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 Issues of the periodical of this earlier organisation that had been published under the name Nepal Forum have been archived on this website.

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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

ICJ urges Nepal to bring law and policy reform to achieve human rights accountability and strengthen justice sector institutions (rep 07/08/2020) [see statement and report by ICJ], Government urged to guarantee citizenship rights of minorities (ht 08/08/2020)

Murder accused ex-Maoist commander gets clean chit from Supreme Court; The decision is fallacious, says a former justice, by Binod Ghimire (kp 07/08/2020)

Licence of child care home seized (ht 07/08/2020)

Nepal lockdown 2.0: Who’ll suffer the most?, by Simone Galimberti (ae 07/08/2020)

Kathmandu starts drive to provide sanitary pads to students of all community schools in city: A total of 14,810 girls will benefit from the scheme, for which the city has released Rs 14.9 million to all its wards, by Anup Ojha (kp 07/08/2020)

30 rape cases in 4 years in Darchula (ht 06/08/2020)

When enough is never enough: The success of an ethical appeal requires that the moral principles of the respondent be equally proper, by CK Lal (kp 05/08/2020)

Heinous Crime Of Acid Attack, by Namrata Sharma (rn 05/08/2020)

Amend laws related to children: Panel (ht 05/08/2020)

Media urged to refrain from brewing controversy over court verdict, order: Media criticism of verdicts erodes faith in the judiciary (ht 03/08/2020)  [??]

Fifty youths, including passers-by, detained from Baluwatar ahead of ‘Enough is Enough’ protest: Police claim the youths were protesting in a restricted zone, but protesters say the planned rally could not happen following random arrests, by Aditi Aryal (kp 01/08/2020), Police arrest dozens of protesters: Enough is enough campaign (ht 02/08/2020)

Police arrests scores of ‘Enough is Enough’ campaigners (rep 31/07/2020), Police arrest peaceful protesters from Baluwatar (rep 31/07/2020)

Porous border, poor interception and changing forms continue to enable human trafficking to flourish: Trafficking of Nepali girls and women remains a big challenge for the country as traffickers use the open border–not only to traffick them to India, but also to further smuggle them into the Persian Gulf and Southeast Asia, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 30/07/2020)

Nirmala Pant murder case: Eight police personnel including SP Bista accused of destroying evidence acquitted (rep 30/07/2020), Eight police personnel get clean chit on Nirmala rape and murder case (kh 30/07/2020), Court acquits eight police officers charged in connection with Nirmala Pant rape-murder case: The officers were charged with meting out torture and destroying evidence, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp 31/07/2020), I was forced to file a case. I now feel exempted of that guilt: Durga Devi, by Anjali Subedi (rep 31/07/2020)

Lawmakers point out flaws in Prison Bill-2020: Say it fails to incorporate provision on counselling, deploying female cops inside prisons (ht 30/07/2020)

No To Gender Based Violence, by Namrata Sharma (rn 29/07/2020)

Seventh grader raped and threatened to keep quiet, family fears rapist may walk away scott-free, by Anjali Subedi (rep 29/07/2020)

Govt offices neglecting RTI (ht 29/07/2020), Police arrest five 'Enough is Enough' campaigners (rep 29/07/2020)

Women from Chepang community demand skill-oriented training (ht 29/07/2020)

Rights lawyers move Supreme Court against forceful eviction of landless families: Petitioners have sought government intervention into wanton eviction of vulnerable communities and offer alternative locations for them to live with dignity, by Binod Ghimire (kp 28/07/2020)

More women journalists losing their jobs due to coronavirus pandemic (ht 28/07/2020)

SC dissatisfied with its verdicts being questioned (ht 28/07/2020)

Youth activist’s fast-unto-death enters ninth day, government indifferent (ht 27/07/2020), NHRC concerned about youths staging hunger strike (ht 28/07/2020)

Regulate acid sale: The chemical has become a weapon for jilted lovers to disfigure the beloved who couldn't be theirs (kp 27/07/2020)

Supreme Court orders review of the decision by a bench comprising chief justice on Ranjan Koirala case: A three-justice bench questions the rationale behind Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana and Justice Tej Bahadur KC’s verdict to commute Koirala’s sentence from life imprisonment to eight and a half years for murdering his wife, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 27/07/2020)

Ending Widows’ Woes, by Mahima Devkota (rn 27/07/2020)

Committee Concerned About Implementation Status Of Safe Motherhood Rights (rn 26/07/2020), Motherhood rights stressed (ht 27/07/2020)

Survivors face food crisis (ht 27/07/2020)

Two years on, delayed justice disappoints Nirmala Panta’s mother, by Ujjwal Satyal and Tekendra Deuba (ht 26/07/2020)

Sexagenarian arrested on rape charge (rep 25/07/2020)

Implementation of guidelines to repatriate stranded workers fraught with challenges: Long verification processes might further delay repatriation, fear experts, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 24/07/2020)

A 22-year old woman attacked with acid in Kathmandu (rep 24/07/2020), Two arrested for throwing acid on 22-year-old woman in capital (rep 24/07/2020), Spurned, man asks staffer to throw acid on woman (ht 25/07/2020)

Children are collateral damage in Nepal lockdown: Four months of lockdown has killed many more children than the disease it was supposed to control. by Sonia Awale (nt 24/07/2020)

Murder-convict former DIG Koirala released from jail (rep 23/07/2020) [???], Attorney general questions Supreme Court verdict on Koirala case: The former DIG of the Armed Police Force convicted of murdering his wife was released Thursday following top court’s order, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 24/07/2020) [Doubts about the constitutional action of the judiciary!], Demonstration staged against controversial SC verdict to waive jail term of murder-convict Koirala: Impeachment sought against justices issuing the verdict (rep 24/07/2020), A father recounts his pain as his daughter’s killer is allowed to walk out of jail (rep 24/07/2020), Calls grow louder to impeach Chief Justice Rana: Verdict to commute a wife murderer’s sentence erodes people’s trust in judiciary, legal practitioners say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 25/07/2020), Investigating officers recall Koirala case: The former DIG would not have been connected to his wife’s murder but for one error he made, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 25/07/2020), Full Division Bench Grants Approval To Review SC's Verdict On Releasing Ex-DIG Koirala (rn 26/07/2020), SC excludes seven justices from list of justices hearing govt’s review petition against verdict to release ex-DIG Koirala (rep 26/07/2020), Supreme Court orders review of the decision by a bench comprising chief justice on Ranjan Koirala case: A three-justice bench questions the rationale behind Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana and Justice Tej Bahadur KC’s verdict to commute Koirala’s sentence from life imprisonment to eight and a half years for murdering his wife, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 27/07/2020), Commuting of Ranjan Koirala’s sentence likely to be reviewed, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 27/07/2020)

Nepal: Authorities must stop ruthless evictions of Indigenous peoples (Amnesty International 22/07/2020), Amnesty International calls for halting forced eviction of people from Chepang community in Chitwan (rep 22/07/2020), Amnesty condemns enforced eviction of indigenous Chepang families by Chitwan National Park authority: The rights organisation has called on the authorities concerned to hold the people accountable who set fire and razed down the huts of the landless families (kp 22/07/2020), Amnesty International calls for halt in eviction of Chepang peoples (kh 22/07/2020), Amnesty International Calls For Halt In Eviction Of Indigenous Peoples (Sancharkarmi 22/07/2020), Amnesty International calls for halt in eviction of indigenous peoples (Ratopati 22/07/2020), ‘Halt forced eviction of Chepang people’ (ht 22/07/2020), Distressed Chepangs of Kusum Khola bemoan loss of property and await relocation: Chitwan National Park authorities on Saturday set ablaze two huts and vandalised eight others, asking the indigenous people to vacate Kusum Khola, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp 23/07/2020), Why current conservation models are flawed: Top-heavy conservation models have little regard for locals. This has to change if conservation is to succeed, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 24/07/2020), Chepang organisation demands inquiry into Kusum Khola incident: Nepal Chepang Sangh has submitted a memorandum to the chief district officer of Chitwan, demanding legal action against the guilty, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp 24/07/2020), Nepal Army personnel blamed for death of Chepang youth: Nepal Army has denied allegations of beating seven youths who had entered Chitwan National Park on July 16 without permission, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp 25/07/2020), Concern raised about forced eviction (ht 25/07/2020), Body of Chepang youth taken to Kathmandu for postmortem: The deceased’s family has accused Nepal Army personnel of fatally assaulting the youth last week inside Chitwan National Park, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp 27/07/2020)

‘Enough is Enough’ campaigners begin hunger strike once again (ht 19/07/2020), Three youths go on a second hunger strike over pandemic handling: Youths demand the government fulfil its earlier commitments while government says says all demands have been met, by Aditi Aryal (kp 22/07/2020)

Nepal failed to implement recommendations from periodic review, says rights group: During the next review, members should remind Nepal it needs to do much better in upholding civil, political, economic, and social rights, says Human Rights Watch (kp 19/07/2020) (see HRW report]

‘Journalists deprived of rights to work, pay’ (ht 18/07/2020)

Rights situation of women, girls disappointing, says HRW (ht 18/07/2020)

Man beaten by police at quarantine facility in Surkhet has a fractured hand, by Nagendra Upadhyaya (rep 18/07/2020)

Pandemic has once again thrown light on plights of Nepali women migrant workers: Blanket ban on women from migrating overseas for employment has only encouraged labour trafficking and exploitation, labour migration experts and rights groups say, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 16/07/2020)

Blood on the hills: Though insufficient, the parliamentary probe committee's recommendations on the Soti killings must be implemented to provide justice to the victims (kp 16/07/2020)

When it comes to portraying ethnicity, Nepali pop culture still depends on stereotypical tropes: From using blackface makeup to actors speaking in exaggerated indigenous accents, why is Nepali films and television still filled with regressive cultural stereotypes?, by Ankit Khadgi (kp 16/07/2020)

Armed Police Force Senior Superintendent of Police held on rape charge (ht 16/07/2020)

