (ht 23/11/2019)

Govt to take care of four rape victims (ht 22/11/2019)

Using numbers to fight gender-based violence: On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on 25 November, let us pledge to help end gender-based violence,  by Lisa Honan (nt 22/11/2019)

Carefree Kumari: Bhaktapur’s 9-year-old living goddess has a childhood, too, by Shriluna Shrestha (nt 22/11/2019)

Justice still eludes conflict victims: NHRC (ht 21/11/2019), Reimagining the peace pact: Some aspects of the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement need to be revived and updated, by Mohna Ansari (kp 21/11/2019), Peace and injustice: Thirteen years of Comprehensive Peace Accord (rep 21/11/2019), Waiting for justice: Thirteen years after signing of CPA, justice eludes the conflict victims, by Ram Kumar Bhandari (rep 21/11/2019), Conflict victims decry apathy of government and parties towards transitional justice: Thirteen years after the peace deal, victims of the decade-long Maoist insurgency continue to wait for justice, by Binod Ghimire (kp 22/11/2019), Dahal for appointing new faces to TRC (ht 22/11/2019) [The leader of one of the outstanding human rights violating forces at the time of the conflict must not have any say in the composition and work of the two commissions!], Conflict victims still struggling for justice (rep 22/11/2019)

Nepal reaffirms commitment to eliminating forced labour, human trafficking and child labour: Nepal’s objectives are in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 21/11/2019)

Cases of missing children on the rise in Nepal (rep 21/11/2019), Number of missing girls two times more than boys: Report (ht 21/11/2019)

Child marriage cases on the rise but police complaints scarce, say child activists: According to a recent survey, 46.9 percent of total marriages in the country are still child marriages, by Durgalal KC (kp 21/11/2019)

Children at juvenile reform centre living in poor condition: The facility in Thanabharyang, Hetauda, lacks teachers, rooms and toilets, among others, by Pratap Bista (kp 21/11/2019)

Dalit family struggles to obtain citizenship (ht 21/11/2019)

Alleging political intervention, applicants for transitional justice commissions are withdrawing their names: Since the recommendation committee has become a rubber stamp for the political parties, no independent decision is forthcoming, rights activists and victims say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 20/11/2019), Stakeholders prepare for consultations on TJ bill (rep 20/11/2019)

Seven trafficking victims, including four minor girls rescued (ht 20/11/2019)

After deal between parties, selection panel publishes list of probable candidates for transitional justice bodies: Conflict victims object to political interference, saying they won’t accept the officials selected without following the due process, by Binod Ghimire (kp 19/11/2019), Victims decry selection of candidates for TJ bodies, by Rohan S. Nepal (ht 19/11/2019)

Supreme Court sentences ‘Pooja Bohara’ rape accused to 11 yrs, six months in jail, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 19/11/2019)

Overcrowded Rolpa District Prison in dilapidated condition: There have been numerous attempts to demolish the old prison and construct a new one, but lack of appropriate land plot has put the plan on hold, say prison officials, by Kashiram Dangi (kp 19/11/2019)

Panel proposes Bhatta for TRC head, Mallick for CIEDP chief (ht 18/11/2019)

Women go abroad for work and return duped and abused: There is no data on women who go abroad for employment, but the trend is on the rise in Rupandehi, according to an association of women migrants, by Amrita Anmol (kp 17/11/2019)

In Rajapur, police consistently fail to investigate cases involving marginalised communities: Police have refused to look into a number of recent cases involving Tharus and Dalits, despite their families alleging foul play, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 16/11/2019)

Under the guise of humanitarian aid, high-profile paedophiles are abusing Nepali children: Loose laws, illiteracy and poverty, along with an unsuspicious welcome of foreigners, have turned Nepal into a haven for Western paedophiles, by Janakraj Sapkota (kp 16/11/2019), Predators on the prowl: Child molesters often enter gullible poor countries as aid workers (kp 18/11/2019)

Bhimphedi inmates excited about a new library inside the prison: The setting up of the new library has not only excited voracious readers but also worked for the benefit of inmates who are pursuing education, by Pratap Bista (kp 16/11/2019)

Parties close to consensus on chairperson for Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Both ruling and opposition parties are positive about appointing Ganesh Datta Bhatta, associate professor at Nepal Law Campus, ruling party leaders say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 15/11/2019)

Human Rights Watch criticises the government’s move to undermine citizen’s rights to organise: The current administration has been repeatedly criticised by national and international rights bodies for trying to curb dissent through laws and policies, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 15/11/2019) [see report by HRW]

Clarion call to enforce fair recruitment to protect human rights of migrant workers: The International Conference on Protection of Rights of the Migrant Workers concluded with a 21-point Kathmandu Declarations, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 15/11/2019), NHRC international conference concludes (ht 15/11/2019)

Children of daily wage earners face abuse (ht 15/11/2019)

Protect victims: Although relocation of the vulnerable with changed identity has been suggested, is this feasible in a small country like ours? (ht 15/11/2019)

Constitutional Council meeting postponed yet again without making appointments: Delay in appointments to crucial commissions weakens institutions, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 14/11/2019), PM plans to fill constitutional bodies positions after by-polls (rep 14/11/2019)

Police arrest 50-year-old woman for alleged human trafficking: The then minor victim was trafficked to India in 2012 and thrown into prostitution, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 14/11/2019)

‘Beti Bachau-Beti Padhau’ campaign fails to take off this year in the absence of employees: Under the scheme, which is often referred to as a pet project of Chief Minister of Province-2, Lal Babu Raut, every newborn girl is to be insured across all eight districts in the province, by Santosh Singh (kp 14/11/2019)

Durbar Marg rape case accused sent to prison: Main accused sentenced to five years and two months in jail (ht 14/11/2019)

National Reconstruction Authority spent just 65 percent of its budget last fiscal year: Officials blame the use of existing government mechanisms to channel the funds for subpar spending, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 13/11/2019) [??]

Families of air crash victims say they are being pressured to withdraw their case: 22 Nepalis were killed when US-Bangla flight BS 211 from Dhaka crashed while landing at Kathmandu airport, by Sangam Prasain (kp 13/11/2019)

How Nepali songs are blurring the lines between entertainment and sexism: Sexist euphemisms are ingrained in many contemporary Nepali songs, yet we love them, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp 13/11/2019)

Brahmins and Chhetris continue to dominate entry into civil service: Despite reservation policies for marginalised groups, Brahmins and Chhetris have not just maintained their dominance but have increased their presence in civil service, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 12/11/2019)

FNJ to launch special mission for press freedom from January (ht 11/11/2019)

School keeps deaf students of different grades in same class: Teachers at Tribhuvan Jana Secondary School in Salyan say that they lack resources to run separate classes for the deaf students, by Biplav Maharjan (kp 11/11/2019)

New education policy ignores nearly all recommendations made by a high-level education commission: The policy serves the interests of the private sector, which had lobbied against the commission’s recommendations, commission members say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 10/11/2019), The government has undermined education: A core value for a country to develop, the federal govenrment must make amends (kp 11/11/2019)

14-year-old girl found dead in suspicious circumstances: Family members claim the victim was abducted, raped and subsequently murdered, by Kamal Panthi (kp 10/11/2019)

Priests to check birth registration and citizenship certificates of brides and grooms prior to solemnising their weddings: The priests will work with the local government, police, women’s groups, child clubs and students to end child marriage in Rukum (West), by Hari Gautam (kp 10/11/2019)

New leadership in INSEC (ht 10/11/2019)

Journalists urged to respect code (ht 10/11/2019)

Recommendation committee fails to pick candidates leaving TJ bodies in the lurch (ht 09/11/2019)

Bill seeks to transfer mgm't of prisons to provinces, by Ashok Dahal (rep 09/11/2019)

Woman accused of witchcraft, tortured (ht 08/11/2019)

NHRC to hold international conference on migrant workers (ht 08/11/2019)

Communicable disease a real hazard for jail inmates: Home ministry report (rep 07/11/2019)

Nepal Police appears unwilling to take action against officials involved in extrajudicial killing: The human rights commission had asked that criminal charges be filed against officers implicated in the killing but police say they have yet to receive any official communication in that regard, by Binod Ghimire (kp 06/11/2019)

Nationwide campaign launched to end violence against women: Flagged off from Province 1, the drive will be run throughout the year for long-term effectiveness, by Binu Timsina (kp 05/11/2019)

Man dunking wife’s face in hot curry shocks even folks used to VAW, by Anjali Subedi (rep 05/11/2019)

Why media must be free: Nepal would do better by adhering to the principles of freedom, diversity and equality in media actions, by Mohan Nepali (rep 05/11/2019)

Aiming for a better future, by prioritising the young: Nepal has no idea how to prepare its children for the future. But it needs to learn before it is too late, by Sujeev Shakya (kp 05/11/2019)

Dr KC launches 17th hunger strike in Dadeldhura HQ Bagkhor (ht 05/11/2019), Dr KC starts 17th hunger strike, by Pushkar Bhandari (rep 05/11/2019), Protest rally in Dadeldhura in support of Dr KC, by Pushkar Bhandari (rep 08/11/2019), Rally held to express solidarity with Dr Govinda KC (ht 09/11/2019), Dr Govinda KC admitted to Dadeldhura Hospital (ht 10/11/2019)

Butwal’s women leaders burdened with gender-based discrimination in governance: Women leaders stress the need to condemn gender-based discrimination from all quarters, by Amrita Anmol (kp 04/11/2019)

Children working on road project implemented by Nepal Army, by Narahari Sapkota (rep 04/11/2019)

Nepal yet again fails to report to the UN on status of judicial action on the killings of journalists: We are waiting for updates from the Home Ministry, Communication Ministry says (kp 03/11/2019)

In Rautahat, people from Dalit communities continue to face ostracisation during Chhath celebrations: On a recent ground trip, the Post found that the people from separate castes were celebrating the festival in separate spaces, by Shiva Puri (kp 03/11/2019)

Assailant of Hetauda acid attack arrested after more than six years: The perpetrator had thrown acid on a 19-year-old girl for rebuffing his romantic advances, by Subash Bidari (kp 02/11/2019)

Filing complaints with the police is filled with hassles: Nepal Police’s behaviour with people seeking help from the authorities has frequently come under the scanner, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 02/11/2019)

Ministry starts process to amend bill on transitional justice law: Law and Justice Ministry will gather suggestions from the concerned parties to finalise the amendment bill, by Binod Ghimire (kp 02/11/2019)

Nepalgunj prison inmates complain of misconduct: The inmates have submitted a demand note to the local administration accusing the jailer of bribery, by Madhu Shahi (kp 02/11/2019)

Chargesheet filed against Mahara for rape attempt: District attorney office has sought five to seven-and-a-half years jail term for the former House Speaker, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 01/11/2019), Rape attempt case filed against Mahara: Prosecution seeks up to 7 years 6 months jail (rep 01/11/2019), Attempt to rape case filed against Mahara: His trial hearing has been scheduled for today (ht 01/11/2019), Mahara, in court statement, denies ever entering the woman’s apartment: The former Speaker of the House finally gave his statement on Friday after he was formally charged with attempted rape, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 02/11/2019) [Mysteriously, he did not remember this before?]

Man dies after police fire on a group defying curfew in Krishnanagar: Local administration imposed indefinite curfew after a clash between Hindu and Muslim communities over the route of idol procession, by Manoj Paudel (kp 01/11/2019), One dies in Krishnanagar when police open fire, indefinite curfew imposed (rep 01/11/2019), Krishnanagar is returning to normalcy as two sides sign 10-point deal (rep 01/11/2019) [No politician or administrator is qualified to decide this judicial case!!], A 10-point agreement signed between the agitating parties and local administration in Kapilvastu: The situation remained peaceful throughout Friday; administration yet to lift curfew, by Manoj Paudel (kp 02/11/2019)

“I thought I would die”: Despite laws on domestic violence, archaic and insensitive treatment by police and the justice system force women in Nepal to remain trapped in cycles of abuse, even when they muster the courage to report them; In the majority of domestic violence cases, police push for reconciliation, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 01/11/2019)

VTEN's arrest is only a symbol of a larger malaise: ‘Moral order’ is such an amorphous idea that anything undesirable to the authorities can be slotted into it, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 01/11/2019)

Squatters, who received plots to build houses, are deprived of land titles: Around 500 landless squatters had received space to build in Salyan district, by Biplab Maharjan (kp 01/11/2019)

Student leader from ruling party arraigned on rape charge: Indra Hang Rai of All Nepal National Free Students Union is accused of assaulting an 18-year-old girl, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 31/10/2019), Three youth leaders of NCP, Nepali Congress arrested on rape charges (ht 31/10/2019)

Artists decry the growing tendency to arrest musicians for their lyrical content as autocratic censorship: In the wake of singer Durgesh Thapa and rapper VTEN’s arrest, Nepali artists say that the police’s actions are alarming and people need to resist them, by Timothy Aryal (kp 28/10/2019)

Passengers protest at airport after Oli’s return from Baku delayed their flight by nearly an hour: Pilots were asked to stop engines of Shree Airlines flight because of disturbance caused at VIP lounge where Oli was being welcomed, officials say (kp 28/10/2019) [This unbelievable political arrogance continues unabated! Visit Nepal Year should be renamed into Travel Godlike Policians Year! After the democratisation only the names of the gods have changed! Nepal is probably the only country in which internationally insignificant politicians regularly frustrate domestic and foreign travellers!]

