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 Issues of the periodical of this earlier organisation that had been published under the name Nepal Forum have been archived on this website.

A year of social movements : Compared to 2020, this year saw a rise in public discourses around pertinent social issues of caste, impunity, and safe spaces, by Ankit Khadgi (kp 31/12/2021)

Stop Downplaying Street Harassment, by Ameesha Rayamajhi (rep 31/12/2021)

RPP Chair Lingden and Bibeksheel Sajha Chairman Mishra discuss party unity (kh 31/12/2021) [Similarly minded parties, but this spells the final end of the Bibeksheel Sajha Party. Rabindra Mishra's alternativity means a return to the non-inclusive Hindu monarchy that more than 17,000 people sacrificed their lives to abolish! Whether Hindu state or secularism is not a question of religion. More than 40 per cent of the people are not Hindus from a social point of view. Hindu women and Dalits are also extremely discriminated against. Unfortunately, even the major parties have not come close to delivering what they promised in 2006. Therefore, Nepal has remained a state of high-caste Hindu men under a supposedly inclusive and secular republic.]

Chure degradation continues amid catastrophic projections : Even when there is visible environmental degradation, the local government has focused on promoting the Chure area as a tourism spot, putting the ecology of the region at risk, by Dilliram Khatiwada (kp 31/12/2021)

Nepal has over 4.4 million informal workers, majority of them underpaid and excluded from social protection: Report. Nepal has seen reforms in labor and social security acts but these reforms have made little to no impact on the lives of informal sector workers, the report says, by Prasun Sangroula (nlt 30/12/2021)

Anti-Chhaupadi campaign in Achham losing steam : Neither the police administration nor the local units and local people are showing interest in effectively implementing the campaign, women say, by Menuka Dhungana (kp 29/12/2021)

Woman gang-raped in New Bus Park; eight arrested (kh 29/12/2021), New bus park gangrape case: Nine accused arrested (rep 30/12/2021)

Educate about RTI : Not many would know that RTI covers not just government agencies but also political parties and NGOs funded by foreign agencies (ht 29/12/2021)

Poverty keeps children in Mugu out of school : Around 60 percent of children in Sayakhola, Kotilla and Mundu of Chhayanathrara Municipality are out of the school system, by Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp 27/12/2021)

Govt urged to ratify UN convention on statelessness (ht 27/12/2021)

Who is nurturing violence in Nepal’s public campuses? Acts of violence against teachers in Nepal’s public campuses continue unabated despite student unions’ assurances to control them, by Prasun Sangroula (nlt 27/12/2021)

Juvenile justice in shoddy state (ht 26/12/2021), Juvenile justice : The overcrowded correction homes pose a problem at a time physical distancing is necessary to keep the coronavirus at bay (ht 27/12/2021)

Truth Commission wraps up 29 war-era cases of atrocities, victims unhappy : Commission says it has prioritised complaints that don’t need prosecution, by Binod Ghimire (kp 25/12/2021)

Banke Prison Over-Crowded, by Siraj Khan (rn 25/12/2021)

Authorities sit on probe report as Banke activists’ sit-in nears month : One of the accused, former Constituent Assembly member Badshah Kurmi is contesting for Banke district president of the ruling Nepali Congress, by Binod Ghimire (kp 24/12/2021) [Politics and crime continue to be close and politics likes to prevent necessary legal investigations. Persons accused of crimes should not hold public office until a legal clarification has been made! This also applies, by the way, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well!]

All kinds of discriminations against women will be ended: Minister Regmi (rep 24/12/2021) [For this, the constitution would first have to be amended!]

Imezzlement by employees at Hulak Bachat Bank has snatched vulnerable groups of their savings, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 23/12/2021)

No political party for Nepalis with disabilities, by Pratik Ghimire (ae 29/12/2021)

Chandre Kami found after a week rep 22/12/2021)

Qatar announces reforms in labor laws, Nepali workers expected to benefit : Qatar is among the major destination countries for Nepalis to go for employment. Around 4,00,000 Nepalis are estimated to be working in Qatar in various sectors (nlt 22/12/2021), Nepali lying in jail for 4 yrs for failure to p/ay 2.5 million as compensation, by Yogendra Yogi (kh 23/12/2021)

Police arrest priests, witch doctor on charge of ill-treating woman (kh 2/2/12/2021)

Exploitation and harassment await young people joining the workforce, by Aishwarya Baidar (rec 21/12/2021)

Stakeholders urge govt to ratify ILO Convention 190 (ht 21/12/2021)

Pandemic worsens disparities in young children’s development and learning in Nepal: UNICEF. “The pandemic has especially affected the health, learning and psychosocial well-being of the children” (nlt 20/12/2021) [see press release by UNIC EF as well as Child and Family Tracker (presentation)], Pandemic worsens disparities in children’s development and learning : According to a UNICEF survey, the early childhood development of one out of five children between the ages of 2 and 4 years in Nepal is not on track amidst the Covid-19 pandemic (kp 21/12/2021)

Cases of sexual abuse of women go unreported in Banke : The cases of sexual abuse are weak and the accused are usually let free because the victims withdraw their complaints on their own accord or under pressure from family, police say, by Madhu Shahi (kp 20/12/2021)

Musahars on the margins : The Musahar community has long been marginalized and discriminated against, but the Covid-19 pandemic only made things worse, by Rakesh Prasad Chaudhary (rec 19/12/2021)

Food adulteration offences rise even during lockdown : As long as consumers consider food adulteration a minor problem and the government plays down its impact, such offences will keep growing, rights activists say, by Krishana Prasain (kp 19/12/2021)

Sexual harassment case settled secretly (rep 19/12/2021) [Such serious crimes must not be settled, they have to be punished very severely, if these men should prove to be guilty!]

NHRC takes stock of situation of freed haliyas in Bajura (ht 19/12/2021)

Nepal retains its position in Seventh Annual Human Freedom Index (ht 18/12/2021) [see full report by Fraser Institute, Nepal tabels on pp. 267-268]

Campaign launched to reduce violence against women (kh 18/12/2021)

Sindhuli Quake Victims Not Getting Govt Grant, by Baburam Devkota (rn 18/12/2021)

Durga Ghimire: The pioneering savior of trafficked girls : Ghimire, the activist working to rescue and rehabilitate trafficked girls in Nepal since 1990, opens up about her struggles, by Anushka Nepal (nlt 18/12/2021)

Four years on, government keeps Lal Commission report secret : Governments have defied calls, including a court order, to make the report public, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/12/2021)

Forgotten commitment by political parties : The law says that there should be at least one-third women at party committees at all levels, by Ila Sharma (kp 17/12/2021) [The machos at the top of the parties will never change without drastic punishments. Exclusion of the parties concerned at the next elections would be a guaranteed effective remedy! CPN-UML and NC would definitely be candidates!]

32 percent children in Nepal chronically malnourished: Report (kh 17/12/2021), 32 per cent children in Nepal chronically malnourished' (ht 18/12/2021)

Agriculture Bonded Labour conference concludes (ht 17/12/2021)

Nepal struggling to deal with new refugees : Nepal has been treating 716 nationals from 10 countries as illegal migrants. Even though the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) lists them as refugees, the country does not recognize refugees from anywhere bar Tibet and Bhutan, by Shambhu Kattel (ae 16/12/2021)

Senior citizens’ ordeal to get social security allowance : Government might recall allowances deposited into bank accounts if they don’t present themselves. For some of the senior citizens, it takes up to two days to reach the bank from their homes, by Gopal Sharma (ae 16/12/2021)

Call to end political dominance in universities (ht 16/12/2021), End party meddling : Institutes of higher education or even schools cannot be a playing ground for the political parties any longer (ht 17/12/2021)

Global alliance to wait for court decision before deciding on rights watchdog’s status : National Human Rights Commission could lose ‘A’ status if appointments made in it through ordinance are found unconstitutional, by Binod Ghimire (kp 16/12/2021)

Partial human development : For a number of reasons, certain groups do better than others but we are not being told by how much, by Deepak Thapa (kp 16/12/2021)

The long arm of the law : The victims have found a new ray of hope with the courts stepping in to solve insurgency-era crimes (kp 15/12/2021)

Menstrual health is everybody’s business Menstrual education in Nepal is woefully inadequate and, at times, actively harmful, posing risks to health while reinforcing existing stereotypes and stigmas, by Nishi Rungta (rec 14/12/2021)

Educational exclusion riles disabled persons, NFDN demands correction (kh 14/12/2021)

Whither Transitional Justice?, by Uttam Maharjan (rn 14/12/2021)

Incidents of domestic violence go unchecked in Achham : As many as 86 cases of domestic violence were reported at the District Police Office in the past 20 months, by Menuka Dhungana (kp 14/12/2021)

Climate change : How it impacts women more, by Jocelyn Timperley (ht 13/12/2021)

165 persons from Sudurpaschim go missing in India (kh 13/12/2021)

Journalists misbehaved at NC General Convention; photojournalists put down cameras (kh 13/12/2021)

Ensure Digital Human Rights, by Narayan Prasad Ghimire (rn 13/12/2021)

28 women and girls fall victim to domestic violence during 16 days of violence against women campaign (rep 12/12/2021)

NHRC laments non-cooperation of government (ht 12/12/2021)

RTI In Nepal, by Aashish Mishra (rn 11/12/2021)

16-day campaign against gender violence limited to Achham district headquarters : The women leaders and activists take up all the space and in doing so exclude real victims from conversations about gender violence, local women say, by Menuka Dhungana (kp 11/12/2021)

Menstrual exclusion practices continue even in modern educated families : The caste and gender hierarchies are designed to control women’s sexuality by regulating their menstruation, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp 10/12/2021)

For the women, by the women : On the occasion of '16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence', four women across Nepal, who have been relentlessly fighting to end gender violence, share their experiences, by Pinki Sris Rana (kp 10/12/2021)

Nepal should deliver on social justice promptly, UN Special Rapporteur says : Olivier De Schutter says poverty reduction must be part of the country’s transition strategy to an emerging economy (kp 10/12/2021), 'Nepal must deliver on promise of social justice' (ht 10/12/2021)

Human rights still a far cry for many (ht 10/12/2021)

UNICEF calls for urgent action to help children facing disproportionate impact of COVID-19 (rep 10/12/2021)

Conflict Victims Will Get Justice: PM Deuba (rn 10/12/2021) [And when will this happen? When all the perpetrators and the victims and their relatives have died?]

The Religious Shock Doctrine and Cultural Genocide, by Bimal Rawal (rep 10/12/2021)

Media As Human Rights Watchdog, by Kundan Aryal (rn 10/12/2021)

The Nepali state in the Himalaya : The food shortage in Limi Valley has highlighted Nepal’s weak state presence in the Himalayan borderlands, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 10/12/2021)

Sexagenarian man held for raping minor girl (kh 10/12/2021)

Last year’s flood victims from Dhorpatan still await relief : Several government officials had reached the flood- and landslide-hit areas and announced relief packages but none of the promised funds has come through, by Prakash Baral (kp 10/12/2021)

High courts intervene after police refuse to register conflict-era disappearance complaints : The Penal Code introduced three years ago lists enforced disappearance as a criminal offence, by Binod Ghimire (kp 09/12/2021)

Law undergraduates stage a remarkable street drama for a cause : “Falamko Tilahari,” a street drama put together by students from Kathmandu School of Law in Basantapur, highlighted the gravity of GBV in Nepal and ended with hope, by Prasun Sangroula (nlt 09/12/2021)

SC orders to mention perpetrator’s in conflict victim’s identity card (kh 09/12/2021)

Farmers yet to receive relief for destroyed paddy (ht 09/12/2021), Compensate on time : The farmers should be compensated quickly so that they have some money for the next plantation season (ht 09/12/2021)

Indian court orders authorities to compensate Durga Prasad of Ilam who spent 40 years in West Bengal jails despite being innocent, by Bhim Chapagain (rep 09/12/2021)

How menstrual stigma intersects with violence against women : Confining women and young girls to small sheds for three or more days and keeping surveillance on their daily mobility is a form of violence against women, by Jyotika Rimal (nlt 08/12/2021)

Dalits living in rented homes hesitant to reveal caste during census : Enumerators say they found many families who were not keen to disclose their last names fearing eviction, by Prakriti Dahal (kp 08/12/2021)

Dhanusha attorney office says no need to probe Musahar’s custodial death : District attorney’s office claims Musahar committed suicide. Family members say he was tortured to death, by Binod Ghimire (kp 08/12/2021)

Acute shortage of essential medicines at government health centres in Mugu : The district is in dire need of medicines since the number of patients suffering from fever, typhoid, asthma, common cold, diarrhoea and vomiting is on the rise with the onset of winter, by Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp 06/12/2021), Amid the pandemic : The absence of essential medicines for almost two months is nothing short of maleficence (kp 07/12/2021) [The Deuba government exists only on paper. The fulfilment of tasks and duties must wait. Power struggles and party conventions have absolute priority!]