Rukum (West) murder of six youths was result of caste-based discrimination, parliamentary probe says: Study finds sheer lapses on the part of the local administration, local government and police in handling the incident, by Binod Ghimire (kp 15/07/2020)

New public service broadcasting bill draws criticism: Journalists, lawmakers say it envisages broadcaster that continues to remain accountable towards the government and not the legislature, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 15/07/2020)

Govt does not have authority to illegally ban citizens from traveling abroad: SC (rep 14/07/2020)

Kamalaris are still not free: Government needs to ensure livelihood, employment, education and social security for Kamalari girls and women, by Sarita Nandmehar (rep 14/07/2020)

21 trafficked Nepali women coming home after nine months: Group had ended up in Manipur after falling in the trap of traffickers planning to take them to the Gulf, by Suresh Raj Neupane (kp 13/07/2020), Human trafficking woes: The government must ramp up its measures to stop the illegal trafficking of Nepali women to the Gulf (kp 14/07/2020)

Women rights organisations urge Human Rights Council to take up issue of women’s equality in citizenship rights: National Women Coalition has called for a revision in the constitution to redress discriminatory citizenship law, by Binod Ghimire (kp 12/07/2020), Institutionalising discrimination: A society that treats its sons and daughters differently will never achieve prosperity, by Bina Jha (kp 12/07/2020)

Human rights situation in Tarai-Madhes: There are several examples of rights violations after the coronavirus lockdown was declared, by Ram Dayal Rakesh (kp 12/07/2020)

When it comes to media content, leave it to viewers’ discretion, experts say: Cable operators' move of banning Indian news channels after insulting video about Oli has raised a question if the state should encourage them to control the content, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 12/07/2020)

Children deprived of secondary-level education in a Madi settlement: The nearest secondary level school is about a two hours’ walk away, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp 12/07/2020)

Caste and the subtle psychology behind it, by Shreya Soni (ht 12/07/2020)

Supreme Court says government cannot restrict anyone from travel: Barring Lenin Bista from visiting Thailand was unconstitutional and against International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, full text of the verdict says, by Binod Ghimire (kp 11/07/2020)

NHRC chief draws flak for condemning Mohna Ansari (ht 11/07/2020)

Conflict victims lament govt’s apathy in their joint submission (ht 11/07/2020)

Women politicians go unheard when they speak out but are ostracised if they oppose party narrative: The trials of Sarita Giri illustrate just how difficult it is for outspoken women to have a career in Nepali politics, politicians and activists say, by Aditi Aryal (kp 10/07/2020)

Help returning workers reintegrate socio-economically, labour migration analysts tell government: A large number of Nepali workers returning from Covid-19 affected countries will need employment opportunities at home after they have lost overseas jobs and there is no immediate hope of going back anytime soon, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 10/07/2020)

Nepal doesn’t meet minimum standard for eliminating trafficking, a US government report says: The report suggests the Nepal government to investigate allegations of official complicity in trafficking crimes and hold perpetrators criminally accountable, by Binod Ghimire (kp 10/07/2020) [see report by US Department of State]

Marginalised community commissions say they don’t have resources to fulfill their mandate: Parliamentary committee asks government to ensure that the constitutional bodies get the needed budget to implement their plans, by Binod Ghimire (kp 10/07/2020)

Achham children deprived of education with no means to attend online classes: Most children in rural areas spend time roaming around villages, playing in groups or herding their livestock unaware of the risk of contracting or spreading the coronavirus, by Menuka Dhungana (kp 10/07/2020)

Nepal yet to fully implement a single recommendation on transitional justice, says universal periodic report by non-governmental organisations: The UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic review has been postponed until January, but officials have little progress to show to the international community, by Binod Ghimire (kp 09/07/2020)

Imagining a motherland: Gender and nationalism; The boundaries set by the nation, state, families and societies often do not allow a woman to become a citizen. This leads to women not becoming the part of the nation but just a national embodiment, by Swasti Gautam (rep 09/07/2020)

For marginalised, access to media and information a major challenge during pandemic: The Danuwar community in rural Sindhuli is deprived of information regarding Covid-19 and facts are overshadowed by rumours, by Samiksha Baral (kp 09/07/2020)

When floods strike, it’s the poor who suffer, by Dipendra Gautam (ht 09/07/2020)

Failing our migrant workers: One would have expected the present government to be more attuned to the challenges faced by workers in destination countries, by Deepak Thapa (kp 09/07/2020)

Exploitation risk for women migrant workers has increased during pandemic, labour migration experts and rights activists say: They have urged the government to protect vulnerable women migrant workers and ensure their wages and other legal rights, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 05/07/2020)

COVID-19 Magnifies Domestic Violence, by Suman Raj Tamrakar (rn 05/07/2020)

Six stranded Nepali women rescued from Delhi, by Manoj Paudel (kp 05/07/2020)

Jobless and without pay, migrant workers are returning home. But they have no recourse for compensation: Labour migrant experts say the concerned Nepali embassies and the government should start recording the details of the returning migrant workers to take the matter to the court, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 04/07/2020)

Sexual exploitation case filed against Ram Bahadur Bomjan in Sarlahi: A complaint was registered against the controversial spiritual leader earlier this year for allegedly raping a 15-year-old, by Om Prakash Thakur (kp 04/07/2020)

Body of a girl found in Dhanusha’s field; rape-murder suspected, by Brij Kumar Yadav (ht 04/07/2020)

Patriarchy and citizenship: Conspiracy theories flowed seamlessly from Panchayat-era scholars to politicians, by Pramod Mishra (kp 03/07/2020)

Police fire warning shots during demonstration by Dalit Struggle Committee: The protest was launched demanding justice for two Dalit youths who died in the past month; one at an isolation centre in Dhanusha and the other in Sabaila police custody, by Santosh Singh (kp 03/07/2020)

EU, UNICEF to prevent malnutrition in Nepal (ht 03/07/2020)

Suicide by youth in police custody raises concern over mental health of inmates: Restrictions on visits by family members could exacerbate problems faced by those behind bars, psychiatrists say, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 02/07/2020), Ensure safer custody: Recent deaths expose cracks in Nepal's criminal investigation and prison management system (kp 03/07/2020)

Government tells UN that it will incorporate conflict victims’ concerns but victims are not convinced: Victims have called the government’s response to the concerns of five special UN human rights rapporteurs insincere and the entire transitional justice process flawed, by Binod Ghimire (kp 02/07/2020)

‘Citizenship bill not inclusive’ (ht 02/07/2020)

Govt urged to protect rights, interests of LGBTI people (ht 02/07/2020)

What defines a Nepali citizen? Nepal needs to understand the realities of the 21st century. It needs to move forward, not backward, by Sujeev Shakya (kp 30/06/2020)

FNJ to stage protest for journalists’ job security, rights (ht 30/06/2020)

New directives for rescue, repatriation endorsed (ht 30/06/2020)

MoFAGA drafts Social Inclusion Policy-2020 (ht 28/06/2020) [It's a farce! In upper political circles there is no willingness for social inclusion, as you can see from the government, parliament, political parties and laws!]

Rupandehi District Court remands in custody three people arrested in connection with murder of Dalit teen: Prosecutors filed a charge sheet against the trio on June 21 and presented them before the court on Tuesday, by Sanju Poudel (kp 26/06/2020)

The government has not followed most of the Supreme Court’s 23 rulings related to the pandemic: Interim orders related to proper management of quarantine facilities and the repatriation of migrant workers have all either been ignored or were belatedly followed, by Binod Ghimire (kp 26/06/2020) [Nepal's leading politicians are neither interested in the fundamentals of democracy nor do they understand the aspect of the separation of powers. As soon as they are in power, they believe to possess absolute rights!]

District court remands 23 accused in killings of six youths in Rukum (West) to judicial custody: Police have so far arrested 29 individuals in connection with the incident, by Bhim Bahadur Singh (kp 25/06/2020)

15 lawmakers, activists arrested from Baluwatar (ht 25/06/2020)

Urgent action needed to safeguard millions of children’s future, says UNICEF (ht 25/06/2020)

Migrant workers suffer as government due to delay in drafting of workers’ repatriation guidelines: Many workers are returning home with their own expenses while those without money continue to languish overseas, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 25/06/2020)

12 trafficking victims, including three minors, rescued in past three months: The Anti-human Trafficking Bureau of Nepal Police says there’s a risk of traffickers targeting the people who have become financially vulnerable due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 24/06/2020)

Supply chain and food security: Meeting the dietary needs of all Nepalis has been a problem, with or without Covid-19, by Roshee Lamichhane (kp 23/06/2020)

Only 12,000 Nepalis stranded abroad to be evacuated in first phase (ht 23/06/2020)

What on earth do we want on citizenship? There is a lot of whining and crying, lot of ifs and buts, unleashing of hate against political leaders, nation and nationalism but there is no solution, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep 22/06/2020), Becoming citizens: We need to go beyond the spatio-temporal debate on citizenship and ask whether its ideals are being fulfilled (kp 23/06/2020) [The question is not how many years foreign women married to Nepali men have tom wait to obtain Nepali citizenhip. The problem is the continued unequal status and treatment of Nepali women as it has been decided by a handful of male Bahuns and some male Chhetris for centuries!!!], Who is a Nepali? (ae 26/06/2020)

Food insecurity, economic slowdown loom as acute shortage of fertilisers is going to hit paddy production: This year, fertiliser was supplied neither from the government’s mechanism nor from illegal traders, as their clandestine supply lines were severed by the Covid-19 lockdown and border restrictions, by Sangam Prasain (kp 22/06/2020), House panel endorses bill to amend Citizenship Act amid objections from three parties: Opposing parties and rights activists call seven-year rule for foreign women married to Nepali men to get naturalised citizenship a regressive move, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 22/06/2020)  [Long live male Bahunbad with its misogynistic patriarchal thinking! Laws must apply equally to all people, regardless of gender!]