Democratic nations should protect all free speech: If a state fundamentally guarantees freedom of expression then it also guarantees a right to offend, by Atit Babu Rijal (kp 27/10/2019)

Even with a murder conviction, lawmakers might still be able to hold on to their seats: Lawmakers are suspended when they are convicted but they do not lose their seats unless their crime involves ‘moral turpitude’, but no one is certain what that means, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 26/10/2019)

‘Enough evidence to corroborate accusation against Mahara’: Office of the Attorney General will decide whether or not to file charge sheet against Mahara (ht 26/10/2019)

Police arrest four suspected Chand party members for burning PM Oli’s effigy: The four persons have been held on charges of disturbing public peace, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 26/10/2019) [??]

Rapper’s arrest is latest in government’s attempt to crack down on free expression: Samir Ghising’s detention comes just days after another singer, Durgesh Thapa, was called for questioning by the police for the same reason, by Samuel Chhetri and Bhrikuti Rai (kp 25/10/2019)

ven as lawmakers are accused of heinous crimes, Parliament remains without disciplinary committee: The Speaker, who is responsible for forming such committees, himself remains in judicial custody after being accused of rape, by Binod Ghimire (kp 25/10/2019)

For four years, commissions mandated to empower marginalised communities have remained largely vacant: While five commissions—Madhesi, Dalit, Tharu, Muslim, and Inclusion—have chairpersons but no members, two others—Women and Indigenous Nationalities—don’t even have chairpersons, by Binod Ghimire (kp 24/10/2019)

The crimes Alam has been accused of are grave, but his party has little to say: Nepali Congress leaders continue to insist that an individual’s crimes do not reflect on the party, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 23/10/2019) [The cover of criminals in their ranks has system in many Nepali parties!]

Killing of Chand party cadre Kumar Paudel was extrajudicial, human rights commission says: The National Human Rights Commission has concluded that Paudel was killed after he was arrested and has recommended criminal charges against three police officers, by Binod Ghimire (kp 22/10/2019), Police killed CPN leader Paudel in cold blood: NHRC (ht 22/10/2019), NHRC rejects police encounter claim in Paudel death, calls for suspending 3 (rep 22/10/2019), Begin thorough probe: The government should start a thorough investigation, and there must be no attempt by the state to influence the outcome (ht 23/10/2019)

Govt, parties ‘have put TJ on backburner’, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht 22/10/2019), Big 2 parties agree to revise controversial TJ law (rep 22/10/2019)

Unearthing of the grisly mass murder in Alam case has Nepalis pointing fingers at a failed system: The onus to strengthen the system lies on politicians and the people in power, but analysts say recent incidents show how they have used the system in service of their own interests, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 22/10/2019)

Janajati, Madhesi forces seek to revive identity-based movement: The KP Sharma Oli administration has undermined the rights and privileges of marginalised communities, leaders say, by Anil Giri (kp 21/10/2019)

‘Discontinuing chhaupadi isn't just about destroying period huts; it's about ending the stigma of menstruation.’ Former Miss Nepal Shrinkhala Khatiwada discusses her one-night stay at a chhau goth in Babala, Achham, to experience the ancient practice of the outlawed Chhaupadi, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp 21/10/2019)

Inter-caste marriage leaves girl in a lurch (ht 20/10/2019)

Mahara’s three days in judicial custody already over, but police are yet to file a chargesheet: The former House Speaker, who is facing rape charges, has been in hospital and refused to record his statement, citing health condition, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 20/10/2019)

ASI arrested on rape charge in Dharan (ht 20/10/2019)

Rautahat blast injured start coming in police contact after Alam’s arrest, by Madan Thakur (rep 20/10/2019)

Some basic rights still a struggle for LGBTI in Nepal, by Priyanka Adhikari (rep 20/10/2019)

A discrimination case riles up Dalit activists in Morang district: A Dalit rights group has demanded the authorities launch a fair investigation, by Binu Timsina (kp 19/10/2019)

Supreme Court directs information commission to respond to writ regarding Lal Commission report: The report includes findings from investigations into deadly violence in 2015 that killed nearly 50 people, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 18/10/2019), NIC gets three months to decide on Lal panel report (ht 18/10/2019)

Police in Banke arrest a sub-inspector over an attempt to rape charge: The official was arrested on the basis of a complaint filed by a woman police trainee earlier this week, by Madhu Shahi (kp 18/10/2019)

Nepali citizens detained during Xi Jinping’s visit for Tibetan signage on clothes and accessories: All citizens have a right to political opinion and the right to criticise and protest Nepal’s foreign policy, irrespective of the country’s formal position, say rights activists, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 18/10/2019)

Crime and punishment: The legal actions taken by the police against politicians can help bring an end to criminalisation of politics (ht 18/10/2019)

Bid to combat human trafficking gets a boost (ht 18/10/2019)

Parties continue to look the other way while their leaders get arrested for crimes: Three lawmakers were arrested in the past two weeks and none has been censured or suspended by their parties, by , by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/10/2019) [This has to do with the fact that politicians and parties consider themselves to be above the law, just as the monarchy did before!]

Hospitals are implanting hormonal birth control on mentally impaired women: Rights activists say that such implants are a violation of women’s rights and legal provisions and do not address the core problem of violence against women, by Arjun Poudel (kpn 17/10/2019)

Cases of polygamy unchecked in several districts of Province 5: Lack of stringent laws and loopholes in existing legal provisions create an encouraging environment for polygamy, by Amrita Anmol (kp 17/10/2019)

Child marriage on rise, young mothers regret early marriage, by Manju Upreti (rep 17/10/2019)

Free Kamalaris are becoming self-reliant in Dang: The Freed Kamalari Development Forum, an organisation formed by former kamalaris, has been providing monetary assistance and income-generating skill training to freed kamalaris to make them financially independent, by Durgalal KC (kp 16/10/2019)

Teacher thrashes student (ht 16/10/2019)

Members charged with a crime should be removed forthwith: The criminalisation of politics is a threat to the basic structure of the constitution, but the current regulation allows lawbreakers to continue as lawmakers (kp 16/10/2019)

Health Ministry to monitor hospitals to curb sex-selective abortions: Newborn data of the Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital shows a wide gap between the number of boys and girls, by Arjun Poudel (kp 15/10/2019)

Lawmaker Yadav demands fair investigation into acid attack, by Ritesh Tripathi (rep 15/10/2019)

Crime and impunity: Arrest of Mohammand Aftab Alam (rep 15/10/2019)

Congress lawmaker Mohammad Aftab Alam arrested in relation to 2008 Rautahat blast: The politician faces charges of burning those injured in the explosion alive in a brick kiln, by Shiva Puri (kp 14/10/2019)

In Achham, postpartum mothers continue to face ostracism: While the district has introduced several safe motherhood programmes, they have largely been ineffective, by Menuka Dhungana (kp 14/10/2019)

Make Example, Not Exception, by P. Kharel (rn 14/10/2019)

11 Tibetan refugees among 22 held (ht 13/10/2019)

Parties agree on transitional justice officials but recommendation committee disagrees: Political consensus may be necessary but the committee's independence should not be undermined, taskforce members say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 12/10/2019)

Nepal, China to discuss extradition treaty: An agreement on the treaty, however, is unlikely, during Xi Jinping’s visit, officials say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 11/10/2019) [What about the security of Tibetan refugees in Nepal?], Fears Over a Nepal-China Extradition Treaty: Agreement Could Threaten Tibetan Refugees, Activists, Journalists in Nepal, by Meenakshi Ganguly (HRW 11/10/2019), China may ‘misuse MLAT against Tibetan refugees’ (ht 15/10/2019)

#Metoo Hits Nepal’s Government: Accusation Against Senior Political Figure, by Meenakshi Ganguly (HRW 11/102019)

Police arrest Krishna Bahadur Mahara over rape allegations: Police took Mahara into custody after the Kathmandu District Court earlier on Sunday issued an arrest warrant against him following a formal complaint by the accuser on Friday (kp 07/10/2019)

With a complaint formally registered against Mahara, all eyes are now on the police and the government: As the country prepares for Dashain holidays, there are fears about the investigation’s progress and about the complainant’s safety, by Bhrikuti Rai, Anil Giri and Tika R. Pradhan (kp 06/10/2019)

Politicians’ silence on the Mahara case speaks volumes about their beliefs: Analysts say politicians pay lip service to women’s rights but don’t speak out about cases involving one of their own, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 05/10/2019), Dashain holidays could delay investigation into Mahara rape charges: Though police say investigation is underway, they refuse to share the progress, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 05/10/2019), National Human Rights Commission seeks progress report from police on Mahara rape charges: Though police say the woman's conflicting statements have made it difficult for them to pursue the case, criminal lawyers say the investigating agency can take the investigation forward as she had already called police on the night of the incident (kp 05/10/2019)

Impunity in sex crime: UN, Australia, EU nations concerned (ht 05/10/2019)

Journalists’ group demands action against those issuing threats to journalist Shiwakoti: The Federation of Nepali Journalists says threatening journalists for doing their job is against press freedom (kp 05/10/2019)

Rights-protecting bodies are supposed to keep the executive in check: The National Women Commission not having a chairperson since 2017 is a sign of institutional erosion (kp 04/10/2019)

Prioritise Transitional Justice, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn 04/10/2019)

Girl found murdered after rape (rep 04/10/2019)

Failure to ensure justice in Mahara case could cost Nepal dearly in the international arena: As Nepal is party to many international human rights conventions, it is required to ensure justice for victims of gender-based violence, or face international censure, by Anil Giri (kp 04/10/2019), Weekly meet cancelled to duck Mahara issue? (ht 04/10/2019), Rights groups seek probe into rape case (ht 04/10/2019), Journo who broke ‘rape news’ gets threats, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 04/10/2019)

The Mahara case once again exposes the Nepal Police’s shortcomings: Repeated failings in high-profile cases are slowly eroding the public’s trust in the capacity of Nepal Police to conduct impartial investigations, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 04/10/2019)

A constitutional body that could’ve played a significant role in the case against Mahara has been scuttled: Without a chairperson for four years, the National Women Commission, mandated to deal with cases of gender-based violence, cannot even issue a statement, by Binod Ghimire (kp 03/10/2019)

Human Rights Watch calls on Nepal government to make public Lal commission report: The commission, which investigated deadly violence involving police and protesters in 2015, submitted its report in December 2017 (kp 03/10/2019) [see statement by Human Rights Watch], Govt told to release report on 2015 Tarai violence (ht 03/10/2019)

How a Dalit woman fell victim to caste-discrimination in Pokhara, by Deepak Pariyar (kp 03/10/2019)

Ignorance and poverty driving parents in Humla to send their children to children’s homes in Capital: 40 children were rescued from several children’s homes in Kathmandu and handed over to their families in Humla in the past three months, by Chhapal Lama (kp 03/10/2019)

While the entire country takes a four-day holiday, Nepal’s courts go on a two-week break: The decision to take a 15-day holiday is especially concerning given that thousands of cases remain pending at the courts, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 03/10/2019)

NHRC concerned about curbs on free speech (ht 02/10/2019)

Online violence against women in Nepal on the rise: Nearly 70 percent of the 353 cases filed at the cybercrime bureau in the last two months were online abuse directed towards women, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 01/10/2019)

Women victims of conflict era in Rupandehi demand identity card: Since the government has not addressed many of the issues faced by conflict victims, many widows say they are facing an uncertain future, by Amrita Anmol (kp 0/10/2019)

Parliament Sectt staffer accuses Mahara of rape (ht 01/10/2019), Speaker Mahara accused of sexually harassing female employee (rep 01/10/2019), Speaker Mahara offers 'temporary resignation' following accusation of rape (ht 01/10/2019), PM advises Speaker Mahara to step down from his post, by Tapendra Karki (rep 01/10/2019), House Speaker Mahara resigns amid sexual harassment accusations, by Tapendra Karki (rep 01/10/2019), Why the rape charges against Speaker is a litmus test for police, the ruling party and government: Although Krishna Bahadur Mahara has tendered his resignation, the government and ruling party have yet to take a concrete position while the police still haven’t pursued a criminal case, by Anil Giri (kp 02/10/2019), Speaker Mahara resigns following rape allegations: The incident cannot be allowed to become yet another unsolved case (kp 02/10/2019), Women, human rights activists remain mum in Mahara rape case (ht 03/10/2019)