A death foretold : Nakunni Dhobi and the 20-day march to Kathmandu: How many women have returned to private cages of violence, never to reach out again?, by Reshma Thapa (rec 06/12/2021)

Online harassment rife but largely ignored as system fails to recognise it : Nepal Police has a bureau to deal with the cases, but a lack of sensitisation among officials is leading to victimisation, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp 06/12/2021)

‘Every child deserves to be raised in a safe and loving environment’  : ECEC Nepal conducts a network meeting to discuss child development and parenting in Nepal (kp 06/12/2021)

SP Chair Yadav advocates for change in socio-political system for Dalit liberation (kh 06/12/2021)

Nepal preparing to issue identification cards to refugees living in the country : Plan for now is to provide them to refugees from Bhutan, with no discussions yet on doing so for Tibetan refugees, by Anil Giri (kp 04/12/2021)

‘Women Violence - From Womb To Tomb’ On Display (rn 04/12/2021)

Vow against VAW : As Nepal marks 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, Ruby Khan makes an impassioned plea for justice from her sit-in near Singha Darbar, by Ruby Khan (nt 03/12/2021)

What ails construction projects in Nepal? Taxpayers have every right to expect roads and bridges that do not get washed away with the first rain, by Rudra Sharma Aryal (kp 03/12/2021)

Naikes running Gaur Prison : Security guards and naikes are tormenting inmates at Gaur Prison (ht 03/12/2021)

What constitutes sexual harassment at the workplace? An explainer on what sexual harassment is, the legal frameworks that aim to prevent and eliminate it, and what else can be done, by Prakritee Yonzon (rec 02/12/2021)

Govt bans entry of travelers from nine countries, including South Africa, in view of omicron variant (kh 02/12/2021)

16 days of activism against gender-based violence, by Sonika Lamichhane (kh 02/12/2021)

Ensure Right To Health, by Prakriti Nepal (rn 02/12/2021)

UN special envoy in Kathmandu to study food crisis (kh 02/12/2021)

Food scientist Prakash Adhikari: “Nepal’s food quality mechanism is limited to papers” (interview) (nlt 02/12/2021)

Mindset Change A Must To Curb VAW, by Namrata Sharma (rn 01/12/2021)

Chepang Children In Dhanding In Need Of Warm Clothes (rn 01/12/2021)

Shuklaphanta National Park Displaced Ones Await For Justice For Nearly Two Decades, by Sher Bahadur Singh (rn 01/12/2021), 2,473 displaced families waiting for relocation for decades (ht 02/12/2021)

Locals in Rudhi village facing acute food crisis for eight years (ht 30/11/2021)

Custodial deaths probe : Independent mechanism sought, by Ram Kumar Mamat (ht 28/11/2021)

Banke activists resume sit-in in Capital alleging government dishonesty : Protesters led by Ruby Khan demand immediate arrest of ex-CA member Badshah Kurmi over a woman’s disappearance and release of probe report, by Binod Ghimire (kp 27/11/2021)

Nepal has yet to legalize same sex marriage, leaving couples disoriented : Queer rights activists have been fighting for legalization of same sex marriage for the past 14 years but there is still no sign of response from the state, by Anushka Nepal (nlt 26/11/2021)

Fighting Digital Disinformation, by Kundan Aryal (rn 26/11/2021)

Toothless Commissions : Former enemies are now in the same governing coalition, neither want to rake up war crimes (nt 26/11/2021)

Eradicate Caste-Based Crimes, by Shreya Joshi and Rakshya Singh (rn 25/11/2021)

Independence of umbrella organization of Nepali journalists comes under scrutiny : The FNJ is supposed to be an organization that promotes freedom of expression, journalists’ rights, and independence. But its incumbent officials are vying for public positions in major political parties, by Prasun Sangroula (nlt 25/11/2021)

Rights groups denounce Nepal Speaker’s participation in IPU assembly : They have demanded that the International Parliamentary Union cancel the invitation to Agni Sapkota (kp 25/11/2021), Can Sapkota be investigated in Spain under principles of universal jurisdiction? Nepali rights groups demand Spain probe Sapkota over an insurgency-era abduction, killing, by Binod Ghimire (kp 26/11/2021)

Population Census 2021 : Data Vs Reliability, by Nir Bahadur Karki (rep 25/11/2021)

Season 2 of ‘Jaat Ko Prashna’ highlights the ills of the caste system : At the heart of the recently released show are the voices of those impacted by caste-based discrimination and violence, by Pinki Sris Rana (kp 24/11/2021)

Transitional justice bodies spar over who should look into which cases : Truth commission and disappearance commission say they have received many complaints that they cannot investigate given their nature, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/11/2021)

Food depots in Mugu district empty as contractors delay supply of subsidised rice : District residents have to pay higher prices to buy the grain from local markets, by Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp 23/11/2021), First duty of the state : The government must ensure judicious use of resources to maximise its social welfare output (kp 24/11/2021)

Ad hocism in healthcare : The prerogative of providing health care as a service rests heavily on the government (kp 23/11/2021)

Amnesty International Nepal calls for urgent and concerted action to prevent custodial deaths : The human rights organisation raises concerns about the increasing number of custodial deaths despite earlier calls to the Nepal government for responsibility and accountability of the lives of detainees (kp 23/11/2021) [see AI appeal in Nepali], End deaths in police custody, says Amnesty International (ht 24/11/2021)

Fractured peace : The so-called representatives of the working class are the new elites of Nepal (kp 22/11/2021) [And this elite continues to be recruited from the same social strata. Under the monarchy, male Chhetris were in the majority. With the "democratisation" of 1990, male Bahuns took over this role. The Maoist uprising, Jana Andolan II and the new constitution have not changed this, as this traditional elite has deceived the people about adequate social inclusion until today!]

Let The Subaltern Speak, by Tulasi Acharya (rn 22/11/2021)

“15 years since CPA, Nepal’s pledges to TJ remain unmet” (kh 21/11/2021), Conflict victims losing patience—and lives—in wait for justice : In 15 years since the peace accord was signed, political parties have failed even to assure insurgency victims that they’ll be delivered due justice, by Binod Ghimire (kp 21/11/2021), Where is peace without justice? Successive governments and the major political parties have failed to prioritise justice to the victims, by Suman Adhikari (kp 21/11/2021), Transitional justice has failed former child soldiers : They deserve special support from the government to genuinely complete Nepal’s peace process, by Kul Chandra Gautam (kp 21/11/2021), Nepali peace process as a global model : One reason why it has become successful is that it adopted a home-grown approach to end conflict, by Pushpa Kamal Dahal (kp 21/11/2021) [Statement by one of the main perpetrators of the numerous unpunished victims of the conflict and of the denial of justice!], Int'l bodies urge Nepal to act on peace pact (ht), Nepal: 15 Years On, Act on Peace Agreement Pledges, joint statement by AIHRW, ICJ and TRIAL International (20/11/2021),
National Human Rights Commission demands end to impunity through justice delivery . Several victim associations and human rights groups seek immediate and urgent steps from the authorities towards reviving the transitional justice process (kp 21/11/2021)

Malnutrition a cause for concern in Province 2 : Malnutrition is a serious health challenge in the province mainly due to a lack of awareness among guardians regarding nourishing food for children, by Shankar Acharya (kp 21/11/2021)

October disaster victims in Bajhang deprived of relief : People complain of discrepancies in beneficiary list prepared by District Administration Office as fake victims lay claim to government grants, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 20/11/2021)

Police use force to disperse agitating lawyers in SC (kh 18/11/2021), At least seven including Nepal Bar chair injured in a scuffle with police : Clash occurred when security personnel tried to stop protesting lawyers from moving towards the gate chief justice has been using to enter office (kp 18/11/2021), NHRC urges govt to stop use of force on agitating legal practitioners (kh 18/11/2021) [The Deuba government is behaving much like the previous one of the authoritarian anti-democrat Oli. And the police still do not respect the fundamental rights of the people!], Nine lawyers hurt in police action, by Ram Kumar kamat (ht 19/11/2021)

Government indecision delays scrapping of anti-poverty body : Staffers of Poverty Alleviation Fund remain unpaid for four months, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 18/11/2021)

Teenage elopement widespread in Kalikot : As many as 169 incidents of child marriage were reported in Tilgupha Municipality and Shubhakalika Rural Municipality last year, by Tularam Pandey (kp 18/11/2021)

Entertainment as decent work: Give it recognition, dignity, by Aarzoo Parajuli (ht 18/11/2021)

Lawmakers urged to pass new citizenship bill (ht 16/11/2021), Citizenship issue : Inability to solve the citizenship issue is only adding more and more people to the number of stateless persons year after year (ht 17/11/2021)

Main census questionnaire does not recognise queer people : The gender category ‘others’ in Form 1 of the census has been removed in Form 2 of the census, much to the dismay of activists, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp 16/11/2021)

Women’s Attraction To Judiciary Rising, by Kalika Khadka (rn 16/11/2021)

Charimaya Tamang: ‘Who will wipe out the tears of trafficking survivors if I start crying myself?’ From survivor to savior: Charimaya Tamang continues to turn around the lives of trafficking survivors in Nepal, by Anushka Nepal (nlt 15/11/2021)

The scars of corporal punishment : School teachers inflicting physical and psychological abuse on students is rampant in Nepal, reflecting the sorry state of education in the country, by Swikriti Kattel (rec 14/11/2021)

Nepal records 295 cases, 478 recoveries and two deaths on Saturday (ep 13/11/2021), Nepal reports 260 new Covid-19 cases, two deaths : According to the Health Ministry, the countrywide death toll has now reached 11,471 and the number of active cases stands at 7,278 (kp 13/11/2021)

Delay in compensation makes farmers worry (kh 13/11/2021)

Language policing and what we overlook : In a country that prides itself on its diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and a wide array of vernaculars, the discourse surrounding language gets particularly inflammatory, by Pasang Dorjee (kp 13/11/2021)

Teenager raped in Lahan, accused on the run (rep 13/11/2021

PMIS implemented in prisons across the country (ht 13/11/2021)

Lumbini government unveils strategy to end child marriage (ht 13/11/2021)

How the climate crisis adds to child marriage in Nepal : As harvests fail due to drought and floods, girls from marginalised families are forced to marry earlier to escape poverty, by Sonam Lama (nt 12/11/2021)

Public Interest Litigation or Private Interest Litigation?, by Hrithik Yadav (kh 12/11/2021)

October floods and landslides disrupt water supply in Bajhang : Around 20,000 families are left without safe drinking water, which could lead to outbreak of diseases, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 12/11/2021)

Report finds child labor rife among informal, small businesses : New campaign calls for governments and international agencies to focus on tackling the worst forms of child labor found in thousands of small, informal businesses (nlt 11/11/2021)

Landslide-hit Miklajung village faces food shortage : Despite promises from the federal and the provincial governments, no help has reached the disaster-hit areas in the last three weeks, by Laxmi Gautam (kp 11/11/2021)

Coming to one’s census : There is a reason why the number of caste/ethnic groups went up from 60 in 1991 to 125 in 2011, by Deepak Thapa (kp 11/11/2021)

Rights activists urge Parliament to pass citizenship bill (ht 11/11/2021)

Govt urged to ratify Violence and Harassment Convention (190) (ht 10/11/2021)

Seven-year-old girl killed in Surkhet (kh 09/11/2021), Seven-year-old girl found dead with her throat slit (rep 09/11/2021)

Three accused of gang rape arrested (kh 09/11/2021)

Woman beaten to death by her husband (rep 07/11/2021)

Panchthar residents affected without repair of facilities damaged in landslides, flooding (kh 07/11/2021)

Conflict victims condemn govt for failing to amend act (ht 04/11/2021)

Media Action Nepal calls on government to end impunity for crimes against journalists (ht 03/11/2021)

Govt committed to press freedom: Gandaki Province CM Pokharel (rep 01/11/2021)

Authorities indifferent to poor state of Karnali road : 136 people have been killed and 300 others maimed, injured in several accidents since the highway came into operation in 2007, by Krishna Prtasad Gautam (kp 31/10/2021)

Writ filed at Supreme Court demanding order to justices to resume hearings : Petitioners say halt to habeas corpus writs hits fundamental right of the people in detention (kp 29/10/2021)

Ex-Maoist Combatants organization submits memorandum to acting PM Khand (kh 29/10/2021)

If it pleases the court : The judiciary, which is the last refuge of the people, cannot remain in the eye of a storm for too long (kp 29/10/2021)

Woman beaten on charges of witchcraft, by Binod Subedi (rep 29/10/2021)

Women and water : Water scarcity and gender inequity predate the climate emergency but global warming has added to the burden of Nepali women (nt 29/10/2021)

Misogyny in Nepal: Little acts, big consequences, by Cilla Khatry (ae 28/10/2021)

Justice seekers hit by judicial deadlock : Hearings of over 700 cases affected in the last three days as justices boycott bench in protest against Chief Justice Rana, by Binod Ghimire (kp 28/10/2021)

“We will not stop”: Nepalgunj protestors’ long march to justice and the road ahead, by Anushka Nepal (nlt 28/10/2021)

Nepalis pay more for internet than other South Asians, report says : A Nepali spends 2.6 percent of their gross annual income on internet while it costs less than one percent in India and Pakistan, by Krishana Prasain (kp 28/10/2021) [Nowadays, affordable internet access is one of the basic rights of the people in Nepal and must be guaranteed by the state!]