The novel coronavirus poses new challenges: Equality and inclusion are critical to minimising the impact on the poor, marginalised and vulnerable, by Karuna Onta (kp 22/06/2020), Country faces challenges of COVID-19, monsoon related disasters (ht 22/06/2020), Desperate informal sector: Those in the informal sector have already been disproportionately harmed by the pandemic. They are the ones the governments struggle most to reach with targeted policies and relief, by Suresh Pandit (rep

Build safety nets: The government must buttress its support system to help those rendered jobless by the pandemic (kp 22/06/2020)

‘Enough is Enough’ movement voices concern: Organisers condemn caste and gender-based violence taking place in quarantine facilities (ht 21/06/2020)

Out-of-job domestic workers are struggling for survival even as lockdown is relaxed: Up to 85 percent of domestic workers lost their jobs during the lockdown—and now there is no safety net for them, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 21/06/2020)

Seven years since the Mahakali floods, victims await compensation: Residents of Khalanga fear possible floods every monsoon, as the embankments that were damaged seven years ago are yet to be reconstructed, by Manoj Badu (kp 21/06/2020)

NCP decides to make foreign women married to Nepali nationals wait for 7 years after marriage to acquire citizenship (rep 20/06/2020) [Any unequal treatment of women and men is a blatant violation of the principle of equality of the Constitution and internationally recognised human rights. The male Tagdhari, who dominate Nepal, show here their archaic-patriarchal way of thinking, which denies Nepalese women a free choice of partner and life style. Only foreign wives of Nepalese men are entitled to naturalization, whenever, but never the foreign husbands of Nepalese women!], All-male party Secretariat decides on citizenship, an issue that largely concerns women: If the ruling Nepal Communist Party does not take steps to make its committees more inclusive, its decisions could lose moral authority, women leaders say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 21/06/2020),
Residence permit with economic, social and cultural rights proposed for foreign women married to Nepali nationals until they get citizenship cards (rep 21/06/2020) [And Nepali women who are married to foreigners have to leave the country? But of course, women are not really human beings and citizens, only men, especially male Bahuns! What arrogance! What machismo!!]

Police arrest in-laws over death of Hetauda woman: Investigators, family of deceased believe she was murdered, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 20/06/2020)

Women’s rights groups call for safe, dignified repatriation and reintegration of returnee female migrant workers: They have demanded that the government allow registration of illegally migrated women workers with the Foreign Employment Board and ensure the rights of returnee women migrant workers, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 19/06/2020)

As 30,000 plus swab samples pile up, patients have to wait for up to three weeks to get results (rep 19/06/2020)

Covid-19 – A triggering factor for domestic violence, by Niruta Timalsina and Nisha Parajuli  (ht 18/06/2020)

No justice, no peace: Young people are coming out for the very first time to protest against injustices. These newly minted activists may change the world profoundly, by Pramod Mishra (kp 18/06/2020)

Dalit killings in Rukum village spark outrage over caste discrimination (ht 18/06/2020)

Two years on, parties are still undecided on naturalised citizenship: State Affairs and Good Governance Committee has given five days to the parties to arrive at consensus or go for a vote, by Binod Ghimire (kp 18/06/2020), As parties wrestle over naturalized citizenship, thousands don't yet have the document (repn 19/06/2020)

Discharged Covid-19 infected individuals return to their villages only to be shunned: Returnees to their villages in Narainapur face hunger, poverty and ostracisation in society, by Madhu Shahi & Rupa Gahatraj (kp 18/06/2020)

Reports suspect police negligence, political protection for murderers in Rukum killings: They doubt a strong case will be presented to prosecute the perpetrators, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 17/06/2020), Kin of the youths killed in Soti continues protest demanding justice: Protesters demand to scrap of the alleged ‘falsified’ postmortem report, by Bhim Bahadur Singh (kp 17/06/2020), Non-Dalits are not shaken to the core; the response is hollow: Dalit youths, by Anjali Subedi (rep 17/06/2020)

Home Ministry urged to curb rising violence against women (ht 17/06/2020)

Janata Socialist Party youth leader charged with rape (ht 17/06/2020)

Food insecurity increased to 23 percent; Karnali most vulnerable, by Shree Ram Subedi (rep 17/06/2020)

Supreme Court orders government to use welfare fund to repatriate Nepali workers stranded abroad: Tens of thousands of Nepalis willing to return home are still stranded for a lack of money to buy air tickets and clarity on repatriation modality, Sangam Prasain & Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 17/06/2020), Nepali embassies’ ill-treatment of workers continues even during pandemic: A video gone viral on social media shows an official at the UAE embassy cold- shoulder a Nepali man in distress, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 17/06/2020)

Police arrest labourers protesting against Melamchi project: Workers, vendors and subcontractors of the project are yet to receive over Rs169million in remuneration and provident fund, by Anish Tiwari (kp 17/06/2020)

Call for change: Through peaceful and smart protests around the country, the youth have demanded a structural transformation. It should be perceived as a warning bell by all of society, by Sujeev Shakya (kp 16/06/2020), Congress vows to take to the streets alongside politically unaffiliated youths: While the youths have largely remained politically unaffiliated so far, the involvement of the Congress is likely to bring the movement under a political flag, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 16/06/2020) [This movement would be better left in the hands of civil society, as it directly addresses the concerns and needs of the people. For decades, all political parties, especially the Nepali Congress, have put the needs of the multi-ethnic and multicultural population behind personal power aspirations and interests!]

Study finds a litany of shortcomings and shortages in Covid-19 treatment facilities: From inadequate protective suits to lack of trained medical workers to limited testing capacity, health facilities have a host of issues keeping them from fighting the disease effectively, by Arjun Poudel kp 16/06/2020)

A woman shares her family’s harrowing journey from India to Surkhet during pandemic: Maan Kumari and her family were cruelly treated when they reached their hometown and at the quarantine centre they were accused of bringing the coronavirus, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 16/06/2020)

Over 1,200 people killed themselves during 74 days of lockdown: Doctors say the pandemic and its social and economic impacts have led to increased stressors, resulting in more mental health problems, by Arjun Poudel (kp 15/06/2020), 648 women committed suicide during lockdown: Police (kh 15/06/2020)

In-custody death of a Musahar man sparks protests in Janakpur: Police say 23-year-old Shambhu Sada committed suicide, but family members suspect it was an extra-judicial killing, by Ajit Tiwari (kp 15/06/2020) [Nepal is also ripe for an anti-racism movement and a correction of its view of history, including its questionable heroes, identifications and socio-hierarchical discrimination!]

Cases filed against 34 people demanding life imprisonment for Dalit youth killings in Soti: Homicide, attempted homicide and caste-based discrimination and untouchability charges have been filed against them, by Krishna Prasad Gautam (kp 15/06/2020), Relatives of youths killed in Soti question 'ambiguous' post-mortem reports: Protesters accuse doctors of caving under political pressure and vandalise Jajarkot hospital, by Bhim Bahadur Singh (kp 16/06/2020)

Woman in quarantine in Kailali gang raped, by Dil Bahadur Chhatyal (rep 15/06/2020)

Managing our economy: In order to kick-start the economy, citizens should receive cash or other means of relief, by Manoj Kumar Kedia (kp 15/06/2020)

FORUM-ASIA urges government to ensure safety of migrant workers returning from India: The human rights group has raised its concern about heavy congestion and lack of necessary facilities in Nepali quarantine centres (kp 14/06/2020) [See joint statement by 7 HR organisation: Nepal: Ensure safety of returning migrant workers (12/06/2020)]

Food crisis hits Bajura folks hard (ht 14/06/2020)

Police fire tear gas, shots to control quarantined people (ht 14/06/2020)

Lockdown curtailed tuberculosis patients’ access to health facilities, TB center says: A study shows detection of new tuberculosis cases declined by 50 percent during the lockdown, by Arjun Poudel (kp 14/06/2020)

Online classes could lead to fatigue, long term physiological problems, say experts: While different countries have started debating about its negative consequences, Nepal’s government is promoting virtual classes without looking into ways to deal with its downsides, they say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 13/06/2020)

Youth-led protests against the government’s handling of Covid-19 spread to major cities: On Thursday, over a thousand people in Kathmandu and hundreds more around the country demanded financial transparency and better management of the pandemic from the government, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 12/06/2020)

Married daughter entitled to inherit parental property: SC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 12/06/2020)

Quarantine centres are turning into Covid breeding ground, National Human Rights Commission warns: Government ignoring repeated calls to improve situation in quarantine facilities, says its monitoring report, by Binod Ghimire (kp 12/06/2020)

All 20 prime accused in the killings of Dalit youths in Rukum (West) arrested: Police arrested three more people on Wednesday in connection to the incident, by Hari Gautam (kp 12/06/2020)

Over 300 Nepali workers return home from Kuwait: Undocumented women workers who were pardoned by the Kuwaiti government were the first to return home, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 12/06/2020)

Nepal Media Society objects to Press Council survey report: It has concluded that the Press Council’s report disregards accepted research norms and attacks rule of law and independent journalism (kp 12/06/2020)

Skirting the issue: On paper, Nepal has made some important strides towards gender equality and inclusion. Yet, in reality, the situation is far from perfect, by Deepak Thapa (kp 11/06/2020)

For Dalits, love is forbidden: A woman’s family harbors a dislike for an inter-caste marriage only when the groom belongs to a ‘lower caste’. The dislike is greater if he happens to be a Dalit, by Giri Bahadur Sunar (rep 11/06/2020)

In Saptari, a Musahar woman is accused of practising witchcraft and beaten: Despite being beaten bloody with a metal plate, Manjudevi Sada has been ordered by the village panchayat to settle with the perpetrators and not file a case, by Abdhesh Kumar Jha (kp 11/06/2020)

Govt schedules 67 flights to repatriate Nepalis, by Arpana Ale Magar (ht 11/06/2020)

Digging for justice: Keep an eye on the parliamentar committee’s probe on Soti killings (kp 10/06/2020), Nawaraj: The spark that will light the fire: Nawaraj was brave. He walked up fearlessly and while outnumbered still tried to reason. This is the courage we will all require. Let his death not go in vain, by Binayak Sundas (rep 10/06/2020)

Water cannons and batons at protest against government’s handling of the pandemic: Police employed force to disperse around 150 people gathered in peaceful protest outside the prime minister’s residence in Baluwatar, by Anup Ojha (kp 10/06/2020), Peaceful protesters beaten up (ht 10/06/2020))

Supreme Court orders government to take special care of pregnant women: Justices say the right to safe motherhood is a right guaranteed by the constitution (kp 10/06/2020) [The fact that a court order is required speaks volumes about the competence of the government. Orders from the courts do not interest the government anyway!]