Stop attacks: The ruling party must keep its cadres under control, and the police should take action against those involved in physically intimidating the NC leader and others (ht 0/10/2019)

Governments have no right to dictate what the citizenry can think: The current government is notorious for its attempts to muzzle the free press (kp 30/09/2019)

Bid to attack Minendra Rijal of NC: Main opposition party blames NCP cadres for the incident (ht 30/09/2019)

Authorities rescue children from different childcare homes in poor conditions: The majority of the rescued children are from Karnali zone, by Binod Ghimire (kp 29/09/2019)

Anti-corruption campaigner Gyanendra Shahi attacked in Chitwan: Shahi was one among the passengers who criticised Minister of Tourism Yogesh Bhattarai for causing a delay to a Kathmandu-bound Buddha Air flight in Nepalgunj earlier this month, by Ramesh Kumar Poudel (kp 29/09/2019), Attack on government critic signals drive to crush dissent: The brutal beating of Gyanendra Shahi is a symptom of the ruling party’s intolerance for any kind of criticism, analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp 30/09/2019), ‘Attack on Shahi a severe blow to freedom of expression’ (ht 30/09/2019), Contemptible act: The ruling party cannot use its cadres to intimidate the people criticising the government for its failure to deliver goods and services (ht 30/09/2019)

A majority of Musahar children in a Rautahat village don’t go to school: On school days, children from the impoverished community are seen running and playing in the village, by Shiva Puri (kp 28/09/2019)

For Chepang locals, government services are 80 km away: Officials say they don’t have enough staff to open office near the village, by Thakur Singh Tharu (kp 28/09/2019)

Press Council wants to monitor journalists’ social media use because it wants them to be ‘role models’: Amendments to the Journalist Code of Conduct could stifle journalists’ freedom of expression on social media, rights advocates say, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 27/09/2019)

Dahal owns up to insurgency-era mistakes and pledges to deliver transitional justice: The major parties—Nepali Congress and Nepal Communist Party—are on the same page when it comes to an early conclusion to the drawn-out transitional justice process, by Binod Ghimire (kp)

The unending horror of gender-based violence: Unless we question the very fabric of our social norms and destroy them one by one, nothing will ever change, by Pooja Pant (kp 26/09/2019)

Married as children, women in Bajhang are abused, abandoned and killing themselves: The majority of marriages in the district are still between underage children, which often leads to polygamy and gender-based violence, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 26/09/2019)

Call to form local and provincial bodies to fight human trafficking: Once limited to some districts, human trafficking has now become a nationwide menace, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 26/09/2019)

Beauty pageants for children: Exploitation or harmless entertainment? Such beauty pageants are slowly gaining momentum in Nepal, but what purpose these events serve is yet to be decided, by Arjun Bhattarai (kp 26/09/2019)

In Bardiya, even elected Dalit representatives face caste-based bigotry: Untouchability and caste discrimination may have taken a backseat in public places and platforms, but it is still prevalent on an individual level, say Dalits, by Kamal Panthi (kp 25/09/2019)

Child labour still prevalent in Pokhara: Nearly 400 children were employed as workers in Pokhara in the last fiscal year 2018/19, data shows, by Bina Thapa (kp 25/09/2019)

Government forms new team to re-examine Nirmala’s DNA sample (ht 25/09/2019)

Police are failing rape victims, new human rights commission report says: Nepal’s criminal justice system continues to make access to justice complicated and challenging for victims of rape, according to the report, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 24/09/2019),
More than 1,300 rape cases filed in seven months: NHRC report (ht 24/09/2019)

Around 1,600 children deprived of citizenship: Lack of citizenship certificates has put the lives of many youths on hold in Nawalparasi (West), by Nabin Paudel (kp 24/09/2019)

We need a culture of dialogues in Nepal: A remnant of the feudal past, people are always willing to dole out speeches but never willing to listen, by Sujeev Shakya (kp 24/09/2019)

Human rights education: For harmony in society, by Samjhana Sharma (ht 24/09/2019)

Dahal hints at withdrawing ‘fake’ cases related to Tikapur incident: Tharu activists have long argued that the Tikapur violence was a spontaneous political event and should be treated as such, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 23/09/2019) [??]

NHRC concerned about deteriorating rights situation (ht 22/09/2019)

Less than a year later, Nepal’s men of #MeToo are back to work: When women came forward to share stories of sexual harassment, there was hope that powerful men were finally going to be held accountable. But today, it’s business as usual, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 21/09/2019)

Man accused of abusing step-daughter released on bail of three lakh rupees (ht 20/09/2019)

As country celebrates the constitution, marginalised groups await amendments: For Madhesis, Tharus, and indigenous groups, the constitution is still a contested document, but the government doesn’t seem too bothered, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 20/09/2019)

Migrant workers returning home without salary and justice from Qatar: Amnesty International: Workers’ exploitation continues despite Qatar’s promise to improve the foreign labour force’s condition, says the latest report, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 20/09/2019) [see AI report of 19/09/2019]

Prejudice in the rights community: Human rights activists should join forces and fight violations regardless of the victims' backgrounds, by Praveen Kumar Yadav (kp 19/09/2019)

Hey men, women don’t want to be told to be like a woman: Nepali women still grapple with sexist language and expressions that most men easily dismiss, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp 18/09/2019)

Indian girls trafficked for sex trade rescued, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 18/09/2019)

Bus conductor held from Suvakamana Chowk for raping 11-year-old girl, by Ujjwal Satyal (kp 17/09/2019)

Anup Raj Sharma: We could not be bold enough to pressurise the government: The chairman of the National Human Rights Commission on the weaknesses of the commission, interview with the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/09/2019)

FNJ condemns arrest of nine journos, including secretary (ht 17/09/2019), IFJ condemns arrest of nine journalists (ht 18/09/2019)

NCP ‘resorting to fear-mongering’: Dahal’s appeal to youths to ‘counter’ forces that are trying to fail the system condemned by civil society (ht 17/09/2019)

Government ready to amend transitional justice Act as per international standard: Law minister: Conflict victims say they are ready to support the process if Minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal fulfils his commitments, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/09/2019)

Women's battle for citizenship continues: The new proposals regarding the Citizenship Amendment Bill still treat women as second-class citizens (kp 16/09/2019)

Politics of the Dolpo festival: The violation of the political rights of Dolpo in 2014 is still fresh in the minds of many, by Tashi Tewa (kp 16/09/2019)

Violence against children on the rise, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 16/09/2019)

TRC used as tool to exact revenge: Dahal (ht 16/09/2019) [The unbelievable statement of a person who obviously used the Maoist uprising for his own personal political and economic rise and who is not interested in the fate of his former fighters nor in that of the victims of the uprising and their families!]

New penal code fails minor rape victims: Lawyers, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 14/09/2019)

Committee formed to select transitional justice officials decides to step up efforts: Government is preparing to start consultations with victims to amend the transitional justice act, by Binod Ghimire (kp 13/09/2019)

Students say colleges cutting their hair to discipline them is equivalent to harassment: ‘We cut hair at Rs50, while other shops charge around Rs100 to Rs200. It is actually more profitable to students,’ one college principal said, defending his institution’s practice, by Arjun Bhattarai (kp 13/09/2019)

Citizenship debate has reached another low, rights activists say: New provisions in the citizenship amendment bill could further limit equal citizenship rights for women, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 12/09/2019), Lawmakers continue to debate marital naturalisation in Parliament (ht 12/09/2019) [Women and men should be legally treated absolutely equally, regardless of whether they are foreigners or not! Nepal is not the property of men!]

To forgive or not to forgive: Failure of the government to adhere to the Supreme Court verdict in relation to amnesty could further agonize the victims, setting the ground for vengeance and violence, by Deepak Joshi Pokhrel and Rajendra Senchurey (rep 12/09/2019)

Inmates kept in custody in Humla and Mugu for lack of prisons: The accused, remanded into custody, have to stay in police custody until the court’s final hearing, by Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp 12/09/2019)

Despite reservations, parties have their way on transitional justice appointments: Conflict victims say they won’t accept the new teams chosen at the behest of political parties, by Binod Ghimire (kp 11/09/2019) [This is the safest way to secured injustice!]

Recruiting agencies ‘using migrant workers to siphon off US dollar abroad’: Country's foreign exchange reserve depleted by Rs64 billion in the last fiscal year compared to the preceding year, according to the central bank, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 11/09/2019) [But it is also true that nobody can go abroad with $500 in cash! Everybody knows this. The Nepali citizen Khadka Prasad Sharma Oli recently went to Singapur twice for expensive health treatment. Has he been checked and arrested at TIA? All citizens are equal before the law!]

Fair or not, some say it’s time to talk about skin colour discrimination: Like racism, colourism is largely overlooked and dismissed in Nepal. Some Nepalis say society should start addressing it head on, by June Karkee (kp 10/09/2019), Interethnic representation is fraught with pitfalls: If artists cannot be careful about avoiding exoticising characters, they are better off representing their own, by Pramod Mishra (kp 12/09/2019)

Nepali women are being trafficked to China and sold as wives॥ Bride-buying is becoming increasingly prevalent in China, where men far outnumber women, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 09/09/2019)

Lawmakers demand death penalty for acid attackers, lawyers oppose (ht 09/09/2019), From public harassment to acid attack, legal loopholes emboldening assailants, by Priyanka Adhikari (rep 12/09/2019)

Dahal at odds with govt over Kailali lynchings: By siding with the Tharu people, Dahal has put himself at odds with many of his NCP colleagues who see the Kailali massacre as the most gruesome crime post-Maoist insurgency (rep 09/09/2019)

Discrimination against Dalits still rife, continue to be left out of decision making processes: Marginalisation of members of Dalit communities still persists even though several laws and constitution bar discrimination, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 08/09/2019)

Human rights body to pull out of committee formed to select transitional justice commission officials: Rights body is recalling Prakash Osti from the committee, saying it does not want to be part of the process that has been heavily politicised, by Binod Ghimire (kp 08/09/2019), Panel set to publicize list of TJ bodies candidates this week (rep 09/09/2019)

Health rights a far cry sans regulations: It hasn’t been possible to implement the Health Act, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht 08/09/2019)

Freed haliyas stage rally in Dadeldhura, by Baburam Shrestha (ht 08/09/2019), 11 years on, many Haliyas struggle for their rights, by Bira Gadal (rep 08/09/2019)

Amendment to Media Council Bill fails to address concerns: Journalists have demanded that the recommendation committee for the proposed media council be accountable to Parliament, not the government, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 07/09/2019)

A teenage girl was attacked with acid after her father told a man to stop pursuing her: Muskan Khatun, a ninth grader, suffered burns on her face, chest and hands, and is receiving treatment in Kathmandu, by Bhusan Yadav and Shankar Acharya (kp 07/09/2019) [The government must also be made responsible for not enacting the August 2017 order of the SC to regulate sale and distribution of acids!!],  Hetauda acid attacker still at large: Six years since the incident, police are still struggling to arrest the assailant, by Pratap Bista (kp 09/09/2019), Enact law pronto: The government should enact law to regulate the sale and distribution of acids to prevent women and girls from acid attacks (ht 10/09/2019),

Kin suspect woman murdered over dowry (ht 07/09/2019)

Conflict victims may ‘snub’ TJ process over commissioner appointments (rep07/09/2019)

Bote community in Makwanpur denied licence renewal for fishing: The Bote people fish in the local rivers and rivulets, especially in the Rapti river, which falls inside the Parsa National Park, by Pratap Bista (kp 07/09/2019)  [???? This is the economic survival basis of this small group! At the same time, members of the ruling social groups destroy the nature of the country in many places for the mere sake of profit!]