Regulate border : The refugees will keep coming as there is a racket involved in transporting these people to different countries for money (ht 28/10/2021) [Why is Nepal still not a signatory of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol?]

Govt approves Online Child Protection Procedure (ht 27/10/2021)

Rohingya refugees who once saw Nepal as 'promised land' now stare at uncertain future, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 27/10/2021)

Bajura woman struggling for life (ht 27/10/2021)

Non-Nepali children of Nepali parents demand rights (ht 26/10/2021)

What happens when you formulate laws but do not implement them? In Nepal, we have scores of laws which have never been implemented. This has had a deleterious effect in good governance and rule of law, by Jivesh Jha (nlt 26/10/2021)

Women take pills to delay periods. But many are not aware of the side effects : The deeply ingrained notions of ‘impurity’ around menstruation are forcing women  to pop pills so that they are socially acceptable during festivals and rituals, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp 26/10/2021) [A consequence of the discriminatory attitude of the medieval patriarchal society of Nepal!]

Sick One Denied Plane Ticket To Reach Better Health Facility (rn 26/10/2021), Sick one denied plane ticket to reach better health facility (kh 26/10/2021)

What led to the violence in Motipur that left four people dead? The clash between squatters and police on October 10 was the culmination of years of back-and-forth between the two sides but also at hand are wider issues of development and displacement, by Abha Lal (rec 25/10/2021)

Dalit representatives complain of social discrimination : Ensuring Dalit rights as fundamental rights is not enough unless they get implemented, Dalit leaders say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 25/10/2021)

Police arrest eight youths involved in gang-raping three young women, by Anil Bhandari (rep 25/10/2021)

Grant contract signed for reconstruction of houses after one year (kh 25/10/2021)

11 Afghan nationals arrested from a hotel in Kathmandu (kh 25/10/2021) [??]

Police launch crackdown on roadside vending at Thamel : Authorities claim roadside vendors were involved in illegal activities and blocking the road. Meanwhile, vendors who live hand-to-mouth fear for their livelihoods, by Anup Ojha (kp 24/10/2021)

Protest held denouncing killing of Bharatpur’s Bhim Bahadur BK (kh 23/10/2021)

NHRC starts monitoring disaster-hit areas (ht 22/10/2021)

Drinking water office chief mistreated by Janmat Party cadres (rep 21/10/2021)

In Mahottari, two women are abused physically on witchcraft charges, one of them murdered : In a span of two days, two women in Mahottari were accused and physically abused for ‘practicing witchcraft’. One of them was killed, the other rendered emotionally traumatized, by Anushka Nepal (nlt 20/10/2021)

Banke protesters postpone sit-in after  government announces probe panel : Rights activist Mohna Ansari says the composition of the panel has made her hopeful, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 20/10/2021)

Despite laws in place, justice still out of reach for Dalits in Nepal : As discrimination and deaths continue, experts say law needs amendment to lift the burden of proof off victims, by Parbat Portel (kp 19/10/2021)

Police slammed for using excessive force on protesters (ht 19/10/2021) [see report by HRW: Nepal: Police Allegedly Use Excessive Force on Protesters, Target Activists : Killings Linked to Land Rights Expose Lawlessness, Impunity]

Four held for force-feeding human excreta to woman (ht 19/10/2021)

Nepal drops two notches in rule of law : Ranks 70th among 139 countries and jurisdictions. Nepal’s overall rule of law score decreased 1.1 per cent in the World Justice Project Index-2021, which evaluates rule of law in 139 countries and jurisdictions (ht 18/10/2021) [see WJP Rule of Law Indey Nepal], Poor rule of law : The political parties, bureaucracy and law enforcement agencies are to blame for the poor rule of law and bad governance (ht 19/10/2021)

In Bharatpur, a Dalit man gets brutally assaulted and killed for reportedly arguing for Dalits’ right to enter a temple : While Nepal Police say an investigation into the incident is ongoing, many locals, witnesses and rights activists have said that caste-based discrimination was what led to the incident, by Anushka Nepal (nlt 18/10/2021)

Government is ignoring Nepalgunj protesters’ demands, activists sayProtest leader Ruby Khan, who is on a hunger strike, was taken to TU Teaching Hospital after condition worsened, by Binod Ghimire (kp 18/10/2021), Govt signs deal with activist Ruby Khan (kh 19/10/2021)

Home Ministry forms probe team on death in detention : Govt committed to disclose facts on death in detention center (kh 17/10/2021)

4.5 million girls at risk of not finishing school due to pandemicA UN report says with children remaining out of school,  the risk of child labour, gender-based violence, early and forced marriage, and early pregnancy may increase, by Binod Ghimire (kp 13/10/2021)

The decline of social solidarity : No organisation has felt it necessary to add its voice to the cry of the complainants from Banke, by CK Lal (kp 13/10/2021)

Tame the police : Great crimes have been committed in the name of maintaining law and order (kp 13/10/2021), Large quantity of petrol bombs and home-made weapons raided from Motipur: Police (kh 13/10/2021)) [??]

‘Sati system was the manifestation of structural and cultural violence inflicted on women’, interview with Sujit Mainali (nlt 12/10/2021)

‘Ordinance meant for combatting violence against women ineffective due to opposition’s protest’ (kh 12/10/2021)

Long march to justice : In suppressing dissent, the government is accelerating the decline of the Nepalese state (kp 11/10/2021)

Unlocking the full potential of girls : One of the critical issues hindering a girl’s ability to reach her full potential is early marriage, by Partti Anttinen and Elke Wisch (kp 11/10/2021)

Support girls left behind due to gender discrimination, says UN Population Fund (ht 11/10/2021)

Programme for girl children fails to bear fruit in Karnali Province : The provincial government has launched ‘Bank Account for Daughters for Secure Life’ but many people in rural areas are unaware of the scheme, by Chandani Kathayat (kp 11/10/2021)

Children with disabilities out of school in Karnali : For a lack of special classes, trained teachers and supporting physical infrastructure, disabled children in the province are deprived of basic education, by Jyotee Katuwal (kp 10/10/2021)

Police open fire during clash with squatters in Motipur Industrial Area (kh 10/10/2021), Six injured as police, land encroachers clash in Motipur Industrial Area : Locals from Butwal and neighbouring areas have encroached around 200 bigha of land in the industrial area, said police (kp 10/10/2021), Curfew imposed in Motipur Industrial Area of Butwal (kh 10/10/2021), Four people killed in clash between police and squatters (kh 10/10/2021), Ex-PM Bhattarai for resolving landless problems in a sustainable manner (kh 11/10/2021), Four people killed in clash with police in Rupandehi : The clash ensued when police deployed to demolish illegal huts erected on government land were attacked by squatters, by Ghanashyam Gautam, Sanju Paudel and Amrita Anmol (kp 11/10/2021), ]Trespassers on govt land will be punished: MoHA (kh 11/10/2021) [???? But this does not justify the murder of desperate and homeless people! You are responsible for police actions!], Four deaths in Rupandehi put spotlight on Nepal’s trigger-happy cops : Law enforcement agencies tend to show discriminatory behaviour against protests and crowds in the Tarai and  by the underprivileged, rights activists say, by Shuvam Dhungana and Tika R Pradhan (kp 12/10/2021), Curfew lifted in Rupandehi (kh 13/10/2021)

Sunsari tense after youth ‘commits suicide’ in police custody (rep 10/10/2021)

International Day of Girl Child: Discrimination must end at home (kh 09/10/2021)

Pregnant women in rural Achham still dying for want of timely medical care : Lack of health awareness, poverty, geographical remoteness and non-cooperation of family lead most women to go for home births despite risks, by Menuka Dhungana (kp 09/10/2021)

Chalfal Chautari Giving Voice to Voiceless : With this program, DCA and its local partners have been helping women to gather in a public place to discuss a wide range of issues and agendas and to join and discuss their common issues and identify solutions by themselves (sp 08/10/2021)

Nepal’s ‘missing girls’ : For every 106 boys born in Nepal, there are only 100 girls because of sex-selective abortion, by Anita Bhetwal (nt 08/10/2021) [see CREHPA report of September 2021]

A long and arduous walk for justice : The 20-day journey by 14 people, including 11 women, to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj on foot reflects the labyrinthine red tape inhibiting the Nepali justice system and exposes how the state is failing its citizens, by Anup Ojha (kp 08/10/2021), Protest at Maitighar demanding justice : A group of 14 people, including 11 women, walked all the way to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj after they were denied justice (kp 08/10/2021), Police round up protesters from NepalgunjA group of 14 people, including 11 women, had walked all the way to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj demanding justice for Nakunni Dhobi and Nirmala Kurmi (kp 09/10/2021), Politicians, who rose through protests, loathe citizens on streets : Detaining Banke justice seekers from Maitighar for agitation shows Deuba government’s double standards, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 10/10/2021), Supreme Court orders police to present Ruby Khan, one of the Nepalgunj protesters, in person : Police on Friday arrested Khan and since then her whereabouts are unknown (kp 10/102021), SC orders police to produce Ruby Khan before court today (rep 11/10/2021), NHRC calls for impartial investigation into Motipur incident (kh 12/10/2021), SC orders govt to produce Ruby Khan before court on Thursday (kh 12/10/2021)

The pursuit of justice : Security establishments cannot continue to shield their officers accused of extrajudicial killings (kp 08/10/2021)

Almost two dozen landslide-displaced families living in forest, by Arjun Shah (kp 08/10/2021)

Climate crises affecting children’s learning and protection (kh 08/10/2021)

Body of teenager girl recovered from the cemetery on suspicion of rape and murder (rep 08/10/2021)

Mother of daughters honoured (kh 06/10/2021)

The pandemic has further increased Nepali children’s vulnerability to forced labor and trafficking : In a recent incident, a total of 12 Nepali children who left for work to India after pandemic canceled classes were rescued by human rights organizations, by Rishav Sapkota (nlt 06/10/2021)

Sexual exploitation of minors unabated in capital, authorities mum, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 06/10/2021)

Into the World of Tax-free and Stigma-free Period, by Monika Shrestha (rep 06/10/2021)

Ugly connivance: People deserve to know about the ‘secret deal’ between the Judiciary and the Executive : The erosion we see today in major organs of the state—the legislative, the executive and the judiciary—will lead to an unimaginable disaster if it is left unchecked (nlt 05/10/2021)

A country where victimization of vulnerable women in the name of practicing witchcraft is still rampant : In Nepal, there’s still no let up in cases of violence based on witchcraft accusations, despite the fact that the country’s law has criminalized it, by Anushka Nepal (nlt 04/10/2021)

National Women Commission gears up its activities (kh 04/10/2021)

Landslide-displaced families in Dolakha village await reliefBagmati provincial government had assured relief amount and relocation three months ago but the displaced families are yet to get the promised help, by Kedar Shiwakoti (kp 03/10/2021)

12 children rescued from India (ht 03/10/2021)

Cash scheme for poor families likely to get delayed : Finance Ministry says it plans to distribute the cash before Dashain but the working procedures have not been approved yet, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 03/10/2021)

NEA starts removing internet cables from utility poles (rep 03/10/2021), NTA urges NEA to resolve issue regarding rent hike of utility poles through dialogue (rep 03/10/2021), Internet Service In Many Areas Across Country Affected Following NEA’s Move (rn 03/10/2010) [The use of the internet is one of the basic rights of people today. In times of Covid-19, it can be life-saving. It is your duty as Prime Minister to stop this crazy nonsense immediately, Mr Deuba!], Consumers bear brunt of fight between internet companies, power utility : To punish internet providers, Electricity Authority cut wires and cables after a longstanding dispute over rental fee in a move that curtails people’s basic rights, activists say, by Krishana Prasain (kp 04/10/2021), Service unavailable : On no pretext can the utility and communication service providers create an information abyss (kp 05/10/2021)