Government task force says Nepal needs 1.5 million jobs to avoid unemployment crisis: The government has set the target of creating only 700,000 jobs over the next fiscal year, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 10/06/2020) [Job creation has been neglected by all governments for many years. Now these politicians are getting the credit!]

Khatri released in the presence of NHRC member (ht 10/06/2020)

Nepal: End impunity for caste-based discrimination and killings (Forum-Asia 09/06/2020)

Malnourished children at risk as nutrition centres are requisitioned for Covid-19 care: The country will have more deaths from malnutrition if the issue is ignored, nutrition experts have warned, by Arjun Poudel (kp 09/06/2020)

Children from low-income working class families can't join online classes: Schools and colleges across the country are rolling out online classes, but those without the means to get a computer or an internet connection are being left out, by Anup Ojha (kp 09/06/2020) [We are talking about the overwhelming majority of Nepalese school children!]

Over 40 days in a Kuwaiti camp with no sign of returning home: Undocumented workers in Kuwait had taken advantage of a general amnesty to return home, but the Nepal government has yet to let them fly into the country, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 09/06/2020))

Supreme Court asks why state shouldn’t pay for repatriation of migrant workers: Petitioners say the government’s repatriation plan contradicts the provisions of the Foreign Employment Act, as well as the constitution, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 08/06/2020), Avoid rough landing: The last thing the country needs at this moment is a repatriation disaster (kp 08/06/2020)

Rise in Covid-19 cases across the country prompts concern over already crowded prisons: Hundreds of new inmates have entered prisons since the lockdown began on March 24, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 08/06/2020)

Time for national awakening: Murder of Nabaraj BK driven by discriminatory and racist behaviors should drive a process of national reckoning, by Simone Galimberti (rep 08/06/2020)

Authorities plan to rescue Nepalis stranded abroad. But no one knows who will pay for it: There’s no clear decision yet on who pays for travel as the government plan hints at bringing them on chartered flights, by Sangam Prasain and Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 07/06/2020)

A shadow pandemic: With the lockdown grabbing all attention, domestic violence against women is often overlooked, by Nilima Adhikari (kp 07/06/2020)

NHRC concerned about journos’ rights, condition in quarantine (ht 07/06/2020)

Odyssey of Nepali media: Nepali media deserve a cheer for their vigilance, boldness and service, by Abhi Subedi (kp 07/06/2020)

15 yrs on, Bandarmudhe blast victims still await justice (ht 06/06/2020)

Easing the lockdown and its impact on women: For women in Nepal, easing of the lockdown has potential to further compound pre-existing gender inequalities based on caste, class, geographical location and various religious conventions and beliefs, by Swasti Gautam (rep 06/06/2020)

Feed the hungry: The government can’t abandon the poor in the face of a humanitarian crisis (kp 05/06/2020)

Rukum killings ‘crime against humanity’ (ae 05/06/2020)

Famine or feast in Nepal?, by Sushma Joshi (ae 05/06/2020)

SC convicts two rape accused, overturning appellate court verdict (ht 05/06/2020)

Govt refutes UNHCR statement on freedom of expression (ht 05/06/2020)

The lockdown is killing the poor and the marginalised: In Pathari’s Musahar community, one person has already died of hunger and others are on the verge of starvation, by Binu Subedi and Abdhesh Kumar Jha (kp 04/06/2020)

Challenge To End Caste Discrimination, by Gopal Khanal (rn 04/06/2020)

Discrimination against Dalits continues to stain Nepal’s social fabric: Two recent incidents resulting in the killings of seven Dalit individuals have once again brought to light the uncomfortable fact that caste-based discrimination is alive and well, by Elisha Shrestha and Aditi Aryal (kp 03/06/2020), Parliamentary committee directs formation of Dalit cell in Nepal Police: Panel on law and justice calls for separate unit to deal with cases of caste-based discrimination, by Binod Ghimire (kp 03/06/2020)

Caste And Race Based Discrimination, by Namrata Sharma (rn 03/06/2020)

Janata Party and Samajbadi Party register private constitution amendment bill of their own: The regional parties propose amendments to 23 issues that are aimed at addressing the long-standing concerns of the Madhesis, Tharus and Janajatis, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 02/06/23020)

Thousands of children in Kathmandu deprived of immunisation: Doctors say the capital city is highly vulnerable to outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases, by Arjun Poudel (kp 02/06/2020)

Plan to evacuate Nepalis from abroad unveiled: Nepali Army to take care of most of the work to manage returnees, by Umesh Poudel (ht 02/06/2020)

COVID-19 and food insecurity, by Purna B. Nepali and Mahesh Bisukhey (ht 01/06/2020)

Supreme Court orders govt to provide goods to needy for preventing COVID-19 pandemic (rep 01/06/2020)

Police to probe manhandling of NMC doc (ht 01/06/2020)

NHRC deploys separate team to probe Soti incident (ht01/06/2020)

Farming falls on women's shoulders: But their work and contributions tend to be invisible to policymakers and academics, by Subarna Malla Singh (kp 31/05/2020)

Soti incident premeditated, a team of provincial assembly members concludes: Karnali state legislators call for an impartial investigation into the Dalit killings and punishment for the perpetrators, by Bhim Bahadur Singh & Hari Gautam (kp 31/05/2020)

Rights commission expresses concern over death after rape incident in Rupandehi: National Human Rights Commission says its Butwal office has started a probe into the incident (kp 30/05/2020), NHRC concerned about death of rape victim (ht 30/05/2020)

Still untouchable: Navaraj BK and his friends died because he loved an upper-caste girl. He won’t be the last, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 29/05/2020)

High Level Committee decides to rescue Nepalis stranded abroad: Fixes 20 checkpoints for entering from India (kh)

UN, AI demand impartial probe into Rukum incident (ht 29/05/2020), Nepal: Bachelet condemns Dalit killings, calls for independent investigation (OHCR 28/05/2020), Nepal: Authorities must deliver justice for Dalit killings (AI 28/05/2020), UN condemns Dalit killings in Rukum (West) and calls for independent probe: Despite constitutional guarantees, impunity for caste-based discrimination and violence remains high in Nepal, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights says (kp 29/05/2020), OHCHR seeks independent probe into Rukum west incident (ht 31/05/2020)

Revised regulation in Security Allowance Act hangs single helpless women out to dry: The new regulation issued by the Department of National ID and Civil Registration to exclude single women below 60 years of age from receiving the Helpless Single Woman Allowance, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp 29/05/2020)

Involving men in eliminating taboos surrounding menstruation: As menstrual stigmas have largely been put in place and supported by men, their participation in uprooting these taboos is critical, gender rights activists say, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 28/05/2020)

No preparedness to handle incoming people: Two people returning from Gujarat, India died in Surkhet and Dhanusha for want of medical attention and hunger, by Kalendra Sejuwal and Ajit Tiwari (kp 28/05/2020)

Digital divide too wide for online classes to succeed in Nepal: The government has proposed online teaching-learning, but a majority of the schools and students in the country do not have computers, much less the internet, by Binod Ghimire (kp 28/05/2020), The digital divide: Supporting private investment in education will not increase access to learning during the current crisis (kp 28/05/2020)

Nepal has enough food to feed the population for 5 months: Distribution amid the lockdown is the problem, officials say, by Krishana Prasain (kp 28/05/2020) [???]

Protect rights of citizens residing in border areas: NHRC (ht 28/05/2020)

Don’t arrest quarantine escapees: SC (ht 28/05/2020)

Wage earners hit hard due to prolonged lockdown (ht 28/05/2020)

Cracks in the melting pot: The various rights bodies need serious political support to truly stamp out discrimination (kp 27/05/2020)

Thousands of Nepalis without food or shelter await entrance at the Karnali border: Migrants arriving from India are massed at the border without basic amenities as the provincial government has sought to test them all for Covid-19 before letting them in, by Aditi Aryal (kp 27/05/2020)

Dirty mop: While changing the laws governing the CIAA is a good thing, the current amendment under discussion falls below par (kp 26/05/2020)

58,769 have returned home since Mar 24: ‘Nearly 580,000 Nepalis stranded in several parts of India’ (ht 26/05/2020)

Bodies of two Dalit men recovered from Bheri River: A Dalit man went to marry a girl from ‘upper-caste’ but her family and villagers chased them into the river, by Hari Gautam and Bhim Bahadur Singh (kp 25/05/2020), Serious human rights violations against Dalits reported during lockdown: Parliamentary committee orders the government to book culprits, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 26/05/2020), One more body recovered from the Bheri River on Monday: The third victim was among the 18 who had accompanied Nabaraj BK to Soti in Rukum (West). The deceased Nabaraj was killed in his pursuit of a girl whose family deemed him ‘untouchable’, by Bhim Bahadur Singh & Hari Gautam (kp 26/05/2020), 15 including ward chair arrested in connection with Nawaraj BK’s killing, by Dinesh Kumar Shrestha (ht26/05/2020), Caste-based discrimination ends a beautiful relationship: Even a locally-elected representative was against their relationship, by Lokendra Khanal and Ganesh Bishu (rep 26/05/2020), Government forms team to investigate the death of three youths in Rukum West: Lawmakers have demanded a parliamentary probe committee to study discriminations against Dalits throughout the country (kp 27/05/2020) [This is an extremely severe criminal case, based on Hindu fanatic thinking! Why are representatives from ministries participated? Or are you loking for ways to eliminate outdated Hindu social thinking and behaviour?], Fourth body recovered: from Bheri River: Family members and relatives of the deceased had found the body on Wednesday, by Hari Gautam (kp 28/05/2020), One more body recovered from Bheri River; death toll of Soti incident reaches five: Search is on for another missing person, police say, by Hari Gautam and Bhim Bahadur Singh (kp 29/05/2020), Soti incident: Sixth missing body found after 10 days: The deceased along with his 18 friends was attacked by Soti villagers while the group was accompanying Nabaraj BK to bring home his 17-year-old girlfriend as his bride, by Bhim Bahadur Singh (kp 03/06/2020)