Can House panel cross-examine SC verdicts? No, say legal experts as unwarranted interference in judicial process will erode judicial independence (ht 07/09/2019)

Will the new commissions go the way of the transitional justice bodies? There is no alternative to making appointments in such commissions transparent and fair, by Mohna Ansari (kp 06/09/2019)

Bhattarai urges Dalits to renounce Hinduism (rep 06/09/2019)

Government to launch mobile app to deliver services digitally: IT experts say use of mobile SIM card registration data for applicant identification problematic; raise concern over cyber threat and misuse of digital information by the state, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 06/05/2019)

Human trafficking still a major challenge for the country: Despite legal protections and law enforcing agencies in action, Nepali girls, women and children are still vulnerable to human trafficking, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 05/09/2019),
Over 500 women missing from Nepalgunj border (ht 05/09/2019), Clear-cut laws are needed to fight human trafficking: While the individuals concerned are doing their best to stop it, the laws defining what constitutes human trafficking remain narrow (kp 06/09/2019)

Rift surfaces in committee to select transitional justice commission officials: Committee members are at odds over the selection criteria, chairman fails to rise to the occasion, by Binod Ghimire (kp 05/09/2019)

Ensure media freedom : The media council should be an autonomous body, free from state control and headed by someone familiar with the media (ht 05/09/2019)

Sit-in staged for journo’s release (ht 05/09/2019)

TJ appointment meeting cancelled at the eleventh hour (rep 04/09/2019)

Lawmakers urge government to remove proposed fine on mediapersons: MP Bimala Rai Paudel has sought licence system for journalists to maintain professional standards, by Jagdishor Panday (ht 03/09/2019), Parties one on rejecting fines for journalists (rep 03/09/2019)

Does blackface have a place in Nepali comedy? Probably not: Stereotypical Madhesi portrayals in popular culture are a big hit, but for the Madhesi community, they are racist and offensive, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp 02/09/2019)

No regulation to implement acts related to fundamental rights, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 01/09/2019)

Where are the disappeared? (rep 01/09/2019)

Guest house owner arrested for raping teenage employee: Thousands of women working in entertainment sector face exploitation (ht 01/09/2019)

Haliya families demand ID card (ht 01/09/2019)

Police rough up a Madhesi man yet again. This time, it’s on video: A viral video from Janakpur shows police pushing and pulling on a Madhesi man, prompting outrage on social media, by Samuel Chhetri (kp 31/08/2019)

Bride trafficking racket busted, four Chinese nationals among 10 arrested: The Chinese men mobilised their Nepali associates to lure unwary girls and women into fake marriages with them (ht 31/08/2019)

Former minister, four others held on charge of human trafficking (ht 31/08/2019)

On the International Day of the Disappeared, one family in Kanchanpur talks about the misery of being torn apart: According to the data available at the district administration office, 53 people have disappeared in the district over the decade-long insurgency period, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp 30/08/2019), A day for the victims, and for the future of transitional justice: This day should serve as an occasion to remember the need to continue working towards completing the transitional justice process, by Navaraj Pudasaini (kp 30/08/2019), Victims’ woes unaddressed: CIEDP collected 3,212 complaints but couldn’t probe any, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht 30/08/2019), Insurgency victims in Rolpa await return of missing kin, by Dinesh Subedi (rep 30/08/2019)

Implement NHRC’s recommendations, MoFAGA tells local bodies (ht 30/08/2019)

Suicide is preventable: Mental health should be respected as a fundamental right (kp 30/08/2019)

Voices of women unheard in Dolpa local units: Because of male-dominated local units, plans and policies of the local units are not in favour of women in Dolpa, by Chandani Khatayat (kp 29/08/2019)

OHCHR criticizes Nepal over child labor abuse (rep 29/08/2019) [see Torture and forced child labour: UN experts find Nepal violated human rights, by OHCHR including full text of the UN document]

Naturalised citizenship: ‘Law for foreign women married to Nepali men shouldn’t end’ (ht 28/09/2019) [Okay, but most important is that there ist absolutely no difference between the legal tratment of women and men! The current citizensip law clearly violates the fundamental rights of the Nepali citizens!]

Police intensify crack down on sex workers: 121 persons, including 25 transgender, arrested in the last one month, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 29/08/2019)

UN asks Nepal government to bring anti-torture law at par with international standard: The existing provision in criminal code is flexible, legal experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 28/08/2019) [It is not only the unchanged and continued practice of torture and targeted injuries up to killings by the security forces. Numerous other laws and practices also violate internationally recognized human rights statutes, although Nepal has been a member of the UN Human Rights Council since the beginning of 2018!], Nepal violated human rights: UNHRC (ht 28/08/2019)

Citizenship in limbo: Sub-panel fails to forge consensus on naturalised citizenship, by Jagdishor Panday (ht 28/08/2019)

Make media houses women-friendly: Stakeholders (ht 28/08/2019)

Derailing justice: Transitional justice has taken up a lot of resources. It cannot be allowed to get derailed into an industry that supports interests of conflict spoilers, by Pranab Kharel and Gaurab KC (rep 27/08/2019)

SC orders compensation for wrongfully convicted cop: Another cop confesses to stealing service revolvers for which his colleague was sentenced to four years, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 26/08/2019)

Female workers subjected to forced labour (ht 26/08/2019)

The Right To Environment, by Jivesh Jha (rn 26/08/2019)

Parties’ undue intervention could call credibility of transitional justice process into question: Conflict victims and rights activists say politicians must correct their past mistakes and appoint officials in an impartial and transparent manner, by Binod Ghimire (kp 25/08/2019)

Scaring the media, again (rep 25/08/2019)

Nepal is attempting to cripple the National Human Rights Commission: The government’s introduction of the Amendment Bill is putting human rights, one of the pillars of democracy, at risk, by Chun Bahadur Gurung (rep 25/08/2019)

Dalit women representatives in Pokhara say they continue to face discrimination: The representatives say they are disrespected by colleagues and are often relegated to the sidelines, by Deepak Pariyar (kp 25/08/2019)

Forced eviction from public land unlawful: Activists, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 25/08/2019)

End gender discrimination in citizenship bill: NHRC (ht 24/08/2019)

Conflict victims oppose plan to amend transitional justice act based on a draft they rejected a year ago: As the political parties do not appear serious about ensuring justice, their actions will only promote impunity, conflict victims say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/08/2019), CVCP flays partys’ plan ‘to divide spoils of appointment’ in TJ bodies (ht 23/08/2019), TJ appointments get messy as one nominee declines offer (rep 23/08/2019)

Nine arrested for trying to settle rape case (ht 23/08/2019)

Transitional justice in jeopardy: Keep aside vested interests, by Ram Dayal Rakesh (ht 22/08/2019)

Revised Advertisement Bill: Media owners may end behind bars for a year, by Ashok Dahal (rep 22/08/2019)

Nine minors rescued from a children’s home in Bafal, three arrested: The children were living in dismal conditions, surviving only on rice and salt, authorities say, by Shuvam Dhungana and Bhrikuti Rai (kp 22/08/2019)

Govt unable to control thriving human trafficking (ht 22/08/2019)

Rautahat prison bursting at the seams (ht 21/08/2019)

Bimala Tamang's kin prepare to move apex court, by Sonam Thapa (rep 21/08/2019)

Parties finalising names for two transitional justice bodies this week: Nepal Communist Party will take leadership of the truth commission while Nepali Congress will get the one on disappearances, by Binod Ghimire (kp 20/08/2019) [Still active leaders of both parties had political responsibility at that time and are not qualified for this task!], Costs of justice delayed: If the voices of the victims are ignored and justice process is put on hold like this, Nepal’s TJ process is surely going to attract universal jurisdiction, by Ram Kumar Bhandari (rep 20/08/2019), Former attorney general Raman Shrestha is parties’ pick for truth commission: While Shrestha himself says he will not take up the position, conflict victims too are against the parties’ decision, by Binod Ghimire (kp 22/08/2019) [?????], NCP’s choice for TRC chair turns down offer (ht 22/08/2019)

‘Women humanitarians risking their lives to help others’ (ht 20/08/2019)

NA offers to set up Maina memorial, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht 19/08/2019) [This is a blatant mockery against the background that criminals from the security forces, including in the murder case of Maina Sunuwar, are protected and promoted unchanged by the army leadership and politicians!], Do not obstruct justice (rep 20/08/2019)

Celebrating #Womenhumanitarians: In the aftermath of disasters, women’s specific humanitarian needs are often not adequately identified nor responded to. Women and other minorities face further marginalization during disasters, by Indu Ghimire and Valerie Julliand (rep 19/08/2019)

Nine persons, including NEFIN president, injured in baton charge (ht 18/08/2019)

Case against Chhaupadi: Chhaupadi is rooted in ignorance and unfounded fears, another reason why it must be completely eradicated, by Shiva Kumar Pokharel (rep 18/08/2019)

Man on the lam after ‘thrashing Dalit woman’ arrested, by Ganesh Bishu and Govinda KC (rep 18/08/2019)

Head of Bal Mandir, nation’s oldest non-profit for children, arrested on charges of child trafficking: The director of the organisation has been accused of abetting a British national in unlawfully procuring a Nepali child and assisting in obtaining fraudulent documents to claim the baby, by Tsering D. Gurung (kp 16/08/2019)

Pudasaini death mystery:TV host Lamichhane among three arrested, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 16/08/2019), Five-day custody for Rabi Lamichhane, 2 others, by Tilakram Rimal (ht 17/08/2019), Lamichhane fans clash with police, seven policemen injured (rep 17/08/2019), Police lathi-charge Lamichhane supporters; use tear gas to control situation, by Kamal Subedi (rep 17/08/2019)

Concerted efforts stressed to combat human trafficking (ht 16/08/2019)

Overcrowding of Saptari Prison puts inmates at risk of contagious diseases: Six inmates have died in the Rajbiraj-based prison in the last one and a half years, prison officials say, by Abdhesh Kumar Jha (kp 16/08/2019)

Worldwide women’s activist: Bandana Rana has risen from local campaigner to a policy-making role on gender rights at the UN, by Sewa Bhattarai (nt 16/08/2019)

Journalists are being arrested for their political beliefs, in eerie reminder of Panchayat days: At least two journalists are in detention on suspicion of their affiliation with the Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 15/08/2019)

Neglected for giving birth to a baby girl: If there is something our society as a whole must fight together it is this (rep 15/08/2019)

Need for presenting progress of Nepali women stressed (ht (ht 15/08/2019), Civil society, gender rights activists call on govt to present consolidated reports (rep 15/08/2019)

Nepal falls behind in combating human trafficking, says NHRC (ht 15/08/2019)

Two arrested for raping women (ht 15/08/2019)

Police use force on protesters (ht 14/08/2019)

Bill proposed to end child labour in informal sector (ht 14/08/2019)

Geneva Conventions instrumental in reducing suffering, says Welch (ht 13/08/2019), Jail term till death proposed for grave violations, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 13/08/2019)

Zero VAW cases in Manang (ht 13/08/2019)

She eloped when she was 16. Now she’s serving time for child marriage: The law on child marriage is so vague, it often ends up criminalising victims rather than perpetrators, by Tsering D. Gurung (kp 12/08/2019)

Two trafficking suspects held, woman rescued (ht 12/08/2019)

Police baton-charge SRC agitators (ht 12/08/2019)

Government is working on Mass Media Bill with harsher provisions for media sector: The draft bill, currently at the Law Ministry, proposes fines up to Rs 10 million and jail terms up to 15 years or both, by Binod Ghimire (kp 11/08/2019)

Ethnic communities to hold a protest rally on World Indigenous Peoples' Day: The indigenous nationalities say the state is still reluctant to address their concerns of identify and inclusion, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 09/08/2019), Indigenous movement, once a champion for the rights of indigenous people, is losing steam: Activists fighting on behalf of the indigenous population themselves are not hopeful about sustaining their efforts, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 11/08/2019

Trafficking in persons: Nepal must focus on prevention efforts and victims' protection, by Dev Datta Joshi (kp 09/08/2019)

Road to unfreedom: The government's actions show it wants to turn the country into a police state (kp 08/08/2019)

Cases of domestic violence unchecked in Baitadi: Eighty-six cases of domestic violence were filed at the District Police Office in the fiscal year 2018-19, by Tripti Shahi (kp 08/08/2019)

Calls from the police shake up human rights activists: At least three rights activists received calls from the police asking for their professional affiliation, without saying why, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 07/08/2019)

Nearly 1.5 million Nepali at risk of human trafficking, report says: Aspiring migrant workers, Nepali working abroad, child labour, workers in the entertainment sector and missing persons are more vulnerable human trafficking, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 06/08/2019), Human traffickers, in a change of tricks, are now waiting across the border: Despite decades of surveillance and awareness programmes, hundreds of women continue to be trafficked across the open Nepal-India border every year, by Madhu Shahi (kp 06/08/2019)

States are beginning to play a direct role in supporting press freedom: The declining state of freedom of expression in the subcontinent needs more exposure, by Achyut Wagle (kp 06/08/2019)

AWC urges NHRC to conduct fair investigation (ht 05/08/2019), No credible basis to conclude Paudel was killed in encounter: Rights groups (rep 05/08/2019)

Costs of delay: International pressure on transitional justice (rep 05/08/2019)

More rape victims seek police help (ht 04/08/2019)

‘Implement sexual and reproductive health rights’ (ht 04/08/2019)

Recommendation committee to consult with victims before picking transitional justice leadership: The move comes in place following concern from various international human rights bodies urging the government to take action, by Binod Ghimire (kp 03/08/2019)

NHRC investigation challenges govt claim on Kumar Paudel ‘encounter’ (rep 03/08/2019)

A new film bill draws sharp criticism from Nepali entertainment industry: The proposed bill gives sweeping authority to film censor board and adds unnecessary hassles, filmmakers say, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 03/08/2019)

In some colleges, students say teachers are going through their phones: While students decry invasion of privacy, teachers and staff say that they only do it for the protection of their students, by Sneha Dahal (kp 03/08/2019)

Prachanda and the spectre of The Hague: Transitional justice should not be aimed only at hounding and punishing Prachanda for all war-era crimes. But his own party comrades may not be with him on this, by Dinesh Kafle (kp 02/08/2019)

Gender stereotypes: Hamper social inclusion, by Bina Jha (ht 02/08/2019)

Data collection and privacy issues: We need to start talking about who is gathering our personal information and how they are using it, by Jagat Bahadur Kunwar (kp 02/08/2019)

Locals risk their lives to cross rain-swollen Mahakali river: Villagers have to cross the river as they rely heavily on Indian markets across the border for everyday commodities, by Manoj Badu (kp 01/08/2019)

How I suffered violence: Women are still being character-assassinated. How many more suffering women does it take to change Nepali society’s mindset toward domestic abuse?, by Ushma Rebel (rep 01/08/2019)

TJ process prolonged as victims insist on no impunity: Political parties wrangle over appointments to commissions (rep 31/07/2019) [The perpetrator side must not be represented in the commissions, i.e. please no representatives of the political parties, the army and the former monarchy!]