SC orders police to register complaint against former Home Minister Thapa, Police Chief Khanal (rep 02/10/2021), Fair probe into Paudel’s killing doubtful, advocates say : Supreme Court has directed Sarlahi District Attorney’s Office to register the case after repeated refusals by police, by Binod Ghimire (kp 03/10/2021) [Police officers who refuse to do their duty should face consequences!], Police register complaint against ‘extrajudicial killing’ of Kumar Paudel : Paudel’s mother had moved the Supreme Court after police repeatedly refused to register a complaint. The rights watchdog said in its 2019 probe report that police killed Paudel after he was arrested (kp 07/10/2021)

Man arrested on charge of raping elderly woman, by Maheshwor Chamling Rai (rep 02/10/2021)

Nepali state has lied, once again, on transitional justice, conflict victims say : Those awaiting justice write to UN chief, urging him to use his good offices to help conclude stalled peace process, by Binod Ghimire (kp 01/10/2021), Conflict victims seek UN help for justice (ht 03/10/2021)

Female foeticide to football : From an unwanted daughter to Nepal’s national footballer, by Srijana Singh Thakuri (nt 01/10/2021)

Swapping ambassadors midway : A government so self-obsessed that it cannot appreciate the role of its women ambassadors does not deserve respect from its citizens (nt 01/10/2021)

Lack of textbooks affects studies in mountain region : Schools in Mugu and Humla have not received textbooks due to disruption of roads, by Raj Bahadur Shahi and Chhapal Lama (kp 01/10/2021)

Guideline for increasing accessibility of differently-abled persons (ht 30/09/2021)

The cost of being a menstruating individual, by Rose Singh (rep 29/09/2021)

The right to know : Effective implementation of the RTI Act is essential to ensure transparency and accountability in Nepal, by Mahendra Man Gurung (kp 28/09/2021)

Girl killed for rejecting marriage proposal (rep 28/09/2021)

Malnutrition a cause for concern in Sudurpaschim : As per a 2016 survey, 36 percent of children under five were stunted, nine percent wasted, and 28 percent were underweight in the province, by Arjun Shah (kp 28/09/2021)

Government policies fail to reduce infant mortality rate in Palpa : The number of infant deaths has increased across the district in last four years despite several programmes implemented at the local and district levels to save mothers and babies. For every 100,000 births, 229 women die during or after childbirth in Nepal, data show, by Madhab Aryal (kp 27/09/2021)

Freed Kamlaris yet to receive identity card (kh 26/09/2021)

Musahar children can’t enrol in schools for lack of birth certificates : Child marriage, which is illegal in Nepal, is still common in the community leading to unregistered births of children from underage marriages, by Bharat Jargha Magar (kp 25/09/2021) [Every child living in Nepal has a right to unhindered school attendance! What does this have to do with birth documents denied out of narrow-minded and partly patriarchal ways of thinking?]

Child goes missing in a drain in Kathmandu : Who is responsible?, by Smriti Dhungana (rep 24/09/2021), Watch your step : Neglected open sewers in the city should be a matter of criminal negligence (kp 24/09/2021)

Social Beliefs On Menstruation Take Tolls On Youths’ Mental Health, by Smita Adhikari (rn 24/09/2021)

'No changes made in the tax imposed on sanitary pads in new budget' (rep 24/09/2021), "Do not impose tax on my period" (Photo feature) (rep 24/09/2021), Women and activists see red over pink tax : The government last fiscal year collected Rs342.31 million in revenue from imports of  sanitary napkins. Calls grow to ensure easy accessibility of menstrual hygiene products, by Krishana Prasain and Aakriti Ghimire ( kp 25/09/2021)

Unified Socialist picks seven vice-chair, forms 301-member Central Committee (kh 23/09/2021) [The newly formed CPN (Unified Socialist) is proving to be no more socially inclusive than the older parties. Only six percent of the population are male Bahuns, but the party is headed by three male Bahuns, and of the seven deputy chairpersons, all men, two are Bahuns. General Secretary is a male Bahun, among his three deputies is another male Bahun. There is also another Bahun among the four secretaries. Here, Ram Kumari Jhankri is the only woman among the party's 18 top leaders.Thus, the new CPN (US) violates the provisions of Article 15 of the Political Party Act and does not represent Nepal's society any more than do the other major parties!]

Protest held at Maitighar for legalisation of marijuana in Nepal : The protestors also demanded release of Rajiv Kafle, a long time advocate of legalisation of the herb in the country and abroad. He was arrested on charge of possession, consumption and distribution of marijuana two weeks ago (kp 20/09/2021)

Preventable deaths : There will be no change in the plight of migrant workers as long as the concerned governments are reluctant to act (ht 20/09/2021)

Menstrual Cycle in Nepal: Curse to Celebration, by Smriti Ranabhat (rep 19/09/2021)

Need for clear action plan to abolish untouchability from country stressed (ht 18/09/2021)

Government subsidised stores open across country : The scheme will not help to control prices, nor will it benefit the targeted groups, activists say, by Krishana Prasain (kp 18/09/2021)

Police personnel barred from using TikTok, other social media (rep 18/09/2021)

Land to landless is more political than a socioeconomic issue : Yet another commission formed, 14th since 1990, but the landless people’s problems  persist, as governments have failed to find a permanent solution, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/09/2021)

Barriers to inclusive education : In Nepal, the right to quality, inclusive education is still a pipedream for girls with disabilities, especially in remote rural areas, by Dev Datta Joshi (kp 17/09/2021)

Hard times for kids : Failure to address the present crisis of the children is bound to be reflected in the future (kp 17/09/2021)

Staying mum about sexual assault : We should encourage people to speak up about abuse, but only when they are ready, by Anjana Rajbhandary (nt 17/09/2021)

Darchula school running its classes from tents after last year’s floods and landslides : Around 124 students of Samaiji Basic School have been affected as they do not have proper classrooms, by Manoj Badu (kp 17/09/2021)

Malnutrition cases up several fold amid Covid-19 pandemic : Severity and deaths will increase if malnourished children are infected with the coronavirus, doctors say, by Arjun Poudel (kp 17/09/2021)

Overcrowded Prison Poses COVID-19 Risks (rn 16/09/2021), Overcrowded district jail at risk of infectious diseases (rep 16/09/2021)

Six years of ethnonational upsurge : Khas-Arya supremacists consider the Divya Upadesh to be the manual of nationalism, by CK Lal (kp 15/09/2021)

Child marriage cases up by 31.25pc (ht 15/09/2021)

Despite declines in new Covid-19 cases, risk of cluster infections remains, experts say : Doctors urge authorities to remain vigilant, increase surveillance and enforce public health measures, by Arjun Poudel (kp 15/09/2021) [see ICJ paper (13/09/2021)]

Two held for raping a minor (kh 15/09/2021)

Nepali girl sold to Indian brothel returns home after seven years, by Nagendra Upadhyaya (rep 14/09/2021)

‘Example of compulsory and free education act is enough to know status of law implementation’ (kh 13/09/2021)

Rs 750 million allocated for free repatriation of stranded migrant workers, only Rs 13.5 million used, by Rudra Khadka (rep 13/09/2021)

Flood Victims Of Banke Living In Forests For 30 Years, by Siraj Khan (rn 11/09/2021), Flood victims staying on encroached forest land for years (ht 13/09/2021)

Three arrested on gang-rape charge (kh 11/09/2021)

Two woman involved in human trafficking held in Siraha (kh 11/09/2021)

Nepal less and less able to feed itself : Growing population, rising income and stagnant domestic production mean more dependence on food imports to meet growing demand, by Ramesh Kumar (nt 10/09/2021)

15 arrested while trying to show black flag to MCC delegation in Koteshwor (kh 09/09/2021)

Give Momentum To TRC, by Mukti Rijal (rn 09/09/2021)

Crime and turpitude : A series of murders points to lawlessness and the degeneration of society (kp 09/09/2021)

Dozens of people registered as disappeared during Maoist insurgency found alive : In the last six years, the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons has received 3,223 complaints of enforced disappearances implicating either security forces or the rebel Maoists.Commission has found 2,494 cases that fall under its jurisdiction for investigation, by Binod Ghimire (kp 08/09/2021)

Respect Women’s Dignity, by Namrata Sharma (rn 08/09/2021)

SC receives writ petition against Home Ministry’s statement (kh 08/09/2021)

26 families of freed haliyas receive houses, lands (kh 07/09/2021) [After so many years, this is a drop in the ocean!]

Language Commission recommends province-wise official languages before government (kh 06/09/2021)

Government attempts to curb protests, public debates : Home Ministry’s two statements in three days warning of actions over activities against ‘friendly nations’ amount to curtailing of fundamental rights, analysts and leaders say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 06/09/2021), HM warns not to protest against neighbouring countries (ht 06/09/02021) [A government that suppresses freedom of opinion is not democratic!], Six arrested from outside U.S. Embassy in Maharajgunj (kh 06/09/2021), Take it easy  : Dissent and debate are quintessential elements of democracy (kp 07/09/2021)

Cases of witchcraft allegation rise by 79.41pc in 2020-21 (ht 06/09/2021), Evil practice : Public awareness drive, along with the involvement of witchdoctors, can help control the cases of witchcraft (ht 07/9/2021)

Enhancing women’s access to finance : As a first step, we need to identify the actual needs and study international practices, by Shreya Subedi (kp 06/09/2021)

Court observation on public debate on sub judice cases raises questions : Restricting public discourse could be tantamount to gag order, which is a detriment to democracy, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 04/09/2021)

Tackle Human Trafficking, by Aashish Mishra (rn 04/09/2021)

Rape-accused Minister Shahi levels multiple allegations against victim’s husband (rep 04/09/2021)

The systemic silencing of stories of harassment : Stories of abuse and harassment at educational institutions continue to emerge but there are few consequences for the perpetrators, by Kabita Bahing (rec 03/09/2021)

Sindhupalchok flood victims migrate out of the district to seek livelihood : Around 700 flood-displaced families of Helambu and Melamchi have moved to other cities since the disaster, by Anish Tiwari (kp 03/09/2021)

10 arrested from anti-MCC demonstration in front of US Embassy (rep 03/09/2021)

No citizenship, no job : Young Madhesis have been deprived of numerous opportunities as they can’t apply for citizenship. They can’t even go abroad for work, by Jitendra Narayan Thakur (ae 02/09/2021)

Understanding the Tharu perspective on the 2015 Tikapur incident, by Prasansha Rimal (rec 02/09/2021)

Families of persons disappeared during insurgency start filing criminal cases with police : Victim families say they have lost faith in the transitional justice commissions, by Binod Ghimire (kp 02/09/2021)

Biratnagar to build integrated settlement for Dalits : Biratnagar city, with financial aid from social organisations and lawmakers, is building houses for 145 landless families, by Deo Narayan Sah (kp 02/09/2021)

Teenage girl gang-raped in Rautahat (rep 02/09/2021)

Hearing on murder case against Speaker Sapkota deferred again (rep 01/09/2021)

Let courts try cases : The issue of rights violations committed during the conflict will remain unsettled unless the TRC Act is amended (ht 01/09/2021)

‘Investment in nutrition and immunization yields over 16 times results’ (kh 01/09/2021)

Gender Inclusion in Community Forests,  by Yubaraj Kandel (mar 31/08/2021)

Coalition partners ask Deuba to release report on Dhami disappearance case : Prime Minister Deuba seems to be trying to dismiss the incident in order not to offend India, analysts say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 31/08/2021), Living on the margins : Dhami’s story is the story of a democratic state failing to fulfil its responsibility (kp 01/09/2021), Darchula incident makes a diplomatic test case with India for Deuba : Government has yet to make any position on Jaya Singh Dhami’s disappearance in Mahakali river, despite a probe committee submitting its report, by Anil Giri (kp 02/09/2021), No official communication on Darchula issue from Nepal yet, India says, by Rajesh Misdhra (kp 03/09/2021)

Melamchi’s misfortune is far from over : Two months ago, unprecedented floods brought about much destruction to Melamchi but residents have largely been left to fend for themselves, by Marissa Taylor (rec 30/08/2021)

Status of those  disappeared during insurgency continues to elude families : Conflict victims are not hopeful of the government’s  latest plan to conclude the transitional justice process, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/08/2021), Where are they? The failure to address insurgency-era grievances inhibits our ability to build a peaceful future (kp 30/08/2021), Ensure justice for Nepal’s “Disappeared”: ICJ (kh 30/08/2021), Nepal: ensure justice for Nepal’s “Disappeared” (ICJ 30/08/2021), Judicial announcement of death made 21 years after disappearance, by Dinesh Subedi (rep 30/08/2021), Nepal govt urged not to stop stalling enforced disappearance inquiries (rep 30/08/2021, International rights bodies call on Nepal to stop stalling enforced disappearance inquiries : Three global rights organisations say that international partners should strongly back victims’ needs and credible legal process (kp 30/08/2021), 'Allow regular courts to try conflict era cases' (ht 31/08/2021)

In Nepal’s politics and governance, old faces rule the roost : Top leaders’ penchant for power and young generation’s failure to challenge the seniors have made leadership handover a distant dream, by Binod Ghimire (kp 29/08/2021) [And they are overwhelmingly male Tagadharis, especially Bahuns, although the latter represent only a very small minority of six percent of the population! Is this the socially equal and inclusive Nepal that the same politicians promised in 2006 and again in 2008?]