Madhes-based parties press own demands alongside constitution amendment for new map: While there’s no debate on an issue of national importance, the constitutional amendment bill could be an opportune moment to address long-standing demands of Madhesis, Janajatis and Tharus, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 24/05/2020) [The clarification of territorial claims is certainly important and decades overdue, but the inclusion of population groups that have been excluded for centuries, even under the constitution of 2015, is even more significant, a fact that the male Bahun at the head of the state and parties do not want to understand. It is problematic, however, that the leadership of the ethnic and regional parties is also exclusively male!], JSP-N seeks NC support for constitution amendment (ht 24/05/2020), Janata Samajbadi Party reiterates demand for constitutional amendment to incorporate concerns of Madhesi community: As the government prepares to revise the constitution to legitimise new map, Samajbadi leaders tell the Business Advisory Committee of Parliament that it’s also an ‘opportune’ moment to address their concerns, by Binod Ghimire (kp 25/05/2020)

Social security allowance won’t be discontinued: Minister Gurung (rn 23/05/2020), NHRC urges government not to curtail social security allowance (ht 24/05/2020)

Two months into lockdown, government yet to have a plan to bring back Nepalis from abroad: Officials say they are working on ways to repatriate citizens but there is neither evacuation protocol nor quarantine facilities and testing guarantee, by Anil Giri (kp 23/05/2020), Govt still unprepared to bring back Nepalis (ht 23/05/2020), CCMC tasked to manage returnee Nepalis (ht 23/05/2020)

Upper House endorses Bill on Special Service allowing phone tapping without court order: Legal experts say the provision could be misused by the government to silence dissidents, by Binod Ghimire (kp 21/05/2020)

Pandemic threatens to upend labour relations: Workers term employers’ decision to cut staff, wages ‘unilateral’ and ‘unacceptable’, by Sujan Dhungana (ht 21/05/2020)

At least 500,000 migrant workers want to return home at the earliest, says report: Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies says 10-30 percent of jobs held by Nepalis in Malaysia and the Gulf is gone, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 21/05/2020), Government preparing to rescue migrant workers stranded abroad, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 21/05/2020) [The Oli govt talks of 5 per cent only of those who have to return urgently!]

Is Nepali media failing to abide by ethical journalistic standards in its quest for clicks and breaking news? Media outlets, both old and new, must abide by fair and ethical reporting, along with verification of information, while reporting the news especially in the time of a pandemic, observers say, by Aditi Aryal (kp 21/05/2020)

Task force suggests ways to create 2.5 million jobs amid job losses at home and abroad due to Covid-19: Focus is on entrepreneurship, reviving sick industries and utilising land spaces allocated for the industries, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 20/05/2020) [Such initiative is overdue for decades!]

As doctors face eviction from landlords, a hotelier offers free lodging (rep 20/05/2020)

NHRC urges govt to follow WHO protocol for quarantine facility management: Asks it to ensure all facilities meet WHO standards (ht 20/05/2020)

Govt to rescue Nepalis stranded abroad ‘on priority basis’ (ht 20/05/2020) [Given the major failings of the Oli government in the last two months, there are almost only priority cases!]

Rights watchdog urges government to follow WHO quarantine practices: National Human Rights Commission suggests using the money in relief fund in coordination between the three tiers of government (kp 19/05/2020)

Police hit 67-year-old with baton for stepping out to buy milk: Man sustains a broken bone in his right leg due to the severity of the blow, by Bhusan Yadav (kp 19/05/2020) [Both this police officer and the person who ordered such action must be brought to justice!]

Elusive justice: The government continues to hold out on completing the transitional justice process (kp 18/05/2020)

Nepal hasn’t allowed UN rapporteurs on transitional justice to visit country: The government is afraid their visit will expose it’s failure, say victims and human rights activists, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/05/2020)

Lawmakers demand govt bring home Nepalis abroad at the earliest, by Kamal Subedi (rep 17/05/2020), International Committee seeks prompt rescue of Nepalis in crisis (kh 17/05/2020)

Nepal might have made progress when it comes to queer rights but it still has a long way to go: Although the constitution enshrines equal rights regardless of gender, sexual identity or orientation, same-sex marriage is still not legal, by Ankit Khadgi (kp 17/05/2020)

Number of NRNs to die of coronavirus reaches 96 (rep 17/05/2020)

Survivors of domestic violence are forced to “compromise” with abusive husbands, by Sher Bahadur Jero (rep 16/05/2020)

Seed money for migrant workers, entrepreneurs as government targets employment opportunities inside country: Without hassle-free procedures for accessing the initial capital and set criteria as per the vulnerability of migrant workers, the scheme can not yield expected results, experts say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 16/05/2020), Impact of COVID-19 on Nepal’s Remittance Economy & Foreign Employment, by Sunil Kumar Chaudhary (kh 16/05/2020)

Order to shoot at fleeing patients draws flak (ht 16/05/2020)

A COVID Challenge for Nepal Army: What is the point of having a large NA in this poor country in peace-time if not to fight the human insecurity of our citizens when a global pandemic has made millions of Nepalis vulnerable?, by Kul Chandra Gautam (rep 16/05/2020)

Over 400,000 Nepalis stranded abroad appeal for rescue (kh 15/05/2020)

Prioritise rights issues in upcoming fiscal budget, says NHRC (ht 15/05/2020)

Plans after the pandemic: Nepalis knew all along that the economy, based largely on remittance, is unsustainable. But we never realised that it would meet such a chaotic fate, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp 15/05/2020)

As Covid-19 continues to weaken the health system, an estimated 4,000 children could die in Nepal in the next six months, UN agency warns: UNICEF says it fears that without urgent action, the number of children dying before their fifth birthdays is going to increase for the first time in decades (kp 14/05/2020), Cases are still rising: It’s not that lockdown measures wouldn’t have worked, it’s that the government has failed at implementing a successful regimen (kp 14/05/2020)

Motion tabled in Parliament to repatriate Nepali migrant workers: The motion of public importance tabled by Nepali Congress lawmaker Gagan Thapa recommends that the government initiate rescue and repatriation of Nepalis from Covid-19 hit countries based on their status of vulnerability, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 12/05/2020)

Unidentified group thrashes Bara journalist (ht 12/05/2020)

How Free Is Freedom Of Expression?, by Mukunda Kattel (rn 11/05/2020)

Understanding poverty: It is not only bad governance but a failure to attract foreign capital and to stop cartels from forming that has hampered development, by Niraj KC (kp 11/05/2020)

Govt told to handle crisis effectively (ht 10/05/2020)

Local governments at a loss on how to implement relief-for-work programme: Federal government last week decided to employ workers from the unorganised sector in public construction projects, but has not issued the guidelines to follow in the process, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 10/05/2020)

Government move to reopen businesses and industries leaves many scrambling: Factory workers who had gone home, mostly to their villages, are still locked down, by Krishana Prasain (kp 10/05/2029)

Ambushes everywhere: Rolpa folks forced to go through recurring pain even 14 years after end of Maoist insurgency, by Dínesh Subedi (rep 09/05/2020) [The then responsible Maoist and army leaders as well as their political protectors must be made responsible and brought to justice!]

Thousands of Nepali migrant workers from Persian Gulf and Malaysia expected to return home soon: A study by the Foreign Employment Board has estimated that at least 127,000 migrants will return home immediately once travel restrictions are lifted, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 09/05/2020)

Hundreds of Nepalis stranded at Nepal-India borders as federal government has yet to respond: Local units in the bordering areas say they can’t let the people enter the country until the centre takes a decision, by Madhav Dhungana (kp 09/05/2020), Nepali Migrant Workers Coming From India During Lockdown Stranded At No-Man's Land (rn 09/05/2020)

Food and livelihood insecurity during a pandemic: As the services sector is bound to face a long and hard journey to a revival, the agro sector will be all the more important, by Apsara Karki (kp 08/05/2020)

Hundreds of homebound Nepalis stranded in no-man’s-land in Kapilvastu: Scores of people gathered at the border attempted to enter Nepal on Monday, but they were stopped by security personnel of the Armed Police Force, by Manoj Paudel and San ju Poudel (kp 08/02/2020) [Thank you Mr Oli for contributing so extensively to spreading the virus among desperate Nepalese migrant workers! The returnees have every right to enter their home country. It is your duty, Mr Oli, to place them in safe quarantine stations in Nepal, check their health and then transport them safely and quickly to their home villages!], Security personnel fire a warning shot to disperse crowd at a border point in Bara, by Laxmi Sah and Kamal Panthi (kp 08/02/2020)

Hundreds of homebound Nepalis stranded in no-man’s-land in Kapilvastu: Scores of people gathered at the border attempted to enter Nepal on Monday, but they were stopped by security personnel of the Armed Police Force, by Manoj Paudel and San ju Poudel (kp 08/05/2020)

For Nepali women, rampant objectification and sexualisation on the internet: One community on Reddit with more than 4,500 members has been sexualising, objectifying and humiliating women with photos taken from their social media accounts, by Aditi Aryal (kp 07/05/2020), Shedding light: It is disturbing that pages propagating rape, misogyny, paedophilia and the invasion of privacy exist (kp 08/05/2020)

NRNA Urges Government To Form Mechanism To Rescue Stranded Nepalis Abroad (rn 07/05/2020)

NHRC member slams rumour-mongers (ht 06/05/2020)

Biplav outfit leader Bandhu Chand released after 14 months (kh 06/05/2020) [The Bandhu Chand case is a prime example of the criminal contempt of judicial decisions by the Oli government!]