In absence of consumer court, businesses keep getting away with selling substandard products: Although dozens of restaurants and companies are found selling contaminated and low quality food, lengthy administrative process results in little action, by Rajesh Khanal and Krishana Prasain (kp 31/07/2019), Consumers have rights: The government must do everything in its power to establish consumer courts in the country (kp 01/08/2019)

Child marriage still prevalent in areas declared child friendly in Sudurpaschim: Fourteen girls under the age of 20 became mothers in the area in the last three years, health workers say, by Tripti Shahi (kp 31/07/2019)

Four international rights groups criticise government inaction on transitional justice: Nepali government officials say they are working sincerely to conclude the process, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/07/2019) [see common statement by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, TRIAL International and International Commission of Jurists; same statement in Nepali], ‘I’ll become global hero if dragged to The Hague’ (ht 30/07/2019) [What bullshit nonsense! Dahal is obviously trying to acquit himself of his co-responsibility for crimes from the time of the uprising!], There are no heroes in The Hague: By throwing an open challenge to be taken to the International Criminal Court, Dahal has also trivialised the hallowed institution (kp 31/07/2019), Govt told to start fresh appointment process‘: Authorities flippant on fulfilling obligations’, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht 30/07/2019), Rights bodies urge govt to halt ongoing commissioner appointment process: The process cannot be halted, says the recommendation committee (rep 30/07/2019), Amend the act: The government should not be seen as trying to protect the perpetrators of rights violations during the conflict era; it is time justice is delivered to the victims (ht 31/07/2019)

Dispute over forming panel to investigate Tarai deaths obstructs House, again: Speaker Mahara feels trapped by the positions taken by the ruling and opposition MPs, his advisors says, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/07/2019)

Postpartum mothers in Joshibunga carry the weight of old traditions: In many parts of Nepal, new mothers are considered “untouchable” until the eleventh day of delivery, by Tripti Shahi (kp 30/07/2019)

Incidents of child marriage on the rise (ht 30/07/2019)

Women, children go missing from Kailali (ht 30/07/2019)

Chepang women picket Dhading District Administration Office over illegal sand mining: Illegal mine operators have been extracting sand from river and streams in collusion with representatives of rural municipality, locals say, by Harihar Singh Rathour (kp 30/07/2019)

Ruling party’s repeated failures to ensure representation call its commitment to inclusion into question: The recent selection of the top leadership in its district and metropolis committees has shown a distinct failure to be inclusive, which is mandated by law, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 29/07/2019)

Badi women can’t detach themselves from social stigma: From propositions of sex to straight out sexual favours from strange men, Badi women bear the burden of their surnames, by Rupa Gahatraj (kp 29/07/2019)

Tracing Disappeared Persons, by Jaya Chor Chapagain (rn 28/07/2019)

National human rights body asks prime minister’s office—again—to report on the status of Nirmala Pant case: The rights watchdog had made 24-point recommendations in January for a fair and credible probe into the 13year-old’s rape and murder, by Binod Ghimire (kp 27/07/2019), NHRC asks govt about action on report (ht 27/07/2019)

NHRC for lifting curbs  on women aspiring to work abroad (ht 27/07/2019)

Women workers in construction sector continue to experience exploitation on several fronts: The workers are formally organising against unequal pay, workplace safety, and workplace harassment, and this is helping them protect their rights, recent study concludes, by Chandan Kumar Mandal(kp 26/07/2019)

How government bureaucracy killed a new mother: Goma Osti needed an airlift from Nuwakot to Kathmandu after postpartum complications. But a labyrinthine bureaucracy delayed her treatment by four hours—and took her life, by Arjun Poudel (kp 26/07/2019)

The government should protect intellectual property, not hide behind it: It should make all data easily accessible, not limit its usage by adding unnecessary watermarks, by Deepak Thapa (kp 25/07/2019)

NHRC urges govt to end caste-based discrimination (kp 24/07/2019) [see NHRC report of 18/07/2019, in Nepali]

Police reluctant to register FIR of trafficking victims, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 24/07/2019

People are furious after Home Minister says Nirmala Pant’s rape and murder isn’t a “new phenomenon”: The remark comes just days before the one-year mark of the gruesome incident whose investigation is still incomplete, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 24/07/2019) [It is an outstanding task of the govt, especially of the home minister, to end this phenomenon once and for all. If you are incompetent to do this, Mr Thapa, then you should resign and stop such nonsense talk! This is a political issue in every respect!], Walk the talk (rep 25/07/2019), YouTube videos on Nirmala Pant leave more questions than answers: The 13-year-old’s rape and murder has created a cottage industry of YouTube channels  that churn out sensational crime videos, adding more confusion than clarity, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 25/07/2019), 367 days of injustice (rep

Human rights body summons police involved in killing of Chand cadreHome Ministry has defended the killing, saying security personnel opened fire  in self-defence, but family members tell another story, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/07/2019) [Just as the security forces killed thousands of persons during the times of insurgency only in self-defence??]

Around 50,000 quake-affected families to be removed from government list of beneficiaries: They didn’t sign housing grant agreements within deadline, rebuilding authority says; Lack of  land titles, disability and old age may have kept some people from signing agreements, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 23/07/2019)

Selective abortion rampant in Siraha, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep 23/07/2019)

Debate on external voting rages on, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 23/07/2019)

‘Innocent people should not be framed in Nirmala’s rape and murder case’, interview with Durga Devi, mother of murdered Nirmala Panta (ht 22/07/2019)

TRC, CIEDP nominations next month, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 21/07/2019) [Take your time and wait until all the victims and perpetrators have died a natural death. This is likely to happen sooner to the victims and their families due to the circumstances of their lives!]

Despite protests, Public Service Commission continues exams to hire staff for the local level: Protesters have said the vacancy notice is against the principle of inclusion, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 21/07/2019)

Govt told to ensure safe migration, protect rights of women migrants (ht 20/07/2019)

Transitional justice without leaders as parties disagree on candidates: Transitional justice without leaders as parties disagree on candidates, by Binod Ghimire (kp 20/07/2019) [And only politically nominated male Bahuns can lead these commissions?]

Early marriage rampant in a village in Mugu, despite being declared child marriage-free four years ago: Mothers as young as 16 struggle to build a comfortable life for themselves and their children, by Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp 20/07/2019)

Chinese company refuses to send Nepalis home without compensation for losses: Thirty-three out of the 44 women want to return to Nepal, but their company has demanded that  the Nepali employment agency pay them upwards of $600 per woman, by Tsering D. Gurung (kp 20/07/2019) [Is this the way of cooperation and trust that China wants?]

Conflict victims demand halt to TJ bodies appointment process (rep 19/07/2019)

‘People refuse to rent me a room when I tell them my surname’: New study says despite laws in place, caste-based discrimination is rampant across the country, by Binod Ghimire (kp 19/07/2019)

Thousands of domestic violence cases are registered every year, but almost none go to court: Nepal’s law itself favours mediation over prosecution, as domestic violence is regarded to be a family affair, lawyers say, by Tsering D. Gurung (kp 19/07/2019)

19 yrs on, freed Kamaiyas still wait for own land, by Pushparaj Joshi (rep 19/07/2019) [The problem began when the late Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala simply declared them free without caring about the fate of these people. All subsequent governments have also shown no interest in it!]

Overcrowding of inmates inside Taplejung’s district prison: The prison currently holds five times its capacity for inmates, by Ananda Gautam (kp 18/07/2019)

Rise against discrimination: How many Dalits possess land in cities? How many Dalit students are enrolled in top-notch private schools and colleges? How many Dalit politicians are there in higher ranks?, by Sangita Chalise (rep 18/07/2019)

Victims of  pollution to be compensated (ht 18/07/2019)

Recruiting for PSC vacancies gets thorny as protests turn aggressive, by Ashok Dahal (kp 18/07/2019)

Anticipating criticism, government puts Mass Communication Bill on hold: After facing public reproach for Media Council Bill and IT Bill, the Oli administration  appears wary of inviting any more criticism, by Binod Ghimire (kp 18/07/2019)

For rape survivors, police are not always their friends: Nepal’s police force is heavily male and woefully undertrained when it comes to dealing with survivors of sexual violence, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 17/07/2019), Humiliated again: The police should help victims of sexual assault get justice, not shame them further (kp 18/07/2019)

Women construction workers: Organising for change: More and more women construction workers are joining unions as they help with claiming compensation; Women still earn almost 30 percent  less than men for  the same work, by Feyzi Ismail (kp 17/07/2019)

NHRC for lifting travel ban on female migrant workers (rep 17/07/2019)

Child marriages resulting in divorces in Rukum, by Lokendra Khanal (rep 17/07/2019)

Hundreds protest against FPSC’s job notice (ht 17/07/2019)

Transitional justice: Restructuring of selection panel demanded, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht 17/07/2019)

Teachers and officials of prison schools call for better study environment, by Arjun Poudel (kp 16/07/2019)

Waterlogging in district prison (rep 16/07/2019)

Bungal declared first ‘Chhaupadi free’ municipality in Farwest: Bungal’s Mayor Dhan Bahadur Bista says the declaration came after a long, persistent effort from the municipality and various non-governmental organisations, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 15/07/2019)

Anti-child marriage campaigners work amid challenges in Banke, by Rupa Gahatraj (kp 12/07/2019)

Nepali women take to media to expose abuse: Upset by impunity, more women share testimonies of harassment from their own pasts, by Reeti K.C. (nt 12/07/2019)

Chand cadre, police constable die in shootout, by Alisha Shrestha (kp 11/07/2019), CPN cadre, cop killed in exchange of fire (ht), Two including cop killed in incident with armed Chand cadre, by Akson Rai (rep 11/07/2019), Another Chand cadre’s killing raises questions about government’s stance—and style—against the outfit: Killings of citizens, regardless of which party they belong to, cannot be justified,  rights defenders and security experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 12/07/2019)

The dismissal of gender equality: Although the government does have social inclusion provisions, they are largely ignored or purposefully ridiculed, by Deepak Thapa (kp 11/07/2019)

A year-old child is paying the price of his brother’s eloping with a Dalit: It’s been eight years since Nepal was declared ‘untouchability free’, but caste-based discrimination is still practiced widely in the country, by Pramita Dhakal (kp 11/07/2019)

Police killed a Madhesi man. Home minister blamed it on the man: Opposition obstructs House after ruling party refuses to form  a panel to look into deaths of Saroj Mahato and Kumar Paudel, by Binod Ghimire (kp 10/07/2019), Ruling party stands firm against forming probe committee, opposition obstructs House: Opposition lawmakers refuse to buy government’s argument on deaths of Chand party member and Madhesi man in police action, by Binod Ghimire (kp 11/07/2019)

10 years on, freed Kamaiyas still wait for rehabilitation : Only 34 percent of Rs317.2 million budget allocated for their rehabilitation has been spent so far, by Nirmala Khadayat (kp 10/07/2019), Settle them pronto: It is the duty of the government to provide shelter, food, health and education to the freed kamaiyas and haliyas (ht 10/07/2019)

Teenager dies under 'mysterious circumstances' (rep 10/07/2019)

Appoint TRC, CIEDP officials after act  amendment, says accountability watchdog (ht 10/07/2019)

Tradition defies the law: Parliament has criminalised Chhaupadi, but the practice still exists due to prevalent social norms, by Labhesh Thapa (kp 09/07/2019) [This reflects the cultural mania determined by men in the patriarchal Hindu state that discriminates against women!]