Six years after Tikapur incident, Tharus still wait for justice : Those who were tortured and sent to jails but acquitted say the state has failed them  and their entire community, with no political party willing to take up their cause, by Binod Ghimire (kp 28/08/2021)

Nepal’s unequal marriages : Men cheat and get away with it, while women are blamed for shaming the family, by Arjana Rajbhandary (nt 27/08/2021)

Born unequal, treated unequally : The world treats people differently based on sex and it starts as soon as the gender of the fetus can be identified, by Balmukunda Regmi (ae 26/08/2021)

Migrant Workers Prone To Human Trafficking, by Namrata Sharma (rn 25/08/2021)

Six years on, Tikapur carnage victims still worried about justice (ht 24/08/2021)

Arrested journo freed, two constables suspended (ht 24/08/2021)

She wrestled for the nation, but is deprived of citizenship card : There is no provision for issuing a citizenship in the name of mother (ht 23/08/2021)  [Nepal's high-caste patriarchal machos at the top of the state consider the land their property; women are only tolerated!]

142 Cases Of Human Rights Violation Reported In A Month (rn 23/08/2021) [see INSEC report)

Karnali Province Minister Shahi accused of rape (rep 23/08/2021)

Saptari flood victims crying for relief (kh 23/08/2021)

How Hindu state idea is trying to gain ground in Nepal : Analysts say it is not easy to undo the achievements  guaranteed by the constitution, but threats remain, by Anil Giri (kp 22/08/2021)

Pledge to reduce child marriage (ht 22/08/2021)

Unity among good communists a must: Maoist Center leader Pun (kh 22/08/2021) [And who are the good communists? Those who admit to being responsible for the deaths of 5,000 people during the Maoist insurgency but continue to deny any justice for the victims?]

Signature collection campaign seeking justice for Dhami (kh 22/08/2021)

Pandemic rages on but money in Covid-19  fund remains unspent for past six months : Not a single rupee has been released from the Coronavirus Prevention, Control and Treatment Fund since January 27 (kp 21/08/2021)

People’s representative from Dalit community tied to a pole and beaten : Police nab 8 on assault allegation (kh 21/08/2021)

The Plights Of Rape Survivors And Criminal Investigation, by Govind Prasad Thapa (sp 20/08/2021)

Implementation of basic humanitarian standards stressed (kh 20/08/2021)

HURPES urges govt to intensify rescue, repatriation of Nepalis stranded in Afghanistan (kh 20/08/2021)

Rabindra Mishra: Nepal’s Trump. Like Trump, Mishra seeks to harness the grievances of Nepal’s privileged class whose traditional sources of authority are being challenged by the new republican, federal, decentralized, and secular structure, by Bishal Thapa (ae 19/08/2021)

Shakya becomes first woman chief minister, by Subas Bidari (kp 19/08/2021)

Pandemic may leave Nepal’s poor more deprived, report says, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 19/08/2021, 17.4% people under poverty line in Nepal: Govt data : Highest in Karnali (39.5%); lowest in Bagmati (7%) (kh 19/08/2021) [see Multidomensional Poverty Index by NPC et al. (report as PDF)]

Tharu Morcha in protest, pressuring government to implement past agreements : Brihat Nagarik Aandolan, an alliance of civil society members and people from various walks of life, supports the protest, by Binod Ghimire (kp 18/08/2021)

18 years on, justice still a far cry for people killed by Nepali Army in Doramba (ht 18/08/2021)

Disaster victims still awaiting grant to build houses in Dhankuta (ht 18/08/2021)

Govt preparing to impose five-year imprisonment for selling substandard food items (rep 18/08/2021)

164 Nepalis return home from Afghanistan; 134 register their details : Foreign Ministry: 1,500 Nepalis in Afghanistan, NAFEA: 15,000 (kh 17/08/2021), Nepalis in Kabul appeal for immediate rescue, by Yogendra Yogi (kh 17/08/2021), 118 Nepalis arrive from Afghanistan via Kuwait : Officials say they were working inside the US embassy in Kabul and evacuated by the Americans (kp 17/08/2021)

Frightening effect of child marriage in Jumla: 860 young girls got pregnant last year, by DB Budha (rep 17/08/2021)

NHRC directs district administration to investigate into contaminated biscuit (kh 17/08/2021)

Crowded jails, new inmates raise Covid-19 risks, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 17/08/2021)

Protesters demand justice for Krisala Chaudhary (rep 15/08/2021), Police nab two on Krishala Chaudhary murder allegation (kh 16/08/2021)

Police rescue four Nepali girls from India (kh 15/08/2021)

With major shifts in party organizations, Maoist Center’s CC meet concludes (kh 15/08/2021)) [But standing Committee not affected? The provision of the constitution applies to all party levels!]

Women still face witchcraft charges in Sunsari : Rights activists say most of the victims of such allegations are women from marginalised communities, by Sumnim a Chamling (kp 14/08/2021)

SC order on reservations draws flak, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 13/08/2021), 'Court prejudiced against reservation' (ht 13/08/2021)

Nepal sees spike in suicides during pandemic : Death by suicide has soared in Nepal during the pandemic, but treatment of mental health disorders can save lives, by Sonia Awale (nt 13/08/2021)

A voice from nowhere: Battling for rights away from Kathmandu : Manoj Ram, a Parsa-based Dalit rights activist, believes it’s his moral duty to struggle against all odds for his community, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp 12/08/2021)

The fishing village and the stolen boat : They stole our ghats. They stole our boats. They stole our rivers and our fish. Crushers in our rivers, they even stole the lands of our ancestors, by Raju Syangtan (rec 11/08/2021

Rape cases increased by 18.19pc last fiscal (ht 11/08/2021)

One man’s quest to prove he is alive and to undo his death on records : Subhash Tamang has been running around from one government office to another to reclaim his citizenship and his identity after he was pronounced dead in Saudi Arabia, by Binod Bhandari (kp 10/08/2021)

Gorkha: 21 children fell victim to rape in one year (rep 10/08/2021)

Tanahun jailbirds deprived of treatment (ht 10/08/2021)

Indigenous people worry hard-won gains may be lost : Achievements made since 1990 are at risk as secularism and federalism are yet to be institutionalised and recent court ruling is another challenge, activists say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 09/08/2021) [The traditional elite, especially male Bahuns, continue to control the country, prevent social inclusion and the development of federalism and secularism, and constantly demand that the wheel of time be turned back instead, e.g. Ganga Thapa, Rabindra Mishra, KP Oli, Shashanka Koirala, etc.], BSP Chair’s Dangerous Proposal, by Mukunda Raj Kattel (rn 09/08/2021), Indigenous people are victims of conservation 'success story' (ht 10/08/2021), Indigenous people’s role to consolidate nationality: Province Chief Gurung (kh 10/08/2021) [The male Bahuns and other male Tagadharis must finally stop identifying nationality with their own culture and way of thinking! Male Bahuns make up only six percent of the population but control almost all posts and functions of the state!], Indigenous Peoples Suffer Under Conservation Policies: Report (rn 10/08/2021)

11-year-old in Gorkha raped by her father and uncle (rep 09/08/2021)

Chief Justice Rana justifies appointments to constitutional bodies, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 09/08/2021) [?????]

Government’s talk of expediting transitional justice process fails to convince conflict victims : Conflict victims doubt the Deuba government is committed to amending the transitional justice laws as per the 2015 Supreme Court ruling, by Binod Ghimire (kp 08/08/2021) [Deuba and Dahal have both had a great responsibility for the escalation of the conflict and should therefore have no interest in justice for the victims!]

Exiles at home : Migrant workers are heroes of the nation, but the  government treats them as lesser humans, by Deepak Thapa (kp 08/08/2021)

Man dies in Police custody in Sindhupalchok (kh 08/08/2021)

People with disabilities left out of Covid-19 vaccination drive : Although the government has decided to inoculate people with disabilities,  vaccines are not accessible to all in the target group, by Biplab Maharjan (kp 08/08/2021)

Cases of violence against women on the rise (rep 07/08/2021)

Children in Jajarkot villages deprived of nutrition pay : Local officials say around Rs 4.7 million meant for nutrition allowance was frozen, as NIC Asia bank could not release the amount on time, by Bhim Bahadur Singh (kp 07/08/2021)

Nepal agrees to decriminalise abortion (ht 07/08/2021)

In defence of secularism : A forgotten incident from the Panchayat era tells us why we must protect minority religions, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 06/08/2021)

Referendum on secularism? 10 public intellectuals weigh in, by Pratik Ghimire (ae 05/08/2021) [It is shocking to read how many intellectual Nepali Hindus define Nepal exclusively as a state of their own. Nepal is a multi-religious and multi-cultural state. Such a state should not identify itself with one culture and religion. This creates discontent among those who cannot identify with a Hindu state and fuels conflict, as one can learn from Nepali history. It is not about using a referendum to prove that there are more Hindus living in Nepal than members of other cultures. The state must give all inhabitants a possibility of identification, and this only works in a secular state. Linking state identification with a particular religion is poison! Overcoming this grievance has been one of the greatest achievements of recent years. The fact that the ruling elite, all high-caste male Hindus by the way, have not developed this ideal further, probably quite deliberately, is no reason to return to the failed state identification of the male Hindu elite.]

One step forward, two steps back : Recent court ruling to revisit reservation and affirmative actions for those discriminated against by the state is regressive and defeats the purpose, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 05/08/2021), Going backwards : The idea that reservation must be based on need, and not caste, is flawed (kp 06/08/2021) [The judges also bear the characteristics of being male and high-caste. They obviously cannot escape their acquired view. As long as adequate participation in society is not guaranteed by a restrictive quota system also in the judiciary, a correct assessment of the situation of the traditionally excluded is unlikely to be realised!]

What if... rapes were punishable by death? Experts ApEx spoke to say if Nepal had the provision of death for rape, it would not only be a regressive step for the judicial system and the society but it would most certainly be misused, by Cilla Khatry (ae 05/08/2021)

Sorry state of affairs : Challenges of implementation of the reservation policy for women in Nepal persist, by Roshee Lamichhane (kp 05/08/2021)

Instances of VAW far from declining yet, by Sabina Karki (kh 04/08/2021)

Woman held for trafficking 25 victims (ht 04/08/2021)

Child marriage rises in Rolpa despite legal prohibition (rep 04/08/2021)

Women workers in Salyan get paid less than menAuthorities say those found guilty of gender discrimination at workplace can be penalised but they have received no such complaints so far, by Biplab  Maharhan (kp 02/08/2021)

Ideals of the rule of law : The laws of the nation must bear the fundamental ideals of justice, by Sambridh Ghimire (kp 02/08/2021)

Nepal registers progresses in combating human trafficking as it prepares to take next steps (rep 31/07/2021)

Rights commission tells global body ‘court will test legality of key appointments’ : Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions is set to revisit the ‘A’ status of National Human Rights Commission, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/07/2021)

Coping with patriarchy : Tracking the struggle of women in a Nepali clan across four generations, by Bhumi Ghimiré (nt 30/07/2021)

Standing with Nepal’s survivors  of trafficking in persons : Ultimately, to eliminate trafficking in Nepal, we must address the underlying issues, by Randy Berry and Nicola Pollitt (kp 30/07/2021)

Why should women accept patriarchal norms?, by Cilla Khatry (ae 29/07/2021)

Patients deprived of free essential medicines at Mugu government health institutions : The District Hospital in Gamgadhi sends patients to private medical stores due to  a shortage of medicines at the hospital, by Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp 29/07/2021

More than 300 women from Karnali, Lumbini missing in India (ht 29/07/2021)

Our history offers grim hope : Government after  government has failed to address the grievances of the insurgency period, by Mohna Ansari (kp 28/07/2021)

Lawmakers press for passage of citizenship bill (ht 28/07/2021)

Government must up its efforts to prevent human trafficking, stakeholders sayChanging forms of human trafficking and gap in existing laws have made things worse for the victims as well as authorities working to prevent them, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 27/07/2021), Trafficking laws incompatible with Palermo Protocol (ht 27/07/2021)

Climate emergency : The rich countries cannot not assist poorer countries that face the brunt of the climate crisis (kp 27/07/2021)