Government considers bringing back Nepali migrant workers from Covid-19-affected countries: Foreign Minister Gyawali says everyone will not be brought home at once, those in urgent need to return home will be prioritised in the first phase, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 05/05/2020), Govt plans to evacuate over 35,000 illegal migrants (ht 05/05/2020)

Where government efforts have faltered, the people have come to the rescue: In the absence of governmental efforts, many individuals and communities across the country are working to ensure that relief reaches the most vulnerable, by Aditi Aryal (kp 04/05/2020) [The top politicians in government and political parties are only interested in their power struggles. They know neither their duties nor the rules of democracy, not to mention human rights and respect for the constitution and laws!]

Extended lockdown brings many women entrepreneurs to the brink of failure: Women entrepreneurs are engaged in agriculture, handicraft, hospitality and other service sectors, by Krishana Prasain (kp 04/05/2020)

Can human rights be set aside in our fight against Covid-19? The answer is no. We have to do everything possible to make sure human rights are front and centre when we deal with the pandemic, by Mohna Ansari (kp 03/05/2020)

Media facing hard time during pandemic (ht 03/05/2020)

Ensure strict implementation of lockdown: PM; 'Don't allow Nepali citizens stranded in India to enter Nepal' (kh 03/05/2020) [All Nepalese citizens have the right to retun to their country! It is the duty of the PM and his goverment to take care of their safe return! Oli tries to cover up his incompetence with authoritarian orders!]

Man arrested for raping 15-year-old girl in Dang (kh 03/05/2020)

Oli seizes May Day address to take the media to task for “promoting instability”: While Oli’s aversion to the media is nothing new, commentators say that it is worrying that the prime minister has threatened to use the ruling party to combat dissent, by Binod Ghimire (kp 02/05/2020) [No one causes more instability in Nepal than Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli. His threat to the media, adorned with false statements, is an authoritarian attack on basic human rights and democracy!]

Create employment opportunities for workers affected due to Covid-19 through new budget, say experts: As workers at home struggle without jobs and tens of thousands of migrant workers are likely to return home, experts suggest the government should be ready to provide jobs through the upcoming budget, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 02/05/2020), On International Labour Day, workers remain under lockdown racked with uncertainty caused by Covid-19 pandemic: Labour right activists say the government has failed to assure worker’ safety and employment even if they have been languishing at home and abroad for a long time now, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 02/05/2020)

Hospitals turn away patients with fever, by Laxmi Gautam (ht 02/05/2020)

Human rights monitoring panel formed in all districts: Government urged to protect migrant workers and students during lockout (ht 01/05/2020)

OHCHR urges govt to amend TJ law in support of SC ruling (rep 01/05/2020) [see OHCHR Press briefing note on Nepal], Four int'l HR bodies urge govt to immediately amend TJ law in line with Supreme Court ruling (rep 01/05/2020) [see press statement by AI, HRW, ICJ and TRIAL International], International rights bodies, UN welcome Supreme Court decision on transitional justice: Government should now amend the law to comply with the verdict, they say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 02/05/2020), SC’s decision reaffirms need to amend transitional justice law: Rights bodies (ht 02/05/2020)

Expecting mother expelled from operation theatre (ht 01/05/2020)

Stigma against health workers, patients and area locals continues in coronavirus hotspots: In districts like Udayapur that have reported a high number of Covid-19 cases, health workers and local residents are being shunned and treated as pariahs, by Arhun Poudel (kp 01/05/2020)

Information, please! The government needs to communicate its lockdown policies better to the people, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 01/05/2020)

Around 1,300 Nepalis stranded in bordering Indian district brought home: Hundreds of home-bound Nepali workers were quarantined in the border area after Nepal-India border was sealed amid fear of Covid-19 around a month ago, by Manoj Badu (kp 01/05/23020) [It would have been the duty of the Oli government to arrange this about five weeks ago!]

Govt launches relief package targeting workers, by Sujan Dhungana (ht 01/05/2020)

Four children killed in a bomb blast in Rolpa: Two of the deceased children are said to be from the same family, by Kashiram Dangi (kp 01/05/2020)

Journalist Pathak arrested on charge of defaming NCP chairman Dahal (rep 30/04/2020), Cyber Bureau arrests journo for social media post (ht 01/05/2020)

SC orders govt to fully implement sentence determination Act (rep 30/04/2020)

Cash-strapped youths set on foot to Kailali from Bajura amid lockdown (ht 30/04/2020)

COVID-19 recovery must deliver universal health insurance, safety nets and affordable internet access: UN (rep 30/04/2020)

In Province 5, sexual harassment and domestic abuse cases are getting more severe: A large number of sexual harassment cases in the province still go unreported, said police, by Sanju Poudel (kp 29/04/2020)

Seven rape cases reported in Kapilbastu in a month (kh 29/04/2020)

Measles outbreaks reported in five districts including in Kathmandu and Lalitpur in last one month: Doctors warns continuous disruption in routine immunisation could put lives of thousands of children at risk, by Arjun Poudel (kp 29/04/2020)

Nepalis stranded in India continue to brave Mahakali River to return home: More than 30 people tried to cross the boundary river this weekend, by Manoj Badu (kp 29/04/2020) [Responsible for the crime is Mr. Oli, who claims the right to deny Nepali citizens a safe return to their villages]

Has Covid-19 exposed the stark inequality between Nepal's haves and have-nots? Social distancing, the primary weapon to prevent the pandemic from spreading, is a privilege, by Sushrey Nepal (kp 28/04/2020)

Communities come together to respond to the Covid crisis: In an inspirational display of humanity, several groups around Kathmandu are making sure the most vulnerable in our society have food to eat in this time of crisis, by Srizu Bajracharya and Anup Ojha (kp 28/04/2020)

Private Hospitals & Medical Ethics, by Yam Bahadur Dura (rn 28/04/2020)

Removal of Bhattarai’s interview from Radio Nepal draws flak (ht 28/04/2020), Communications Ministry seeks clarification from Radio Nepal Executive Director (kh 28/04/2020), Clarifications sought from Radio Nepal chief Karki:  Asked why and how he allowed invectives against PM; Told to justify his performance (ht 29/094/2020)

Journos briefly taken into custody (ht 28/04/2020)

SC rejects govt’s request to review verdict on transitional justice (rep 27/04/2020), Supreme Court thwarts attempt to retain amnesty provisions in transitional justice law: The government now has no option but to amend the law to adhere to the court’s February 2015 landmark order, by Binod Ghimire (kp 28/04/2020)

Rights body urges government to study situation of Nepalis stranded in foreign countries: The National Human Rights Commission has asked the government to make arrangements for food and shelter for Nepali workers in foreign labour destinations and to plan for their rescue, repatriation and reintegration if the situation further worsens, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 27/04/2020)

Nepal Police’s refusal to register Surendra Yadav abduction case raises questions about its neutrality: Many believe police are acting on order from on high to not register the case, especially since: it involves powerful political actors and a former chief of police, by Shuvam Dhungana Tika R Pradhan (kp 27/04/2020), Police refuse to book former IG, NCP MPs (ht 27/04/2020), NC, RPP and People's Socialist Party demand legal action against those involved in 'kidnapping' lawmaker Yadav (rep 28/04/2020), After police, district attorney also refuses to register complaint against alleged kidnapping of lawmaker Yadav: District attorney asked the complainants to leave an application, but didn’t file the complaint, Janata Samajbadi leaders said (kp 29/04/2020), JSP-N MP’s abduction case a hot potato: Govt attorney accused of turning deaf ear to kidnapping complaint against ex-IG, lawmakers (ht 29/04/2020), Janata Samajbadi Party lawmaker Yadav knocks NHRC door, accusing NCP lawmakers and ex-IGP Khanal of kidnapping him (rep 30/04/2020), After police and district attorney’s refusal to take complaint, lawmaker Surendra Yadav approaches human rights commission: Commission asks Nepal Police to explain in writing why it refused to register Yadav’s case and ensure his and his family’s safety (kp 01/05/2020)

Municipalities seek government funds to provide essentials to families affected by Covid-19 lockdown: Municipal Association of Nepal have also asked provincial and federal governments funds to continue their relief distribution programmes, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 25/04/2020), Lockdown affected families continue to struggle for relief package as Province 2 retains the relief campaign: As lockdown hit daily wage workers and poor groups await relief, Province 2 government decides to take over relief distribution following reports of irregularities and discriminations during relief distribution, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 25/04/2020)

Quake survivors struggle in crammed homes, housing grant insufficient (ht 25/04/2020)

A normal monsoon this year could boost agricultural output, if only farmers weren’t under lockdown: A labour shortage due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a potential shortage of chemical fertiliser could offset any potential gains from the monsoon, say economists, by Sangam Prasain and Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 25/04/2020), Lockdown adversely affecting vegetable farmers in Dhangadhi: While the farmers are compelled to throw away their vegetables due to lack of buyers given the lockdown, consumers are compelled to buy vegetables from middlemen at exorbitant prices, by Mohan Budhaair.(kp 25/04/2020)

Five years after earthquake schools and health centres await reconstruction: The tenure of the national reconstruction authority likely to be extended by at least one year, by Binod Ghimire (kp 25/04/2020)