‘Government money too less to build houses’, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 09/07/2019)

Woman arrested on the charge of killing her husband, by Tanka Chhetri (rep 08/07/2019)

Undue delay in Badarmude rape case (rep 08/07/2019)

Priest accused of sexually abusing schoolgirls in Janakpurdham (ht 08/07/2019)

Government’s apathy renders constitutional commissions ineffective: Dalit, Tharu, Muslim, Madhesi and Inclusion commissions  not a priority right now, an aide to prime minister says, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 07/07/2019) [This state belongs to the small minority of male Bahuns only! They will do everything to keep all other groups excluded!]

Victim’s family accuse police of inaction (ht 07/07/2019)

Physically punishing students is ineffective, harmful, and illegal but teachers continue to do it: Many school teachers, and even parents, still believe that physically disciplining students is sometimes necessary, by Binod Ghimire (kp 06/07/2019) Thrashed student dies, teachers, principal arrested (ht 11/07/2019), Ninth grader dies after severe beating by teachers: Four teachers in police custody (rep 11/07/2019)

With parties still divided on Citizenship Amendment Bill, parliamentary sub-committee fails to make headway: The primary bone of contention remains the provision related to obtaining  naturalised citizenship through marriage, by Tsering D. Gurung (kp 06/07/2019) [The main problem is the male superiority delusion of the patriarchal high-caste political elite and their misguided national identity thinking!]

Govt halts Dalai Lama birthday celebration: Diplomats from western countries express serious concerns, by Jagdishor Panday (ht 06/07/2019) [Nepal's Hindu politicians wold never stop celebrations for Hindu religious leaders from in the same way hegemonial India! This is disrespect to the millions of Nepalese citizens who are traders of Tibetan Buddhist beliefs!]

Conflict victims still awaiting justice, by Sonam Lama (rep 05/07/2019)

Girl who escaped child marriage becomes social activist, by Sujata Lama (kp 04/07/2019)

In yet another protectionist move, Oli administration prepares to limit foreign film screenings: A new law will mandate showing Nepali films exclusively for half a year, and limiting  foreign movies—predominantly Bollywood—to 185 days, by Timothy Aryal and Anil Giri (kp 03/07/2019)

Rolpa conflict victims worried about the secrecy of their complaints, by Dinesh Subedi (rep 03/07/2019)

Child soldier issue may reach ICC, warn activists (ht 03/07/2019)

Doctors take exception to new law that allows late-term abortions in special cases: A new provision allows abortions in cases of rape,incest or danger to health at up to 28 weeks, by Arjun Poudel (kp 03/07/2019)

Amid controversy over Bollywood awards, government plans another international event for this year: The international media summit, to take place in the fall, will reportedly cost Rs 200 to 300 million, by Anil Giri (kp 02/07/2019) [Respect freedom of opinion and press freedom first!]

Insurgency’s over but police continue to stop and interrogate people on streets: City residents say they regularly get accosted by police, particularly  at night, asking why they’re out until late., by Tsering D. Gurung (kp 02/07/2019) [Yes, and police must also learn to be polite! Citizens are not under orders and have a right to explanation!]

One killed, several  hurt as police open fire at protesters in Sarlahi: People of Ishwarpur Municipality were protesting against illegal sand mine after a 12-year-old boy died falling into a 30-feet pit, by Ajit Tiwari and Om Prakash Thakur (kp 01/07/2019), Killing of Tarai man brings age-old question to the fore: when can police fire a live bullet?The country’s law enforcement agency fails to exercise restraint during protests in Madhes, rights activists say, by Tika R. Pradhan and Om Prakash Thakur (kp 02/07/2019)  [It's not only the citizens' right to life, the question is also when will the police stop torture and beating and respect the fundamental rights of the people?]

‘NHRC Bill provisions will affect transitional justice’, in terview with HRC Chairperson Anup Raj Sharma (ht 01/07/2019)

Allow LGBTIQ people to join govt jobs, say lawmakers, by Jagdishor Panday (kp 01/07/2019)

Martyrs’ families complain of discrimination (ht 30/06/2019), Police initiate action against its staff amid further erosion of its credibility, by Sujeeta Pradhan (rep 30/06/2019)

Bill to amend NHRC Act in accordance with constitutional provisions: Minister (ht 29/06/2019) [???]

‘Unfair citizenship laws put children at risk of becoming stateless’ (ht 29/06/2019)

Missing children: Girls more vulnerable as human traffickers find it easy to lure them, by Sujita Pradhan (rep 29/06/2019)

Two minor girls raped in Nijgadh Municipality (ht 27/06/2019)

Tarai communities more prone to abuse and torture in police custody, report says: Advocacy Forum says marginalised communities and women are more likely to be abused and tortured in detention, by Binod Ghimire (kp 26/06/2019) [See statement by Advocacy Forum - Nepal], Torture in detention up by five per cent: Report (ht 26/06/2019), Citizens in uniform: Differential treatment by the police towards people from the Tarai community is condemnable (kp 27/06/2019)

In the name of merit: It needs emphasising that merit isn’t inherited with the DNA of a person despite claims to the contrary, by CK Lal (kp 26/06/2019)

No justice in sight for rape, murder victim Nirmala, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 26/06/2019)

Locals implement innovative idea to campaign against early marriage: Siraha folk wedding invitation cards that have the age of both bride and bridegroom, by Bharat Jarghamagar (kp 25/06/2019)

Two girls gang-raped (rep 25/06/2019)

Political violence: Missing the gender lens, by Susan Risal (ht 25/06/2019)

‘Govt invoking reasonable restriction provision to curtail press freedom’: Deteriorating press freedom in Nepal has drawn the attention of international press bodies (ht 25/06/2019)

Fresh bout of political instability: Former Maoists are frightened as a fair investigation into conflict-era cases would send many among them behind bars, by Achyut Wagle (kp 25/06/2019)

Man labelled Dalai Lama’s agent, deported to US: Immigration officials at TIA did so because a man with his name was on China’s most wanted list, by Rajan Pokhrel (ht 25/06/2019) [???], China asked Nepal to ban a Tibetan official from entering the country. Nepali officials got the wrong man: Home Ministry officials said the Chinese side directly communicates with the Department of Immigration, whose top official has sole authority to make decisions, by Anil Giri and Tsering D. Gurung (kp 27/06/2019) [Does the Nepalese government blindly obey all instructions of the Chinese? In any case, the unlawfully rejected person shall be entitled to a public apology from the Nepalese Government and an adequate compensation payment.]

House committee to question Home Ministry over killing of Chand party leader: Lawmakers are concerned over whether Kumar Paudel’s killing in Lalbandi was extrajudicial, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 24/06/2019), Lawmakers are unconvinced Chand party member was killed in ‘encounter’: Home minister reiterates police version but commits  to forming a probe committee, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 25/06/2019)

Women no more banished to menstruation sheds in Hima, by DB Budha (rep 25/06/2019)

From a fierce reporter to a minister who wants to muzzle the press: Gokul Baskota, who started his career writing for left-leaning publications, is now one of the prime minister’s most trusted ministers, and a spokesperson for the government, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 24/06/2019)

Appointments in TJ bodies hang in the balance, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht 24/06/2019), Committee failsagain to recommend TJ commissioners (rep 24/06/2019)

Rape cases increase in Karnali State (rep 24/06/2019)

Growing child trafficking cases worry Kalikot parents: Eight  trafficked children were rescued from Kathmandu before they were reunited with their families on Friday, by Tularam Pandey (kp 23/06/2019)

How schools are becoming easy  target to fulfil petty party interests: The trend has increased as Netra Bikram Chand-led outfit  intensifies anti-government activities, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/06/2019)

Nepal’s government has been quietly facilitating urban refugee resettlement: Despite the lack of a resettlement policy, successive governments have  assisted the resettlement of 139 urban refugees since 2013, by Anil Giri (kp 22/06/2019)

Nepal fails to meet minimum standards for elimination of trafficking: US report, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep 22/06/2019) [see report section on Nepal], Trafficking of Nepali women, girls continues  unabated, says report (ht 23/06/2019)

Steps yet to be taken to ensure justice for war-era victims of sexual violence: Two rights bodies file petitions at UN committee to build pressure on the government of Nepal, by Binod Ghimire (kp 21/06/2019)

Dhading’s centuries-old temple where women are still barred, by Sarita Shrestha (rep 21/06/2019

People with disability: Do we care?, by Srijana Kattel (ht 21/06/2019)

40 Gorkha-bound Chepang children rescued from Chitwan: The children were being taken to Gorkha without any documents by a man who is currently detained for investigation, by Pramita Dhakal (kp 21/06/2019)

Chepang students in Dhirang suffer in the absence of secondary schoolAspiring students from Dhirang and surrounding villages receive no support to pursue higher studies, by Pratap Bista (kp 21/06/2019)

Why do we encourage women to give up their careers?We, as a society, never question the added responsibility we so often place on women, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp 21/06/2019)

As monsoon nears, open drains and uncovered manholes pose even bigger risks: Heavy rains tend to flood the Valley’s streets, obscuring open drains and manholes  from motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians, by Anup Ojha (kp 20/06/2019), Gaping lack of concern: The yearly occurring injuries and deaths due to open manholes and drains can easily be avoided (kp 21/06/2019)

The refugee situation in Nepal can be better: The country has been friendly to refugees, but there is still much room for improvement, by Evan Jones (kp 20/06/2019), Hope to see you soon: The resettlement of Bhutanese refugees gave them a good life, but it also separated families, by Buddha Mani Dhakal (kp 20/06/2019)

CBS report brings to fore huge gender pay gap: Nepali women earn 29 per cent less than equally educated men, by Sujan Dhungana (ht 20/06/2019)

Team formed to monitor human rights violation (ht 20/06/2019)

FNJ’s protest against Media Council Bill enters third phase (ht 19/06/2019)

Two women gang-raped, one accused held (ht 19/06/2019)

Mayor thrashed during meeting (ht 19/06/2019)

Mayor calls off son’s wedding with minor girl after complaint: Dhanusha police says 16 underage marriages were stopped in the past 10 months as more people are reporting child marriage cases, by Shyam Sundar Shashi (kp 18/06/2019)

City authority says it will auction off goods confiscated from street vendorsKathmandu Metropolitan City has seized goods worth Rs 1.5 million in four months, by Anup Ojha (kp 18/06/2019), Street trade and social justice: The government must adopt clear rules for responsible vending (kp 19/06/2019)

Family confines 14-year-old disabled boy at home: The family cannot afford to take Madan to Kathmandu for treatment, by Nabin Paudel (kp 18/06/2019)

Without personal means and support from government, mother of acid attack survivor struggles to foot medical bills: Kamala Khadka can expect financial aid only after a final verdict on her daughter’s case, by Nayak Paudel (kp 17/06/2019)

Violence against girls: Let’s talk about it, by Kokila KC (ht 17/06/2019)

Opaque government: Government cannot use security as a reason to reduce transparency (kp 17/06/2019)

Police arrest mastermind of human trafficking racket in the Capital: The 40-year-old was involved in smuggling Nepalis into Libya, promising them lucrative jobs in European countries, by Nayak Paudel (kp 16/06/2019)

Slim chance of Supreme Court reviewing its 2015 ruling on transitional justice, official says: The landmark verdict struck down a dozen provisions, directing government to provide  no amnesty for perpetrators of serious human rights violations, by Binod Ghimire (kp 16/06/2019)

Children in storm-affected districts unable to go to school, by Dil Bahadur Chhatyal and Pushpa Raj Joshi (rep 16/06/2019)

Students at a Janakpur basic school go to school—not to study but to teachTwo months since the start of the academic session, students at Shree Basic School have yet to get textbooks and hence they teach their juniors, by Santosh Singh (kp 16/06/2019)

Ills of the Guthi Bill: The biggest blunder is disqualifying indigenous people from their rightful ownership of community structures, by Sanyukta Shrestha (kp 16/06/2019)

Windstorm victims protest after their names went missing from the beneficiary list: Protesters claim people’s representatives removed their names for political reasons as they supported a different political party, by Pawan Yadav (kp 16/06/2019)

Government limits access to Singha Durbar amid criticism for being intolerant. Home Ministry’s measures to keep the seat of government  out of bounds to public and journalists draw flak, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 16/06/2019)

On sex and citizenship: The debate on citizenship goes from nationalist rhetoric to plain misogyny, by Subina Shrestha (kp 14/06/2019)

Senior citizens in rural areas deprived of citizenship certificate: Without citizenship, people are denied job opportunities and social security allowances, by Ramesh Chandra Adhikari (kp 14/06/2019)

Govt making cybercrime a new weapon to stifle criticisms: Freedom Forum (rep 14/06/2019)

US and UK join hands to combat human trafficking in Nepal: UK injects extra £4.5 million to $8 million Hamro Samman project (rep 14/06/2019)