Coffin economy : How do we account for the human cost of foreign labour that keeps the Nepali economy afloat? (kp 26/07/2021)

Justice eludes victims of heinous crimes: NHRC (ht 26/07/2021)

The Social Enigma behind Untouchability, by Rajaram Bartaula (rep 26/07/2021)

Nepal’s COVID-19 vaccination drive focused mainly on Bagmati as cases see a sharp rise in other provinces, by Kunga Hyolmo (rep 26/07/2021)

Government promotes police officer involved in extrajudicial killings : Sub-inspector Dipendra Chand is promoted despite the national rights body recommending action against him, by Binod Ghimire (kp 25/07/2021)

Dalit woman, son thrashed in Siraha (ht 25/07/2021)

Nirmala murder case remains a mystery even after three years (re 25/07/2021), Justice for Nirmala Pant still a far cry : Thirteen-year-old Nirmala Pant was raped and subsequently murdered three years ago in Kanchanpur. Police are nowhere close to identifying and punishing the perpetrators, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp 26/07/2021)

One arrested for misusing photo of President, PM (kh 225/07/2021)

Around 5,000 get shelter in Siraha and Saptari (kh 24/07/2021)

NHRC Report presented in National Assembly (kh 23/07/2021)

Denial of citizenship due to lack of relevant law affects thousands (ht 22/07/2021)

'One in four teen girls miss school during menstruation' (ht 22/07/2021), Girls' absenteeism : There is a long way to go before we totally end school absenteeism during the menstruation period (ht 23/07/2021)

The Politics of Quotas, by Sanjit Shrestha (rep 20/07/2021)

Women in remote Baglung village are sent to animal sheds to give birth : Many women die for want of treatment and maternity care in Dhiri since they do not go to hospitals for delivery, by Prakash Baral (kp 20/07/2021), Towards safer births : Superstitions and discriminatory customs continue to deny women their basic rights (kp 21/07/2021)

In Kalikot, gender discrimination begins at birth : Despite efforts from social organisations and local authorities to raise awareness on gender discrimination, prejudices against girls are still prevalent, by Tularam Pandey (kp 19/07/2021)

Nepalis among workers exploited in Qatar’s high-end hotels set up for FIFA World Cup : Study shows luxury hotel brands have failed to protect migrant workers, who suffer serious abuses, including  exorbitant recruitment fees, discrimination and being trapped in a job through fear of reprisal and intimidation, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 17/07/2021)

Vehicles overcharging passengers on the pretext of Covid-19 restrictions : Transport operators say the problem will not be resolved as long as there is a ban on long-haul passenger vehicles, by Anup Ojha (kp 17/07/2021)

FNJ draws attention to Bottlers Nepal’s directive against Chief Editor Budhathoki (kh 17/07/2021

Transitional justice bodies get new term but conflict victims have little hope : Rights activists say the Congress and Maoist Centre have got another chance to complete the peace deal by settling insurgency-era cases, but progress remains dismal, by Binod Ghimire (kp 16/07/2021) [There is not much to expect. Dahal, by his own admission, was responsible for the Maoists' crimes, and Deuba was at times responsible for the actions of the state security forces. In particular, Deuba was responsible for the mobilisation of the army and the resulting escalation of the conflict!]

INSEC Urges to Ratify Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (INSEC 16/07/2021), Advocacy Forum-Nepal, Amnesty International Nepal urge govt to ratify Rome Statute (rep 17/07/2021) [see joint statement]

Caste discrimination case : SC tells police to book ex-minister Shrestha (ht 16/07/2021)

Proposed policy to ban small importers sparks individual rights concerns : Provision will limit the number of importers and make it easier to identify them and track their transactions, report says, by Prithvi ManShrestha (kp 16/07/2021)

Conflict victims not to engage with commissions sans law amendment (ht 15/07/2021)

15-year-old Bajura child struggling for life (ht 15/07/2021)

Inclusive education for the blind : It is their right, by Dev Datta Joshi (ht 15/07/2021)

Reframing Our Youth Employment Problem, by Surath Giri and Saurabh Shah (rep 15/07/2021)

SC issues interim order to stay works on Kaligandaki River diversion (kh 14/07/2021)

Reproductive rights of women, young people must be protected, says UNFPA (ht 14/07/2021)

Army officer convicted in death of man inside Chitwan parkSergeant Chiran Kumar Budha was arrested last September. He was released from  prison on Monday on account of completing nine-month jail term handed down by court, by Rajesh Kumar Paudel (kp 14/07/2021)

31 enforced disappeared during conflict come to family contacts (kh 14/07/2021)

Neglected by the state, broken by the pandemic, by Marissa Taylor (rec 13/07/2021)

‘No govt relief so far for disaster-hit Manang’ (rep 13/07/2021)

Around a dozen children in Dhorpatan ward malnourished : Most families in the villages are from poor backgrounds with little to no means  to provide nourishing food for their children, by Prakash Baral (kp 12/07/2021)

Five years on, Phopli landslide victims yet to receive any helpThe landslide of July 25, 2016 killed 27 individuals and displaced around 200 families, by Shamsher Bikram GC (kp 11/07/2021)

Police intervene in civil society demonstration : Dozens of demonstrators arrested (kh 11/07/2021), Police arrest 19 protesting civil society members : The Brihat Nagarik Andolan group were demonstrating against irregularities in the medical education sector in front of Singhadurbar (kp 11/07/2021)

Cases of missing person go up during Covid-19 pandemic, police records show : The National Human Rights Commission in 2019 had reported that nearly 1.5 million Nepalis are at risk of various forms of human trafficking; 10,418 missing person reports were filed in first eight months of  the current fiscal year, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 10/07/2021)

Newlywed inter-caste couple attacked, girl taken away (ht 10/07/2021) [An archaic patriarchal way of thinking and acting that raises doubts as to whether Nepal really has a civilised society! This violation of basic human rights requires the toughest possible crackdown by the government and the judiciary!]

PM Oli visits Helambu, almost a month after flood and landslide (rep 10/07/2021) [This long hesitation is an indication of Oli's lack of interest in the real concerns and needs of Nepalis!], What made you wait for a month, Mr Prime Minister?, by Kunga Hyolmo (rep 11/07/2021)

Codifying the breaking of wind : The Nepali state’s desire to control all aspects of life, including our orifices, is omnipresent, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 09/07/2021)

My vision for Nepal : Establish a national culture of human rights, by Mohna Ansari (ae 08/07/2021)

Landslide-displaced families left in the lurch (ht 08/07/2021)

Nepali woman reportedly sold off in Cambodia (kh 08/07/2021)

Elderly People: Waiting for Justice at Very Important Phase of Life, by Punam Pant (rep 08/07/2021)

Ties of tradition that bind and blind : Without more aggressive politicisation of the  inclusive agenda, cultural divisions are unlikely to end, by CK Lal (kp 07/07/2021)

Critical Citizenry Vital For Democracy, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn 07/07/2021)

No end in sight for survivors of domestic abuse : As cases of domestic violence escalate in Ramechhap, survivors remain economically and legally deprived, by Sonam Lama (rec 06/07/2021)

Nine children rescued and reunited with their families (kh 05/07/2021)

‘A’ status of rights commission under threat due to controversial appointments : Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions has asked the commission to furnish a justification over the controversial appointments of its office bearers, by Binod Ghimire (kp 04/07/2021), The world is watching : It would be shameful if the National Human Rights Commission’s status were to be downgraded (kp 05/07/2021)

Rupa Sunar files writ petition against Minister Shrestha on caste-based discrimination allegation (kh 04/07/2021), Rupa Sunar moves court demanding sacking of Education Minister Shrestha : Shrestha had escorted an alleged perpetrator of caste discrimination from the police office to her home on June 23 after the district attorney’s office ordered her release (kp 05/07/2021)

Youths protest Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s decision to erase mural honouring frontliners : Kathmandu Metropolitan City on June 30 had whitewashed the mural painted in Ratnapark in appreciation of health workers, security personnel among other pandemic frontline workers (kp 04/07/2021)

Ratnanagar not to allow lactating mothers to go abroad (kh 03/07/2021) [This is archaic patriarchy! According to Article 18 of the Constitution, all people are equal, regardless of their gender. Consequently, men with children of this age are also no longer allowed to leave the country!]

Koshi Tappu residents protest decision to turn their homesteads into leasehold forest : The proposed area is home to 500 families, mostly flood and landslide victims, squatters and impoverished households, by Dilliram Khatiwada (kp 01/07/2021)

Writ petition filed at SC, demanding  halting of Kali Gandaki-Tinau Diversion Multipurpose Project (rep 01/07/2021)

NHRC's call against caste-based inequality (ht 01/07/2021)

Protests intensify against HoR dissolution in capital (photo feature) (rep 01/07/2021)

Caste persists, nurtured by the state, by Shradha Ghale (rec 30/06/2021)

NHRC discusses with Health Ministry on COVID-19 control efforts (kh 29/06/2021)

Nepal hasn’t seen a single conviction for torture and custodial deaths in the past three years : Police cannot be trusted to conduct impartial investigation into cases where own officers are involved, says a 2020 Supreme Court ruling, by Binod Ghimire (kp 28/06/2021), Investigate torture : Only an independent mechanism can investigate and prosecute all acts of torture and ensure justice to the victims (ht 28/06/2021)

Dalit rights: No respite at the top. Those in power are allowed to get away with perpetuating atrocities against Dalits, by Deepak Thapa (kp 28/06/2021), PM Oli cautions Education Minister Shrestha for latter’s ‘indecent’ behavior (kh 29/06/2021) [Anyone who supports caste discrimination is unacceptable as a minister!]

Woman found dead, in-laws blamed (ht 28/06/2021)

Press Council’s censure of social media posts draws condemnation, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 27/06/2021)

Press Council’s censure of social media posts draws condemnation, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 27/06/2021), Justice eludes victims of heinous crimes: NHRC (ht), 'Establish dedicated mechanism to investigate torture' (ht 27/06/2021)

Book perpetrators to justice: National Human Rights Commission (kh 26/06/2021)

Nepal’s transitional justice hurdle : At the core of Nepal’s current constitutional crisis is a deeper struggle over who will direct its transitional justice process, by Bishal Thapa (ae 24/06/2021)

Eight years on, Mahakali flood victims still to be compensated : People from all over the country had raised money for the flood-victims in 2013. But with no proper audit, there has been no accounting of around Rs 400 million raised for the victims, by Shivraj Bhatta and Sundar Singh Dhami (ae 24/06/2021)

Domestic violence against newly married women on the rise amid (ht 24/06/2021)

Mansplaining, misogyny, and trolling on Clubhouse, by Nirvana Bhandary (rec 24/06/2021)

As a Dalit girl is denied a room to rent, an int’l report highlights poor representation of Dalits in  state’s judicial, law enforcement agencies, by Shree Ram Subedi (rep 24/06/2021) [see report by American Bar Association - Center for Human Rights (18/06/2021)], Dalit Commission calls for impartial investigation into alleged refusal of a house owner to rent her premises to a woman of the Dalit community : In a statement, it has also questioned the role of the education minister in securing the release of the house owner while the investigation was ongoing (kp 25/06/2021), Rupa Sunar files complaints against nine online media, seeks action under cyber crime law (rep 26/06/2021)

The Failed Dalit Struggle : The dream of creating a classless society has remained just a dream. It could never become a reality, by Giri Bahadur Sunar (rep 23/06/2021)

Nepal’s abstention on Myanmar resolution at UN raises questions : Diplomats, experts and rights defenders say Nepal, despite being a member of the Human Rights Council, failed to show its commitment to human rights and democracy, by Anil Giri (kp 22/06/2021)  [Both states are experiencing a similar scenario, Myanmar a coup by the army, Nepal one by the prime minister! In both cases, democratic structures and procedures are being disrupted. Nepal has never been qualified to be a member of the UN Human Rights Council!]