Former secy arrested for cyber offence (ht 24/04/2020), Freedom Forum concerned (ht 24/04/2020), Attorney’s office file a court case against former government secretary Upadhyaya for cyber crime: Upadhyaya was arrested for his critical comments against the Oli government on his social media, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 27/04/2020), It's a free country: The government must remember it is serving a democratic country where people have a voice (kp 27/04/2020), Former secy charged with ‘defaming govt, prime minister’ (ht 27/04/2020), Former secy Upadhyay’s arrest shows govt hell-bent on silencing critics (rep 27/04/2020), Ex-secretary Upadhyaya released on bail (kh 27/04/2020)

Human Rights in the time of COVID-19, by Sushil Koirala (ht 24/04/2020)

Some relief package: Officials should serve the people, not con them (kp 23/04/2020)

Mahottari sees rise in illegal mining of construction aggregate during lockdown: Two journalists were threatened for covering the story about illegal mining in the district on Thursday, by Sunita Baral (kp 23/04/2020)

Dying to get home: Both Modi and Oli did not have the imagination and sensitivity to anticipate the hardships that migrant workers would face by the lockdown, by Pramod Mishra (kp 23/04/2020)

How one Pokhara resident led a smear campaign to get an American kicked out of the country: After his romantic advances were rejected, one individual used his influence with an online news portal to smear and discredit a foreigner, a month-long Post investigation has revealed, by Shuvam Dhungana and Pranaya SJB Rana (kp 23/04/2020)

Nepal slips 6 ranks on RSF index (ht 22/04/2020) [Lowest ranking since 2014! See RSF comment and index 2020], Nepal loses six spots on global press freedom index to rank 112th out of 180 countries: Environment for journalists working for independent media outlets has been extremely difficult, Reporters Without Borders report says, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 23/04/2020), Press freedom violation and political intolerance on the rise in Nepal, says report: The Annual World Press Freedom Report paints a grim picture of freedom of expression, press freedom and rights of journalists in the past year (kp 03/05/2020)

Chepangs face a humanitarian crisis: The impact of the lockdown on vulnerable communities does not appear on the government's radar, by Biwash Chepang (kp 22/04/2020)

Bardiya’s poor are starving while the local unit has been slow to distribute relief: According to data by the ward office, around 200 daily wage earners in the ward have been severely affected by the lockdown, by Kamal Panthi (kp 22/04/2020)

Kalaiya mayor arrested on charge of selling substandard lentils: Police on Saturday sealed a grocery store run by Raya and sent the sample of the lentils to the Regional Food Technology and Quality Control Office in Hetauda for a quality test, by Laxmi Sah (kp 22/04/2020)

COVID-19: Yet Again Poor Are Hardest Hit, by Achyut Tiwari (rn 22/04/2020)

Like most vulnerable groups, soon-to-be and new mothers face an uncertain near future: With hospitals and public transportation shut, expecting and new mothers can’t go for regular check-ups for themselves and their children, by Elisha Shrestha & Thomas Heaton (kp 22/04/2020)

Plight Of Labourers And Migrant Workers, by Namrata Sharma (rn 22/04/2020)

With hundreds of thousands of migrants predicted to return home, Nepal needs to brace for a crisis: Hundreds of thousands of Nepalis who work abroad are likely to lose their jobs in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, and they will come home looking for employment, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 22/04/2020) [The leading politicians in government and parties are only interested in power struggles! They do not understand their main tasks in the interest of the state and the people! PM Oli's recent actions are the best example!]

Thousands of stranded people transported to their hometowns (ht 22/04/2020)

Three Nepalis arrested for entering country during lockdown, sent back to India, by Prabhat Kumar Jha (ht 22/04/2020) [????]

Two weeks on, 181 people quarantined in Jamunaha still waiting to get home: Nepalis, including migrant workers from 26 districts arrived at the border crossing from various parts of India, by Rupa Gahatraj (kp 22/04/2020)

More than 400 prisoners released from across the country to prevent outbreak of Covid-19: Over half of those released were serving their time in juvenile correction homes: Court had ordered government to free jailbirds sentenced up to a year for minor crimes, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 22/04/2020)

While produce rots in Nepal’s fields, food imports continue from India: Vegetables are piling up on Birgunj farms even as 15 to 20 trucks laden with vegetables arrive from the south every day, by Bhusan Yadav and Sangam Prasain (kp 21/04/2020)

Supreme Court’s intervention sought to stop police from using excessive force during lockdown: Security personnel have been found beating up people who were out during the lockdown to buy essentials and medical workers (kp 21/04/2020)

Local governments in Dang arrange vehicles for migrants heading home on foot: Dang, the gateway to hilly districts such as Rolpa, Rukum, Pyuthan and Salyan, has seen a surge in the number of migrants trying to go home, by Durga Lal KC (kp 21/04/2020)

A worrying rise in Islamophobia ever since a number of Muslim men were diagnosed with Covid-19: Speculation that Muslims are knowingly spreading Covid-19 has begun to spread, aided and abetted by social media and some online news portals, by Aditi Aryal (kp 21/04/2020)

An unequal world for migrant workers: What migrants need most is comprehensive social protection which will strengthen their capacity to cope, by Kripa Basnyat (kp 21/04/2020)

15-point suggestion put forth to manage COVID-19 situation (ht 20/04/2020)

Women group presents charter of demands (ht 20/04/2020)

Stranded people taken to their hometowns (ht 20/04/2020)

A day after Covid-19 cases double, Health Ministry goes after frontline doctor for critical comments: The ministry has summoned Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, a virologist at the Sukraraj Hospital, for a clarification over his public statements on the Covid-19 pandemic, by Arjun Poudel (kp 19/04/2020) [Oli and his government obviously don't like it at all when the people's right to information in the Corona crisis is fulfilled by competent doctors, because this exposes their own incompetence!]

Northern Humla braces for a food shortage: Humla saw a prolonged snowfall this winter and the route to Taklakot was closed before the pandemic, by Chhapal Lama (kp 18/04/2020)

Families of daily wage earners, impoverished Dalit communities in Province 2 deprived of reliefs even after three weeks of nationwide lockdown: Most of the local bodies are yet to implement the budget released by the provincial executive for relief distribution even after three weeks of the lockdown (kp 18/04/2020)

Govt urged to protect rights of marginalised, needy people (ht 17/04/2020)

While dealing with Covid-19, government should not lose sight of other infectious diseases, say doctors: With the onset of summer, infectious diseases like malaria, typhoid, dengue, and cholera could lead to epidemics of their own if focus stays on the coronavirus, they say, by Arjun Poudel (kp 17/04/2020)

Police sub-inspector beat up health worker in Dharan: Health workers staged a protest outside the city demanding action the officer following the incident, by Pradeep Menyangbo (kp 17/04/2020) [The policemen's mistaken idea that they could beat other people at any time has not changed a bit since the royal panchayat era!], Departmental action should be initiated against police personnel who manhandled doctors, committee concludes: It follows reports that personnel from Maharajgunj Police Circle manhandled three doctors returning from work on Wednesday night, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 17/04/2020) [Disciplinary measures are not enough. There must also be criminal proceedings in public courts!],DSP relieved of duty for thrashing doctors (ht 17/04/2020), Police Punish 50 Morning Walkers (rn 17/04/2020) [The police have to guarantee law and order, but they have no right to order punishment.]

SC seeks govt explanation over its delay to release detainees involved in petty crimes (rep 17/04/2020)

Court issues interim order to rescue workers stranded abroad: At least 20,000 Nepalis stranded in various Indian states wish to return home (kp 17/04/2020), SC asks govt to bring back migrant Nepalis stranded in foreign lands, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 17/04/2020) [The SC decision is an order to the government, not a request. The Oli government must implement this court decision immediately!], Hundreds Workers Stranded On Border Between Dhading And Chitwan (rn 17/04/2020), Hundreds trudging home stuck on the road (ht 17/04/2020), Thousands brave long, painful walk home as Singha Durbar goes to sleep (rep 17/04/2020), Apex court orders govt to repatriate Nepali nationals stranded abroad (rep 17/04/2020), Return Of Migrant Workers, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km 17/04/2020), Undocumented and overstaying Nepalis in Kuwait could be deprived of amnesty as Nepal is under lockdown: Kuwait government has offered a general amnesty to undocumented workers allowing them to leave the country without having to pay any fines and airfares and also the option to return Kuwait later, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 18/04/2020)

Many in Kathmandu Valley can neither stay here nor go home: Without adequate rations and no savings, many are making a long walk back to their hometowns, by Anup Ojha (kp 17/04/2020), Workers making their way across districts on foot to reach their hometowns: Authorities are asking respective local units to make arrangements for the passing workers’ stay in quarantine facilities, by Agandhar Tiwari (kp 17/04/2020)

Nepal Army contacting people who bought SIM cards recentl: Officials working under the assumption that those who returned to Nepal would have bought new mobile numbers, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/04/2020) [????]

4.6 million Nepalis are food-insecure, and 10% have severe need, by Shree Ram Subedi (rep 16/04/2020), WFP reports on food security exaggerated: Nepal Government, by Shree Ram Subedi (22/04/2020)

The pandemic is reinforcing social inequalities: For minority groups already suffering under various inequalities, the pandemic and the lockdown are already furthering their marginalisation, by Aditi Aryal (kp 16/04/2020)

“We don’t want to die in this desert”: Nepali workers in the UAE plead to be brought home: Dozens of Nepalis have already been forced to live on the streets with no shelter and nothing to eat after quitting their jobs, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 16/04/2020)

Oli cautioning party members to keep distance from media reflects a lack of trust, leaders say: Unhappy with leaks, Oli asks all aides, ministers and party members to keep the media at bay, by Anil Giri (kp 16/04/2020) [This means a fundamental violation of constitution and democratic principles!!]