In stunning continuation, comedian remains in detention despite widespread calls for his releaseEven as #FreePraneshGautam was trending on Twitter, prominent filmmakers released a statement supporting the comedian’s arrest, by Bhrikuti Rai and Tsering D. Gurung (kp 13/06/2019) [This is what Oli in his Oxford speech has called 'freedom of opinion'!], Intimidation game: The right to free speech must be defended at all costs (kp 13/06/2019), Activists protest against arrest of a YouTuber (ht 13/06/2019), Nepal has press freedom, but no freedom after press: Pranesh Gautam's arrest sent a message that in Nepal you can express your views as long as someone does not disagree, by Ahashank Shrestha (nt 14/06/2019), Police say they’re holding comedian Pranesh Gautam in custody for ‘few more days’: The 24-year-old comedian was released from custody on Thursday night but was brought to the court by the police on Friday, after which he was taken back to the police station, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 15/06/2019), Comedian Gautam released on general date, by Nayak Paudel (kp 17/06/2019)

Chhaupadi affects teaching-learning (ht 13/06/2019)

AI tells govt to ensure safe housing for all people: Nearly half the population is living in substandard homes; 10 pc people are homeless (ht 13/06/2019), Right to housing law must extend protection to tenants, squatters: Amnesty report; Director of Amnesty International Nepal Nirajan Thapaliya says the government has been increasingly  enacting laws related to fundamental rights without any consultation with stakeholders, by Tsering D Gurung (kp 14/06/2019)

Oli celebrates democratic freedoms and rights at Oxford, but back home, his actions say otherwise: The government has been roundly criticised for attempting to push through a number of controversial bills that many say could be used to stifle criticism and muzzle the media, by Pranaya SJB Rana and Anil Giri (kp 12/06/2019)

Man arrested for attempting to rape daughter in the Capital, by Nayak Paudel (kp 12/06/2019), Under-secretary held for bid to rape  teenage daughter (ht 12/06/2019)

Committee to recommend leadership for transitional justice bodies fails to nominate anyone, again: Latest excuse for the delay: busy schedule of the committee head, by Binod Ghimire (kp 11/06/2019) [Real reasons: There is no interest in providing justice for the victims and the responsibilities of politicians and army leaders for the crimes are to be disguised!]

Chances of tuberculosis spread high in prisons, officials say: Both infected and healthy inmates at the Central Jail live at close quarters, even though doctors recommend treating TB patients in isolation, by Arjun Poudel (kp 10/06/2019)

Police use force against those protesting Guthi Bill: Conservationists, Guthi representatives are demanding withdrawal of the bill, by Anup Ojha (kp 10/06/2019), People take to streets against Guthi BillBaton charge, high-velocity streams of water used to disperse demonstrators in the capital, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 10/06/2019)

Inclusion Commission recommends measures to local governments to empower marginalised people: One of the suggestions is building care centres, amusement parks, religious spaces and sports grounds for the marginalised, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 09/06/2019) [A better inclusion on the basis of Khas-Arya ethnicity is rediculous! Male members of this group already dominate all spheres of public life!]

Comedian in police  custody for a video reviewing the film  Bir Bikram 2: Responding to a complaint filed by the film’s director, police detained stand-up comedian Pranesh Gautam on Friday, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 08/06/2019) [A fatal attack on the freedom of opinion!!!], Netizens question freedom of expression as Meme Nepal's Gautam lands in police custody (rep 10/06/2019). Calling a spade a spade: Pranesh simply said what he felt about the movie and is paying a hefty price for that, by Prajita Gupta (kp 14/06/2019)

Nepal ranks 10th for child  marriage among boys (ht 08/06/2019), UN report ranks Nepal tenth in prevalence of child marriage among boys: To end child marriage in the country, stakeholders should focus on ending child  marriage of both sexes, experts say , by Nayak Paudel (kp 09/06/2019)

People in Nepal are not enjoying their civil rights and political freedoms, new human rights report says: The KP Sharma Oli administration has been visibly attempting to limit freedom  of expression through laws and policies, rights advocates say, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 07/06/2019)

Top court postpones hearing on petition against 2015 ruling on transitional justice for 22nd time: Continued deferrals amid delay in amending Transitional Justice Act concern conflict victims, by Binod Ghimire (kp 07/06/2019)

Conflict victims mount pressure on leaders to amend transitional justice Act: Law minister tells victims the process will start when top leaders reach an agreement, by Binod Ghimire (kp 06/06/2019) [This is a question of justice and the rule of law! Many of the so-called leaders have been responsible for the crimes of the past! They have no right to have any say at all!], Top leaders seek ways to manage conflict-era cases: Consider revising TJ-related laws by taking victims into confidence and appointing commissioners at the earliest (rep 06/06/2019), Conflict-era sexual violence victims yet to be identified (ht 06/06/2019), Thirteen years on, victims of the Badarmude incident await compensationDespite a pledge from Pushpa Kamal Dahal during the 2017 election season,  victims of the 2006 civilian bus bombing have received nothing, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp 06/06/2019)

Dalits used as ‘vote banks’ by parties forgotten after elections, by Pant (kp 06/06/2019)

Leaders may face arrest abroad if TJ issues not resolved: Australia envoyVoices concern over moves concerning NHRC and press freedom, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep 05/06/2019)

Caste discrimination still a hindrance for Dalits, by Binod Pariyar (rep 05/06/2019)

Man on hunger strike seeking justice for Shahi (ht 04/06/2019)

Violence against children unabated in Province 2, by Suresh Yadav (rep 04/06/2019)

Child marriages ending up in divorces in Rukum, by Lokendra Khanal (rep 04/06/2019)

‘Smart Chhori’ preparing daughters of martyrs of conflict for a better futureA total of 189 girls from 16 districts are receiving education at Shahid Smriti Residential Secondary School, by Durgalal KC (kp 03/06/2019)

New policy aims to bar foreign NGOs from financing religious and political institutions: The decision was taken to discourage religious conversion which could harm religious harmony, officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 02/06/2019)

Locals concerned about  deteriorating rights condition (ht 02/06/2019)

Her husband set her on fire: She lived to tell her story, by Bijay Gajmer (kp 01/06/2019)

Breaking the glass ceiling: The participation of women in Nepal’s info-tech sector is still very low but the future holds promise, by Asmod Karki (kp 01/06/2019)

AHRC tells govt to withdraw Media Council Bill (ht 01/06/2019)

End cronyism: The new transitional justice  bodies have to be independent (kp 31/05/2019)

Women ostracised for activism against Chhau (ht 31/05/2019)

Shaman slays toddler in human sacrifice, by Suresh Yadav /rep 31/05/2019)

Who should tourism benefit in Nepal? Nepali tourism cannot continue to rely on old policymaking. It needs to take local communities into account, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 31/05/2019)

Superstition drives women out of homes—again— into Chhau sheds in Achham districtDhakari was declared a Chhaupadi- and untouchability-free village on May 17 with much fanfare. But a recent fire has led the villagers to believe that their embracing of the campaign has angered the gods, by Menuka Dhungana (kp 30/05/2019)

State and Citizenship: The geographical location of Nepal between two emerging superpowers has been used as an excuse to deny women the rights they deserve as equal citizens of Nepal, by Swasti Gautam (rep 30/05/2019)

Is Mishra panel waiting for political consensus to finalise nominees for transitional justice bodies? Panel member denies seat-sharing deal among parties, but sources say major political parties are in negotiations to finalise the share before Oli’s Europe trip, by Binod Ghimire (kp 29/05/2019)

Nepal has made progress in child health, but experts say the country has a lot more to do: The country has progressed by 142 points in the past two decades and ranks 133rd out of 176 countries based on indicators such as infant  mortality rate, access to education, malnutrition, child marriage and child labour, according to the Global Childhood Report-2019, by Arjun Poudel (kp 29/05/2019)

In educated and elite circles, a different kind of ‘period huts’: Young Nepali women living in cities may not be banished to sheds, but many of them are forced to adhere to a long list of menstrual restrictions, by Tsering D Gurung (kp 28/05/2019), Meet Nepal’s ‘Pad Man’ who is challenging menstrual taboos: Not content with selling reusable sanitary pads, Gyan Maharjan visits communities and schools in Lalitpur, teaching girls, boys and teachers about menstrual hygiene, by Anup Ojha (kp 28/05/2019)

8 million stduents missed classes due to Chand shutdown (rep 28/05/2019)

Blasts indicative of an intelligence failure, analysts say: Security officials said they were aware of possible violence but they failed to prevent a series of blasts that killed four people, by Anil Giri (kp 28/05/2019), Thapa says those killed in explosions weren’t citizens, angering opposition: Home minister has grown extremely critical of Chand, once his ally, by Binod Ghimire (kp 28/05/2019)) [You may call them criminals or even terrorists but that were most of the offenders of the Maoist insurgency, too! They all are Nepali citizens and have to be punished according to law!], Government’s dealing with Chand outfit faulty, experts say, as multiple blasts unleash terror: Tensions ran high in Ghattekulo a day after an explosion killed one in the neighbourhood, by Tika R Pradhan and Anup Ojha (kp 28/05/2019), Bomb scares and arson mark the nationwide strike enforced by Chand-led communist outfit: Co-chair of ruling Nepal Communist Party Pushpa Kamal Dahal says  political objectives cannot be materialised by spreading terror (kp 28/05/2019) [Dahal claimed the opposite between 1995 and 2005 though he did not call it terror at that time!  And he vehemently resists a punishment of the perpetrators from the time of the rebellion!]

Child marriage still rampant in Bajura: Even people’s representatives  are found to be marrying off  their underage children, by Sangeeta Timilsena (kp 28/05/2019)

No regulation in place to control sale and distribution of acid: Steps have not been taken yet to form regulations, officials say, by Nayak Paudel (kp 27/05/2019)

Conflict victims demand amendment to TJ Act (ht 27/05/2019), Finalize laws before recommending names for transitional justice bodies: Conflict victims (rep 27/05/2019), Call for justice, once again: Government should not miss this opportunity to conclude Nepal’s transitional justice process under Nepal’s own leadership and ownership, by Bhagiram Chaudhary and Suman Adhikari (rep

Children skip classes to sell kafal, by Janak KC (rep 27/05/2019)

Where has Nepal’s once active civil society gone? While professional groups have been raising voices against  moves to curtail individual and press freedoms, citizens-led  movement is conspicuous by its absence, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 26/05/2019)

Itahari mayor misbehaves with a journalist and deputy mayor issues apology: The instance may look like simple bureaucracy, but female politicians say it shows how women are denied decision-making role and made to play second fiddle, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 26/05/2019), Itahari mayor issues apology for misbehaving with journalists (rep 27/05/2019)

This is how society and state continue to fail rape survivors: Many survivors have their lives uprooted, and are forced to relocate, live away from their family and friends, and start fresh  in an unfamiliar setting, by Tsering D Gurung (kp 25/05/2019)

House committee pledges to revise bill to amend human rights law: Human rights committee chair says he will also work for amending Media Council Bill, by Binod Ghimire (kp 25/05/2019), Editors demand withdrawal of Media Council Bill (ht 26/05/2019)

10 months after Nirmala rape and murder, rights activists renew call for justice, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp 25/05/2019)

Punarbas Municipality tense after police foil child marriage (ht 25/05/2019)

Disciplining the other way: The ban on all forms of corporal punishment in all settings is a great achievement, by Umesh Raj Regmi (kp 24/05/2019)

Teenager gang-raped in Myagdi for declining sex proposal (rep 24/05/2019)

Children face commercial sexual abuse (ht 24/05/2019)

Say no to dowry: Don’t make it a status symbol, by Sangita Chalise (ht 24/05/2019)

Editors urge govt to withdraw Media Council Bill (ht 24/05/2019), Government will not take back the MCB, says minister (ht 24/05/2019) [Mr Baskota's task should be the protection of press freedom but he is one of the most incompetent and arrogant ministers of the Oli government!], Bamdev Gautam seeks revision of bill (ht 24/05/2019)

Probe committee formed to inspect mismanagement in Dhading District Jail, by Sarita Shrestha (rep 23/05/2019)

Free the press: Should the draft bill with provisions of harsh penalties and prison terms be passed, it will discourage professional journalism, while promoting servile psychology and self-censorship, by Mohan Nepali (rep 23/05/2019)

UN urges Nepal to change its rape law: Rights activists say they are cautiously optimistic given Nepal’s lax attitude to past pleas, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 22/05/2019), Change laws to ensure justice to rape victims: UN to Nepal (rep 22/05/2019), Amend laws for victims’ access to justice: UN (ht 22/05/2019)

Media warns it could form independent regulatory body (ht 22/05/2019)

Teachers affiliated to Far-western University not paid since 11 months, by Yogesh Rawal (22/05/2019)

Inmates sleep on floor in overcrowded Dolakha prison, by Ramesh Khatiwada (rep 22/05/2019)

Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal asks government to make Lal report public: Party says it will obstruct House proceedings until the report on Tarai protest is out, by Binod Ghimire (kp 21/05/2019)

Rights activists urge govt to sign OPCAT, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 21/05/2019)

Spare all kinds of rods: They are ineffective, by Dronashish Neupane (ht 21/05/2019)

Together against pollution: Air pollution should be controlled immediately. Otherwise, we will witness huge loss in human resources, production and economic growth, by Nitigya Oli and Durga Sapkota (rep 21/05/2019)

As protest mounts, media bill draws ruling party members’ ire: Senior leaders and party-affiliated journalists now openly criticise the government and information minister over controversial bill, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 20/05/2019), Journalists close to NCP suggest amendments (ht 20/05/2019), FNJ announces fresh protests (ht 20/05/2019), Ruling NCP hints at revising controversial media laws under pressure (rep 20/05/2019)

Newborns dying in sheds in Bajura (ht 19/05/2019)

In Tikapur, social media sites being blamed for child marriages, by Yogesh Rawal  (rep 19/05/2019)

Province 5 sees high number of women dying unnatural deaths: Forty-one women were killed in the province in the past 10 months. Rights activists believe violence against women to be the primary cause, by Amrita Anmol (kp 18/05/2019)

Acid attack survivor Magar comes forward to support another victim, by Sonam Lama (rep 18/05/2019)

122 rescued from illegal child care home (ht 18/05/2019)

Rights activists say Oli government  heading towards authoritarian rule, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 18/05/2019)

A 20-year-old woman battles for life after her husband hurled acid at her: Last fiscal year alone, four acid attacks were reported across the country, by Nayak Paudel (kp 17/05/2019) [This reflects the value of women in the extremely patriarchal state and society of Nepal!]