FNJ tells media houses to pay full salary to journalists (ht 21/06/2021)

FNJ objects to Bagmati Province's plan to run media (ht 21/06/2021)

Crime against Humanity : Instead of making genuine efforts toward vaccine procurement, the PM urged the public to gargle with guava leaves and drink turmeric-infused water to prevent COVID, saying even the vaccine does not guarantee total immunity. This was the time when cases had started increasing by 100%, by Sambridh Ghimire (rep 19/06/2021)

Hunger for governance : Childhood malnutrition in Nepal has its roots in political failure, the same reason more children are going hungry during the pandemic. (nt 18/06/2021), Nepal’s epidemic of hunger : Malnutrition among Nepali children pre-dates Covid-19, but the pandemic has made it worse, by Anita Bhetwal (nt 18/06/2021

Media Action Nepal seeks guarantee of rights of working journalists (ht 18/06/2021)

Two transitional justice commissions getting another term extension : But conflict victims say the commissions have done very little to deserve added tenure, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/06/2021)

Wage gap between men and women persists: Report; The widest difference is in the professional category where a male worker earns Rs23,800 monthly compared to Rs12,000 for a female, by Krishana Prasain (kp 17/06/2021)

Govt urged to provide relief to underprivileged, needy people (ht) 17/06/2021)

'Federation of Nepali Journalists cannot be a mere spectator to journos' woes' (ht 17/06/2021)

No safe space : Women who faced sexual violence during the 10 years of the Maoist armed conflict continue to suffer, by Susan Risal (kp 16/06/2021)

No let-up in cases of violence against women and children during lockdown : On average 53 cases of violence against women and children are reported daily across the country, according to records maintained by police., by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 15/06/2021)

Hunger & Scarcity Hit Badi Community, by Mahesh Nepali (Badi) (rn 15/6/2021)

Daily earners hit hardest by prohibitory orders in Lumbini : The workers have no source of income and have received no relief from the authorities and social organisations during the ongoing second coronavirus wave, by Sanju Paudel and Mohan Budhaair (kp 14/06/2021)

“Oxygen, vaccines, essential medical supplies urgently needed,” says AI in new briefing (kh 14/06/2021) [see Amnesty International report (14/01/2021)], Oxygen, vaccines, essential medical supplies urgently needed, says Amnesty International (ht 14/06/2021)

Newly-wed spouse ruthlessly battered for not bringing dowry (kh 13/06/2021)

Man arrested for attacking wife with acid (kh 13/06/2021)

Child marriage negated in Doti (kh 13/06/2021)

New severe media law in the offing : Media publishing, broadcasting news on prohibited issues to be shut down (kh 13/06/2021) [related to Lumbini Province]

International condemnation for HoR dissolution (ht 12/06/2021) [see statement by IBARI (10/06/2021)]

Freed haliyas bearing the brunt of pandemic (ht 12/06/2021)

COVID-19 pandemic threatens progress made by Nepal to reduce child labor (rep 11/06/2021) [see report by UNICEF and ILO]

Half of Nepalis lost jobs in past month : New survey shows most households got little or no support from the government (nt 11/06/2021), Families await support amidst loss of large scale jobs and income sources, survey reveals (kh 12/06/2021)

Chitwan reports 37 VAW cases during COVID-19 prohibitory period (kh 11/06/2021)

Lawyers express doubt over implementation of citizenship ordinance (ht 10/06/2021), Supreme Court issues interim order not to implement citizenship ordinance (kh 10/06/2021), Supreme Court orders government not to enforce citizenship ordinance : Constitutional Bench says legal complications could arise if the ordinance fails to get through Parliament, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 11/06/2021)[Extreme complications and costs will also arise if the Supreme Court declares the renewed dissolution of parliament and cabinet reshuffle by caretaker Prime Minister Oli unconstitutional, which is to be expected given the clear wording of the constitution!], SC stays citizenship ordinance, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 11/06/2021() [Because of the Hindu thinking of the ruling elite, women continue to be discriminated against. If children of Nepali women with foreign men do not have an unrestricted right to citizenship, then according to Article 18 of the Constitution this also applies to children of Nepali men and foreign women! However, neither is right!], Stateless in their own country : The ordinance gave thousands of Nepalis who have no citizenship hope that they could perhaps finally get one. But with the Supreme Court declaring it void, that hope has been lost for now, by Raksha Ram Harijan (rec 11/06/2021) [Oli didn't want this change either, he only initiated it now for political reasons because he wanted to get supporters from the Tarai with it!], Apex court's stay on citizenship ordinance raises questions (ht 12/06/2021)

Walking two hours daily for a free mealHundreds of families in the Capital are struggling to manage two square meals after they lost their means of livelihood, by Anup Ojha (kp 10/06/2021)

Right to bodily autonomy under threat, say activists (ht 07/06/2021)

16 years on, justice still eludes victims of Bandarmudhe blast (ht 07/06/2021)

Badi women urge government to legalise sex work (ht 07/06/2021)

Three arrested for sexually abusing Raute women (rep 06/06/2021), Three men arrested on charge of sexually assaulting two Raute girlsThe suspects took the victims to a local hotel, got them drunk and sexually assaulted them, according to police; Police made the arrests after video of  the incident  went viral on  social media, by Chandan Kathayat (kp 07/06/2021), District court orders media to remove contents regarding rape case of Raute women (rep 12/06/2021)

Health workers at Bheri Hospital call probe committee’s report unfairMedical fraternity in Banke says the committee failed to provide a fair investigation into all aspects of the incident since it has not addressed the issue of violence against women, by Thakur Singh Tharu, Rupa Gahatraj and Madhu Shahin (kp 05/06/2021)

Discrimination cases got worse during pandemic, Dalit rights advocates say : Incidents of discrimination haven’t decreased due to lax implementation of law, according to national rights body, by Binod Ghimire (kp 05/06/2021) [see press release by NHRC (in Nepali)]

Women treated as second class in Nepali films: Study (kh 05/06/2021) [see corresponding research report]

Lockdown has been especially hard on Valley’s visually-impaired persons : Most of the visually-impaired persons in the Valley were employed in the informal sector, by Anup Ojha (kp 04/06/2021)

NHRC urges to ensure Dalit’s rights to justice and equality (kh 04/06/2021)

KMC provides hotline number 1180 in aid of people without food (kh 04/06/2021)

Province Chief Kalauni calls to end all sorts of discriminatory practices (kh 04/06/2021)

Police misbehaviour with citizens under scanner, thanks to social media, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 03/06/2021)

Youth charged with rape, hostage-taking in Sarlahi (ht 03/06/2021)

Strike ban on areas of essential goods and services expanded (ht 02/06/2021)

Malnourished children deprived of care as nutritional rehabs are converted into isolation facilities : Doctors warn child and infant mortality will increase, and years of effort and investment  in reducing child mortality will go to waste, if the issue is continuously ignored, by Arjun Poudel (kp 02/06/2021)

Environmentalists warn plan to export stones, pebbles and sand can spell ecological disaster : The announcement in the budget speech was made without Environment Ministry’s knowledge, say officials who fear it could lead to unchecked exploitation of resources to the point the country may not have enough for itself, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 01/06/2021)

Burnt Doti woman to be taken to Kathmandu : An unknown group set her ablaze when she was asleep (ht 01/06/2021), Doti burn vicitm to get Rs 2 lakh for treatment (ht 03/06/2021)

Time to end the unacceptable: Together we can end child labour, by Chihoko Asada-Miyakawa (ht 31/05/2021)

School dropout remains a challenge, survey report shows : Poverty, parents’ illiteracy and lack of learning environment are major reasons behind high dropout rates, education experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/05/2021) [see report by Ministry of Finance in Nepali], Online classes a far cry for many students (ht 30/05/2021)

Migrant Workers’ Contribution vs. Government Behavior, by Nitish Lal Shrestha (kh 29/05/2021)

Aid pours into Nepal, but where be vaccines? International community rushes oxygen and PPEs, but Nepal is not even getting the vaccines it paid for, by Sonia Awale (nt 28/05/2021)

Journo threatened over news (ht 28/05/2021)

Health workers at Bheri Hospital attacked by relatives of deceased patient, by Arjun Oli (rep 28/05/2021), Health ministry expresses concern over physical assault on health workers at Bheri Hospital (rep 28/05/2021), “There was no option but to jump off the window to save our lives” (rep 28/05/2021)

Domestic violence: Lessons from Nepal’s first nationwide lockdown : Risks have increased due to restrictions on movement, confinement with perpetrators, constant surveillance, and disconnect from social support systems, by Simran Shrestha, Sagun Bhetwal and Dikshya Khadgi (ae 27/05/2021)

What about the poor? Officials cannot continue to evade responsibility even as people go to bed hungry (kp 27/05/2021)

Stop intimidating journos: Amnesty International (ht 27/05/2021)

The subtle art of misogyny: Time to break free of it, by Supriya Pudasainy (ht 27/05/2021)

Lockdown disrupts dairy sector as sales suffer, feed becomes scarce : With hotels and restaurants shut, farmers can’t sell their milk because there are no buyers. Residents also do not want to come out of their houses to buy milk due to risk of infection, by Chandani kathayat, LP Devkota and Biplab Bhattarai (kp 27/05/2021)

Decision to close groceries triggers panic buying : Experts fear virus surge, call decision short-sighted, by Anup Ojha (kp 27/05/2021)

Covid-19 fuelling child labour in Nepal, a new Human Rights Watch report says : With little support from the government, children have been forced to work for long gruelling hours for low pay (kp 26/05/2021) [HRW report “I Must Work to Eat” - Covid-19, Poverty, and Child labor in Ghana, Nepal, and Uganda]

“Immediate rescue plan needed for Nepalis stuck abroad” (rep 26/05/2021) [As in 2020, the oh-so-competent Oli government refuses to honour its responsibilities!]

Fight for survival, by Nitish Lal Shrestha (kh 25/05/2021), Valley’s poor worry about food as authorities prepare to extend lockdown by another week : Rights activist Mohna Ansari says the state must support the needy in times of crisis, by Anup Ojha (kp 25/05/2021)

Chain of injustice : The perpetrators of the caste killings in Rukum West are yet to face justice (kp 25/05/2021)

Nepalis on social media take a dig at Oli over his criticism of a Kantipur cartoon : The Post’s sister paper had run the cartoon two days after President Bhandari endorsed Prime Minister Oli’s House dissolution decision with promptitude, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 24/05/2021)

Prez Bhandari issues ordinance on citizenship (rep 23/05/2021) [In order to manipulate the JSP!], President issues Citizenship Ordinance : The ordinance addresses concerns of Madhes-centric parties (kh 23/05/2021), Oli attempts to use citizenship ordinance for his political gains : Timing raises questions over intentions as bill had been pending in Parliament for years, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 24/05/2021), Attorney General Badal addresses concerns on citizenship ordinance (kh 24/05/2021)

How are we failing our daughters? Parents have the biggest role to play in taking care of the mental health of their children, by Rojisha Shahi Thakuri (kp 23/05/2021)

People with disabilities facing the brunt of COVID pandemic (ht 23/05/2021)

Private hospital bills give poor Covid-19 patients the shivers : Hospitals are overcharging patients up to three times the rates fixed by the government. Yet no action has been taken, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 23/05/2021)

House dissolution and announcement of midterm election amid COVID-19 pandemic is inhuman cruelty: Bibeksheel Sajha Party (rep 23/05/2021)

A pandemic of apathy: How our MPs failed to address Covid-19 : It’s our great misfortune that the ones in power  continue to protect their own interests, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp 21/05/2021)

Nepal’s humanitarian emergency : Nepal’s leaders need to demonstrate the same acumen they have shown at fighting each other to fight the virus (nt 21/05/2021)

Scars of the Maoist conflict : Resetting the truth commission now is a priority if citizens are to get closure, by Anttoni James Numminem (kp 20/05/2021)

Amid focus on Covid-19, pregnant women at risk of not getting care : More maternal deaths reported of late, as women avoid hospitals fearing infections. If infected, pregnant women and new mothers have higher risk of dying, experts say, by Arjun Poudel (kp 19/05/2021)

What are Nepali youth thinking?, by Jagannath Lamichhane, Sanjaya Mahato and Sushav Niraula (rep 16/05/2021) [see corresponding Niti report]

Seeking a rights-based approach to healthcare : The pandemic should be a wake-up call for Nepal to revamp its public healthcare system, by Mandira Sharma and Karuna Parajuli (kp 16/05/2021)

Govt urged to protect citizens' right to life (ht 16/05/2021)

Police urge women to report cases of domestic violence without fear : 624 women and girls had experienced violence during the lockdown last year (ht 15/05/2021)

Child marriage – when will it be over?, by Namrata Bhattarai (ht 14/05/2021)

Amnesty Int'l urges govts in South Asia to take urgent action to combat COVID-19 surge (rep 13/05/2021) [see AI statement: South Asia: Urgent action needed to combat deadly COVID-19 surge across region (Amnesty International 13/05/2021)

How the raging coronavirus pandemic is tearing families apart : The government’s inefficiency and apathy towards  handling the pandemic has made things much more  challenging for people infected with Covid-19, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp 13/05/2021), Nepal’s vaccination status : The country so far has received 3.14 million doses and used 2.39 million of them (kp 13/05/2021)

HRW urges Nepal to act urgently to avert looming COVID-19 disaster (ht 11/05/2021) [see: Nepal: Act to Avert Looming Covid-19 Disaster : Desperate Need for Supplies, Oxygen as Cases Surge (HRW 10/05/2021)]