‘Qatar illegally expelled Nepali migrant workers during COVID-19 panic’ (ht 16/04/2020), Qatar used coronavirus pandemic as a ruse to expel Nepali migrant workers, Amnesty International says: Over 400 Nepalis were deported to Nepal last month after local authorities accused them of not abiding by government measures while tens of thousands of Nepali workers continue to live in squalid labour camps in Qatar, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp) 17/04/2020)

Man in police custody for raping woman inside moving truck: Police say the driver was released after the woman vouched his innocence, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 15/04/2020)

VAW in lockdown: More than 104 cases in two weeks, by Sabina Karki (kh 15/04/2020)

With parliament out of session, role of civil society crucial to hold government to account, say observers: Despite the fact that civil society has largely been coopted by the parties, their role is necessary to act as an effective check on the government’s excesses, they say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 14/04/2020)

Woman dies trying to protect son from police thrashing (ht 14/04/2020), Woman dies in stampede following clash between police and locals in Saptari: The incident occurred as security personnel were taking action against the locals who had gathered in the market place, by Bharat Jarghamagar and Abdhesh Kumar Jha (kp 14/04/2020)

Lockdown an additional burden for daily wage-earning women in Banke: Women travel every day to the jungles to collect firewood for a lack of cooking gas at home, by Madhu Shahi (kp 14/04/2020)

After spending Rs 700 million to identify the poor, Nepal still doesn't have their database: Experts say there is a complete lack of a system to identify the poor and the needy ones, by Shree Ram Subedi (rep 12/04/2020)

In the wake of lockdowns and supply chain disruptions, a potential food crisis looms: Since Nepal relies almost entirely on imports of chemical fertilisers, any disruption to the supply chain could quickly escalate into a food crisis, say experts, by Sangam Prasain (kp 11/04/2020), Farmers are selling their produce for a pittance even as customers are paying exorbitant prices: The lockdown has meant that farmers are unable to travel to Kathmandu to sell their produce, relying instead on middlemen who are maximising profits, by Aditi Aryal (kp 11/04/2020)

People with disabilities who depend on daily income suffer due to nationwide lockdown: They don’t get relief from municipalities because they don’t have local IDs, by Anup Ojha (kp 11/04/2020)

Faced with a lack of cash and employment opportunity, Kalikot locals who returned from India brace for an uncertain future: The local units do not have a concrete plan yet on how to tackle the mass unemployment that the crisis has wrought, by Tularam Pandey (kp 10/04/2020)

Relief packages elude the poorest of the poor: Most lack documents needed to cl, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 10/04/2020)

Grow your own: When it comes to staples, Nepal needs to get back to its roots (kp 09/04/2020), Food during the coronavirus crisis: Governments are responding to the health emergency as they rightly should, but ensuring food supply is equally vital, by Arun GC (kp 09/04/2020)

Food crisis hits haliya families hard in Bajura, by Prakash Singh (ht 09/04/2020)

Protracted lockdown hits squatter families hard: Families of daily wage earners in Biratnagar and Dhading stare at trouble as local governments fail to distribute relief, by Deonarayan Sah and Harihar Singh Rathour (kp 08/04/2020)

‘Keep rights at centre during emergency measures’ (ht 08/04/2020)

Journos not allowed to collect coronavirus news (ht 08/04/2020)

Silent at the top: During times of crisis, clear information from the government is reassuring—especially from the very top. (kp 07/04/2020) [Oli and his colleagues have no idea of the people's right and the government's duty to information!]

Ensure every person’s right to health: NHRC (ht 06/04/2020)

Give priority to needy people in relief distribution: MoFAGA (ht 06/04/2020)

Winter crops lie unharvested in the fields as the lockdown forces farmers indoors: There are many who say that farmers should be allowed to work in the fields, as there is little danger of contracting Covid-19 while working five or six feet apart, by Sangam Prasain (kp 06/04/2020) [Is there a need for other evidence of the government's high level of incompetence? The people have a right to food!]

Coronavirus testing hospitals in Province 1 shirk their responsibility: Patients with flu-like symptoms are being referred to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences without tests, doctors at Dharan-based hospital say, by Pradeep Menyangbo (kp 05/04/2020), Gandaki government orders hospitals to treat patients, or face action: The directive comes three days after the Supreme Court ordered the centre to make arrangements to treat Covid-19 patients, by Lal Prasad Sharma (kp 05/04/2020)

Quake-displaced people reeling under food crisis (ht 05/04/2020)) [All governments since 2015 share responsibility for this continued situation!]

The perilous journey of five Jumla natives from Ambedkarnagar to Surkhet: The government could have facilitated their travel from Rupaidiha but they were left completely neglected, say the returnees, by Kalendra Sejuwal (kp 04/04/2020)

Migrant workers must not be left behind: Migrant workers have contributed to keeping the economy afloat. Now it's time for the government to do its part, by Babu Ram Pant (kp 04/04/2020)

Detainees languish in police custody amid closure of court (ht 04/04/2020)

Migrant workers must not be left behind: Migrant workers have contributed to keeping the economy afloat. Now it's time for the government to do its part, by Babu Ram Pant (kp 03/04/2020)

Here is why PM's IT consultant Asgar Ali has been a controversial figure (rep 02/04/2020), Kathmandu Press accuses its site developer of removing a news article without consent: The article had alleged the involvement of the sons of the Defence Minister and the prime minister’s chief advisor, along with Oli’s IT consultant, in procuring medical equipment from China (kp 02/04/2020), Editors jointly condemn unauthorised removal of published content (ht 03/04/2020), Editors demand probe into news removal by PM's aides (rep 03/04/2020), PM's Press Adviser Thapa Refutes FNJ Statement Over Removal Of News Content (rn 03/04/2020), Panic spikes as PM's IT guru Ali has access to people's private data, by Sunil Sapkota (rep 04/04/2020)

Red flag placed on housetops to identify people coming from abroad in Dolakha (ht 02/04/2020) [One must not discriminate against anyone just because he/she has been abroad. The virus can be carried by anyone!], Foreign returnees facing humiliation (ht 02/04/2020)

Destigmatizing corona patients: There has always been a close relation between disease and discrimination, which leads to stigmatization. We should not allow this to happen in Nepal, by Rakshya Ojha (rep 02/04/2020)

Over 1,000 laborers stranded at border: Far west at high risk of COVID-19 outbreak; One laborer dies; Over 100,000 returnees from India not in self-quarantine, neither is their health condition tested, by Dil Bahadur Chhatyal and Bira Gadal (rep 02/04/2020)), More than 8,000 foreign-returnees enter Karnali (kh 02/04/2020), Concern raised over Nepalis stranded on border (ht 03/04/2020),
Temporary quarantine facility built on no man’s land to keep more than a hundred Nepalis caught at Indo-Nepal border in Nepalgunj: Around two dozen Nepalis stuck in Valmiki Nagar in Bihar complain of authorities’ apathy towards them, by Rupa Gahatraj and Narayan Sharma (kp 03/04/2020)

SC writ sought to bring Nepalis stranded in Dharchula (rep 02/04/2020)

Support working families to reduce impact of COVID-19: UN agencies to govt (rep 02/04/2020)

Patients with fever being turned away due to COVID fear, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht 02/04/2020), Private health facilities refusing service to face music (ht 02/04/2020), A 52-year-old woman dies after seeking treatment at four different hospitals in a day: Two hospitals in Biratnagar refused to treat the patient who was suffering from high fever on suspicions of being a Covid-19 case, victim’s daughter says, by Deo Narayan Sah (kp 02/04/2020)

Here is why PM's IT consultant Asgar Ali has been a controversial figure (rep 02/04/2020)

Govt scraps contract with Omni Group: Didn’t receive medical equipment in time; COVID testing kits don’t meet standards set by the World Health Organisation; Govt flayed for ordering kits that are known for showing false negative results (ht 02/04/2020), Health Ministry cancels tender to purchase medical equipment from China over controversy: Controversy had erupted over the government's decision to purchase medical equipment from China despite high costs and concerns over standards, by Arjun Poudel (kp 02/04/2020), Making money off misery: The government must be wrong to believe that citizens can't hold it to account while in quarantine (kp 02/04/2020)

Rise in GBV, sexual abuse cases feared (ht 01/04/2020)

Fear and loathing: Stigma and ostracisation for those who’ve returned from abroad: There are increasing reports of returnees, and actual Covid-19 patients, being ostracised and stigmatised by their communities, by Elisha Shrestha (kp 01/04/2020)

House owner arrested after he forces nurse to evacuate, by Devendra Banet (rep 01/04/2020)

Wage Earners’ Distress During Lockdown, by Arju Dahal (rn 01/04/2020)

Supreme Court orders government to ensure vulnerable people’s right to food: The court asks government authorities to apprise it of what they are doing for food security, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 31/03/2020), Hunger looms as the economy stops: The government needs to act to neutralise the threats to food and nutrition security from the lockdown, by Shobha Poudel (kp 31/03/2020)

Nepalis are swimming across the Mahakali to get home: Around 500 Nepali migrant workers are currently stuck at the border with India in Darchula because of the ongoing lockdown, and they're desperate to get back., by Manoj Badu (kp 31/03/2020) [Health precautions must be taken, but Nepalese citizens have the right to enter their own country even in times of Corona! This is tantamount to temporary expatriation!], Around 400 Nepalis stranded at Sunauli border point stage a sit-in: The Nepalis reached Sunauli border point from various parts of India three days ago and are waiting to be allowed in, by Madhav Dhungana (kp 31/03/2020), Nepal, India to care for each other's nationals headed homeward: Won't allow cross-border movement until lockdown is over, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep 01/04/2020) [??]

Migrants’ rights groups call on government to repatriate and protect the workers stranded overseas: They have also urged the government to introduce a relief package to support the families of migrant workers affected by the pandemic, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 31/03/2020)

Man accused of raping minor arrested (ht 31/03/2020)

More than 2,000 lockdown violators punished (ht 31/03/2020), [The police have no right to punish anybody! This would be a task of the judiciary! It's time for the police to under stand their limits!]

Private hospitals not taking fever patients, forcing people to seek treatment at state-run health facilities: The government is considering seeking clarification from the hospitals turning down patients, Health Ministry spokesperson says, by Arjun Poudel (kp 31/03/2020), Attending corona patients a must for private hospitals: SC (ht 01/04/2020)

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)