Child marriage in Nepal: eloped at 13, mother by 17, by Sewa Bhattarai (nt 17/05/2019)

Media barred from covering SAGGC meet: Opposition MPs say decision against democratic principles, by Jagdishor Panday (ht 17/05/2019)

FNJ to stage sit-in to protest Media Council Bill (ht 17/05/2019)

Media Council Bill, by by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km 17/05/2019)

Govt petition in TJ case scheduled for hearings after years (rep 17/05/2019)

US worried by probe into dissemination of news on Dalai (rep 17/05/2019)

National Human Rights Commission objects to Media Council Bill: If endorsed in present form, it will be against the basic principles of human rights and freedom of expression, watchdog says, by Binod Ghimire (kp 16/05/2019), NHRC concerned about freedom of expression (ht 16/05/2019)

Musahar families denied access to water after an intercaste marriage dispute, by Binu Timsina (kp 16/05/2019)

Prisoners in Nepal are living under ‘inhumane conditions’, Office of the Auditor General says: Monitoring teams have found overcrowded prisons where lack of access to clean water, proper food and health care continues to plague prisoners, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 15/05/2019), Silent screams: Overcrowding and inhumane conditions are the hallmarks of Nepali prisons (kp 16/05/2019)

Violence against women unabated in eastern Nepal, by Giriraj Baskota (rep 15/05/2019)

Govt getting ready to ratify Palermo Protocol, by Sonam Lama (rep 15/05/2019)

Justice, interrupted: The NHRC is an important constitutional body and it should be allowed to function independently, by Gyan Basnet (kp 14/05/2019)

Journalists’ group begins struggle against Media Council Bill: The legislation to replace Press Council Act will have power to issue hefty fines and give the government more say in the hiring and firing of council members, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 13/05/2019), Three journalists are under investigation for publishing news about the Dalai Lama: Communication Minister Gokul Baskota admitted he ordered the probe into  reporters working for the state-owned wire service after publishing the news  on the exiled Tibetan leader when the President was on a state visit to China, by Anil Giri (kp 13/05/2019), Media society seeks bill’s withdrawal (ht 13/05/2019), Umbrella body of journos launches protest, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 13/05/2019), Don’t gag the press: A govt-appointed body can never qualify to monitor the Nepali media, unless the government’s intention is to gag it and have it tow its line (ht 13/05/2019), Nepal Media Bill: Experts advise FNJ to challenge anti-media bills in court (rep 13/05/2019), A heavy hand: The Media Council Bill further endangers press freedom (kp 14/05/2019), Media council bill draws flak from MPs, by Jagdishor Panday (ht 14/05/2019), Mass media draft bill draws heavy flak, by Ram Kumabr Kamat (ht 14/05/2019), Media Council Bill in favour of journalists: Minister Baskota (ht 14/05/2019) [This brazen minister is making idiots of the whole nation!], Speaker, NA chair assure FNJ of amending anti-press provisions in bills (rep 14/05/2019)

Low wages and ill-treatment make a bitter brew for tea workers: Thousands of tea workers have gone on an indefinite strike, casting shadows on the once lucrative business, by Tsering D Gurung (kp 13/05/2019)

Brick kilns operating in human settlements: Thick smoke risks public health, agriculture, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep 13/05/2019)

For or against child marriage? Green flag tells it all in Baitadi, by Bira Gada (rep 13/05/2019)

The scourge of cults: Personality cults are dangerous. And even more so for democracies, by Naresh Koirala (kp 12/05/2019)

‘Ban on women from working as maids in Gulf countries unfair’, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 12/05/2019), Two years on, Nepali women still barred from working in the Gulf as housemaids: Latest recommendations urge the government to revoke discriminatory restrictions and allow all women equal access to employment, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 14/05/2019)

Protest Against Patriarchy, by Deepesh Paudel (kp 12/05/2019)

Unable to bear domestic violence, woman ‘commits suicide’ (rep 12/05/2019)

Child marriage rampant in Rolpa but rarely reported to police, by Dinesh Subedi (rep 12/05/2019)

Supreme Court set to hear review petition on its landmark 2015 ruling: Conflict victims are cautious as reversal of the verdict, which struck down amnesty provisions, could jeopardise transitional justice process, by Binod Ghimire (kp 12/05/2019)

Women rebuilding Chhau sheds in  Chhaupadi  free areas of Bajhang: Local representatives’ awareness drive in Saipal Rural Municipality was ineffective, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 12/05/2019)

Is Nepal’s #MeToo movement finally taking off? The theatre fraternity’s response to revelations of sexual harassment by several of its members has provided a template on how such behaviour could be handled, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 11/05/2019)

Proposed media bill envisions new press council with increased government role: A new body overseeing the press could alter the nature of the self-regulatory body and limit press freedom, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 11/05/2019), FNJ denounces provisions of media council bill (ht 11/05/2019), Bill on Nepal Media: New law seeks up to Rs 10m fine, 15 yrs jail for erring media persons: Govt may confiscate media equipment, by Ashok Dahal (rep 12/05/2019), IFJ, FNJ ask govt to drop harsh provisions in proposed media law (rep 12/05/2019), Let the press be free (rep 12/05/2019)

Two suicide attempts in police custody within a month raise concerns: With track-laying and test run over, service is expected to resume in 5 monthsAs issues pertaining to lack of proper surveillance surface, Nepal Police says that it will do the needful to ensure detainees’ safety, by Nayak Paudel (kp 11/05/2019)

Improve human development index, NIC told (ht 10/05/2019)

Man set wife on fire to save illicit relations with sister-in-law: Police, by Suresh Yadav (rep 10/05/2019)

Woman accused of murdering daughter-in-law for dowry, by Binod Pariyar (rep 10/05/2019)

Mentally unsound girl tied with rope for 14 years, by Yogesh Rawal (rep 10/05/2019)

Ending child labour: Whose concern is it?, by Pratistha Koirala (ht 10/05/2019)

Government quietly moves Media Council bill to House: Transparency and participatory law-making processes are being overlooked, stakeholders say, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 09/05/2019), New bill ‘aims at curtailing press freedom’: Proposes fines up to Rs 1 million against media outlets, editors, journalists for ‘damaging someone’s reputation’, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 10/05/2019), Govt drafts bill with harsher provisions on media, journos, by Ashok Dahal (rep 10/05/2019), Press and freedom, by Gunjan Upadhyay (rep 10/05/2019)

INSEC raises alarm over NHRC Act amendment bill (rep 09/05/2019)

Parties in negotiations to get ‘their’ people in transitional justice bodies: Victims say such political interference could jeopardise transitional justice process, by Binod Ghimire (kp 09/05/2019) [It's always the same! These failed and dishonest politicians and parties will never change! They want to prevent justice for the victims at all costs!]

14-year old gives birth to baby boyUnderage parents face hard time registering marriage, child’ s birth (ht 09/05/2019)

Nepal should not backslide on human rights, by Meenakshi Ganguly (kp 08/05/2019)

Time to intervene: The government has failed to acknowledge the failure of previous commissions, ignored victims’ pressure and their key demands for legal amendment, by Ram Kumar Bhandari (rep 08/05/2019)

19 minors  rescued from ‘illegal’ child care centre, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 08/05/2019)

Supreme Court overturns own decision on Home Ministry’s citizenship notice: Thousands of people continue to be in limbo until the full court decides the case, by Bhrikuti Rai(kp 08/05/2019), SC stays citizenship distribution (rep 08/05/2019)

Sanskrit for Dalits: In the past, untouchables were not allowed to read and write Sanskrit. Sanskrit was considered to be the subject meant only for Brahmins.The situation has not changed, by Giri Bahadur Sunar (rep 07/05/2019)

One’s identity, one’s pride: No need for consolation, by Mim Bahadur Pariyar (ht 07/05/2019)

Four men caught for slaughtering ox, by Nayak Paudel (kp 06/05/2019) [Many greetings from the Hindu state!!]

Majority of girls in Achham district out of school system, by Menuka Dhungana (kp 06/05/2019)

FNJ announces national campaign for press freedom (ht 06/05/2019)

Two arrested for misbehaving with and thrashing "low-caste" principal (rep 06/05/2019)

Undermining democracy: The government seeks to weaken the Human Rights Commission by changing the law, by Gyan Basnet (kp 06/05/2019)

Only 10 percent of Poor ID cards distributed in seven years: While households not identified as poor have already received their cards, by Rajesh Khanal (kp 06/05/2019)

Human rights commission might withdraw officer from recommendation committee, by Binod Ghimire (kp 05/05/2019)

APF constable arrested on charge of raping a woman, by Amar Khadka (rep 05/05/2019)

Democracy and the Rule of Law in Federal Nepal, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (Nepal Observer 57, 04/05/2019)

Laws are being designed to stifle press freedom in Nepal, a new report says: The report is the second in two days to point to a ‘legal  stranglehold’ over press freedom, showing how laws are being  used to harass and silence journalists, by Tsering D Gurung (kp 04/05/2019) [See IFJ report The Legal Stranglehold]

Siraha woman, 21, found dead in suspicious circumstances, by Bharat Jarghamagar (kp 04/05/2019)

Booked for marital rape (ht 04/05/2019)

Woman accused of witchery files complaint (ht 04/05/2019)

Victims pressure government to amend Transitional Justice Act: Rights defenders and victims’ groups ask authorities to halt  process to appoint officials, by Binod Ghimire (kp 03/05/2019)

Only 22 percent of working-age women are employed in Nepal: There is also gender pay gap and it must close, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 02/05/2019)

Threats to press freedom have only increased in Nepal, report says: Even as violations of press freedom nearly doubled in the last  12 months, the administration is formulating tighter laws, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 02/05/2019) [see report by Freedom Forum], 104 cases of press freedom violations in a year (ht 02/05/2019), FNJ organises rally for press freedom (ht 02/05/2019), The fourth estate: Free press is a pillar of democracy and it should be allowed to function unhindered (kp 03/05/2019), Media freedom protects and supports us all, by Richard Morris (kp 03/05/2019), Journalists still working under threat: NHRC chair Sharma (rep 03/05/2019), Long shadows, by Sewa Bhattarai (nt 03/05/2019)

Right to food sovereignty still a far cry, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 02/05/2019)

Caste-based discrimination still prevalent in Dolpa schools, by Bishnu Prasad Devkota (rep 02/05/2019)

‘65 pc cases of violence against women occur inside home’ (ht 02/05/2019) [see WOREC Nepal report]

Lawmaker accused of protecting murder-accused grandson (rep 02/05/2019)

Bill to amend Human Rights Commission Act raises fierce debate: The powers of national rights watchdog are being curtailed, say opposition MPs, by Binod Ghimire (kp 01/05/2019), Members, MPs flay govt for bid to keep rights watchdog on tight leash, by Jagdishor Panday (ht 01/05/2019), NHRC proposes making its recommendations binding on govt (rep 01/05/2019), For a strong NHRC: All these provisions have raised the suspicion that it is intended to give a clean chit to violators of human rights (ht 02/05/2019)

Truck 'reverses' and kills girl after accident, by Yogesh Rawal (rep 01/05/2019) [Unbelievable brutality!!]

Women’s empowerment: Still an uphill task, by Kokila Khadka KC (ht 01/05/2019)