The sting operations : It is very difficult to say what possible impacts the ban will have on the anti-corruption drive, by Narayan Manandhar (kp 11/05/2021)

Out of control : It is the coronavirus pandemic, and not the media narrative, that should be under control (kp 10/05/2021)

Valley hospitals face shortage of oxygen, many have stopped admitting patients : Oxygen manufacturers say demand has gone up four times their production capacity. China has given 3,500 cylinders as a grant but they will take three weeks to arrive, by Arjun Poudel (kp 09/05/2021), Oli’s virus ‘situation under control’ remark meets with criticism : Crisis continues to deepen with over 8,000 new cases  and 53 deaths. Many from Oli’s orbit and over two dozen lawmakers test positive ahead of May 10 House session, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp 09/05/2021) [??? Bring Mr Oli under control immediately!], Covid-19 hospitals in Province 1 overwhelmed with patients : BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences stops admitting new patients citing lack of beds, by Pradeep Menyangbo (kp 09/05/2021), Deaths likely to soar with oxygen crunch (ht 09/05/2021)

NHRC for effective health services for COVID patients (ht 09/05/2021)

Teacher arrested for raping student (ht 06/05/2021)

Two held for murder attempt in Bajura (ht 06/05/2021)

Free Press Checks Disinformation, by Namrata Sharma (rn 05/05/2021)

Apex court decrees Jhapa District Court : verdict illegal, orders release of minor, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 04/05/2021)

Conflict victims seek prosecution of perpetrators (ht 03/05/2021) [see statement by Advocacy Forum-Nepal]

Campaigners join global call for lawful postings at human rights commission : The National Human Rights Commission has the chance of becoming a mere shadow of the government, they say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 03/05/2021)

NHRC urges govt to handle health crisis effectively (ht 02/05/2021)

So what does it take to be a modern Buhari? Tales of a Modern Buhari, an anonymous feminist account on Instagram, has become a safe space for urban Nepali women to share their experiences of being a woman in a patriarchal society, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp 01/05/2021)

Safeguarding Privacy In The Digital World, by Harsha Man Maharjan (rn 01/05/2021)

Kathmandu Valley’s daily wage earners worry about survival : For many daily-wage earners and squatters living in Kathmandu, they have nowhere to go to escape the brunt of the pandemic, by Anup Ojha (kp 30/04/2021) [The problem repeats itself from the first lockdown, as the Oli government is not at all interested in these people and once again believes it can solve all problems with a lockdown!], Lash of a lockdown : It’s the decline in the moral foundation of Nepali politicians that is causing this situation (kp 30/04/2021)

1.1 million child labourers in the country: Report; 3.3 per cent of child labourers in urban areas involved in hazardous work (ht 30/04/2021) {see report]

Lack of proper data on accidents and hazards at workplace puts Nepali workers off framework of occupational safety and health standards: ILO (rep 30/04/2021)

United Nations special rapporteurs urge Nepal to rectify the appointments in the National Human Rights Commission : They have pointed out the appointments were not in line with international practices and undermines the independence, integrity and legitimacy of the rights body (kp 27/04/2021)

More than 900 women go missing in Morang (ht 27/04/2021)

//Police defy court to arrest journalist, media manager: Anil Tamang and DL Tamang of ujyaalonetwork.com were detained for publishing document bearing purported signatures of KP Oli and Samant Goel, by Binod Ghimire (kp 26/04/2021), Ujyalo Network editor, publisher arrested for crime against state (ht 26/04/2021) [Oli ist nicht der Staat! Außerdem eine solche Regierungsmaßnahme gerichtlich untersagt untersagt!], FNJ demands )immediate release of journalists (ht 26/04/2021)

Nepal Indigenous communities vindicated in rare European human rights victory (LAHURNIP 23/04/2021)

Billions spent on Dharahara but school reconstruction suffering in lack of funds : Reconstruction of college buildings damaged in the 2015 earthquakes is yet to begin as the government only recently decided to take Indian loan despite stringent conditions, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/04/2021)

Caste discrimination still prevalent in Karnali, by lalit Bahadur Budha (ae 22/04/2021)

Rape laws in Nepal insufficient, inconsistent and unenforced (Record, 21/04/2021), Justice eludes rape victims in six South Asian countries, including Nepal ;  Rape survivors and their families face pressure to withdraw complain (ht 22/04/2021), Khadka held from UML HQ for calling CM Rai a ‘rapist’ (kh 22/04/2021) [??]

Online classes for some : The pandemic has exposed yet another  harsh reality—the digital divide (kp 21/04/2021)

Siraha woman accused of practicing witchcraft, tortured (ht 19/04/2021)

Woman raped, killed in Udayapur (ht 19/04/2021)

Street Drama Staged To Control Child Marriage (rn 17/04/2021)

Discriminatory citizenship laws continue to disenfranchise Nepalis : Despite constitutional provisions, inaction on supporting laws has meant that individuals are routinely denied citizenship through their mothers, by Bimita GC (Record 16/04/2021) [Thanks to Oli and all the other patriarchal so-called leaders!]

Quarter of Nepalis still hungry during pandemic : A year into the Covid-19 crisis, Nepalis have more food but still suffer under-nutrition (nt 16/04/2021)

Parliamentary committee endorses report recommending reproductive right to women inmates (rep 16/04/2021)

Kanchanpur prison houses over four times more prisoners (kh 15/04/2021)

Remote local unit in Gorkha enhancing public access to information : Dharche Rural Municipality has employed heralds and used radio services to disseminate information in highlands, by Hariram Upreti (kp 14/04/2021)

Supreme Court scraps provision requiring online media to renew their registration each year (rep 14/04/2021)

How a conversation around the length of one’s hair exposed the toxic environment of a Kathmandu school: A number of former and current students at St Mary’s School say the institution reeks of  toxicity, with many suffering through years of harassment, queerphobia, and humiliation, by Ankit Khadgi and Samiksha Baral (kp 13/04/2021)

Women’s unpaid care work : Let’s recognise it, by Bandana Rana (ht 13/04/2021)

Free legal aid inadequate, ineffective, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 12/04/2021)

Child marriage rampant in far-flung Bajura (ht 11/04/2021)

An election of journalists under the shadow of political parties : Almost all candidates have backing of parties, leaving little space for independent ones to lead, which many say could affect independence of Federation of Nepali Journalists, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 09/04/2021), FNJ Must Rise Above Partisan Interest, by Kundan Aryal (rn 09/04/2021)

Shamed for bleeding : Nepali women still have to deal with period shame, by Anjana Rajbhandary (nt 09/04/2021)

Combat human trafficking : As many as 300 children, more girls than boys, go missing every month in Nepal (kp 08/04/2021)

VAW On Rise, Seven Rape Cases Reported Daily In Nepal, by Deepa Chaudhary (rn 07/04/2021)

Nepal 2020 (excerpt from Amnesty International report 2020/21, 07/04/2021), Nepal’s security forces used excessive force in peaceful protests : Amnesty International (kh 07/04/2021), Amnesty International paints bleak picture of rights situation in Nepal Report calls Nepal out for custody deaths, police brutality, curbs on freedom and failure to probe conflict-era crimes (kp 08/04/2021), AI paints dismal picture of human rights in Nepal (ht 08/04/2021)

Early marriage and teen pregnancy rampant in Karnali Province : According to the Ministry of Social Development, 41,000 teenage girls got married in Karnali in the last three years, by Chandani Kathayat (kp 07/04/2021)

Women representatives in Achham are excluded from decision-making roles : Most women ward members say the inclusion policy has only served as a token gesture to fulfil gender and caste representation requirements at the local level, by Menuka Dhungana (kp 05/04/2021) [All the male Bahuns who dominate all levels in the state and parties, even though they are recruited from only 6% of the population, consider the state as their property and have no interest whatsoever in social inclusion, decentralisation and federalism! Ending the Bahun patriarchy requires a fundamental change in the state, parties and society!]

United Nations questions rights body’s autonomy after controversial appointments : Five National Human Rights Commission office bearers were appointed after the Oli government introduced an ordinance in December to amend recommendation rules, by Binod Ghimire (kp 03/04/2021)

Judge's daughter-in-law complains of torture (ht 03/04/2021)

Haliya family struggling for life for want of treatment (ht 02/04/2021), Freed haliyas in Bajura still remain victims of state apathy (ht 04/04/2021)

Pandemic Puts Women On Receiving End, by Namrata Sharma (rn 31/03/2021)

52% Nepalis support declaring Nepal a Hindu state: Nationwide survey, by Shree Ram Subedi (rep 30/03/2021) [This little opinion poll was not a political election. In a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious state like Nepal, one cannot link state identification with any one of these cultures and religions. Otherwise, we will have the same situation that has existed for centuries and is the cause of many of today's serious social problems. Even according to the opinion poll, more than 40 per cent would obviously feel discriminated against. Only a secular and socially inclusive state suits Nepal, but the country is still miles away from that! Why at all is the Hindu state brought into play in this otherwise purely politically oriented opinion poll?]

Flood-displaced families await relocation : It’s been almost a year since the disaster but the displaced families in Myagdi are still living in temporary huts, by Ghanshyam Khadka (kp 29/03/2021)

Child marriage continues unabated (ht 29/03/2021)

Malnourished child left in lurch in Bajura (ht 29/03/2021)

Law implementation remains weak in cases of caste-based discrimination : A report says police are reluctant to register cases. And even if cases get registered, they lack evidence to back up the claims, which results in low conviction rate, by Binod Ghimire (kp 28/03/2021)

Data collection for national ID card distribution hits snag : Against the target to collect the details of 10 million people, the government may only be able to collect the details of 4.4.5 million people because of Covid-19 scare, officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 28/03/2021) [And what about the millions of Nepalis who are denied citizenship because they do not fit into the male Bahuns' concept of national identity?]

Jurisdictions of human rights protection ambiguous: NHRC (ht 28/03/2021)

Only 217 migrant workers availed of government’s pandemic repatriation scheme : Poor implementation of the programme led to low numbers, labour rights experts say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 27/03/2021) [One of numerous cases of complete failure by the Oli government!]

Give business to HoR : Some of the bills are sensitive and require cautious deliberation before they are passed by the parliament (ht), Break the cycle of impunity for rape : Repeal statute of limitations,  by Laxmi Pokharel and Boram Jang (ht 26/03/2021)

Karma never forgets : The spectre of injustice comes back to haunt the perpetrators of Sri Lankan war crimes (kp 26/03/2021) [Remembering the continued denial of justice to the victims of the Maoist insurgency by the Nepali state and its political parties!]

IFC partners with Nepal Stock Exchange for gender equality (kp 26/03/2021)

17 Dalits killed after introduction of act against untouchability (ht 25/03/2021)

Empowering women farmers : Agricultural mechanisation is the key, by Pratigya Silwal and Subha Khanal (ht 25/03/2021)

Marriage is no license to rape : Sexual violence by intimate partner is largely unreported due to social stigma as well as the belief that forced sexual relation by a husband without the consent of the wife doesn’t constitute violence, by Roshani Giri (rep 25/03/2021)

My body, my rights : There is growing evidence that the Covid-19 economic recession has led to increased vulnerabilities, by Christian Manhart and Eunsong Kim (kp 24/03/2021)

Girl injured after boyfriend sets her on fire by dousing her with kerosene in capital (rep 23/03/2021)

Media’s help sought to fight modern-day slavery (ht 23/03/2021)

Police tend to make public suspects too quickly and that’s wrong, experts sayThe practice came to light once again when four people were paraded without ascertaining what they possessed was actually uranium, a material used for making nuclear bombs, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 22/03/2021), Guilty until proven innocent? The practice of making suspects public too quickly is wrong (kp 23/03/2021)

Political instability an excuse to delay justice, conflict victims say : Leaderships of major political parties have refused to sit for a meeting with the victims, by Binod Ghimire (kp 22/03/2021)

Amnesty urges FIFA to act on abuses against migrant workers in Qatar as World Cup qualifiers set to kick off : Over the years, Qatar has been criticised for the ill-treatment and exploitation of migrants who have been working on the infrastructure for the 2022 global football extravaganza (kp 22/03/2021) [see letter to Gianni Infantino by Amnesty International, 15/03/2021]

Representation of women in state organs dismal: NHRC report (ht 20/03/2021) [see annual report of NHRC]

Nepali man released on bail after 40 years in Indian prison (rep 20/03/2021) [This man seems completely psychologically destroyed after 40 years without trial in an Indian prison! India should be held accountable for this. Why have Nepal's politicians and monarchs never stood up for him? ], ‘I was innocent’, says Timsina upon his release after 40 years in Indian prison : The 60-year-old was jailed on charges of murdering a woman in Darjeeling in 1980. News about him came to light when an inmate spoke of him after his release last October, by Parbat Portel (kp 21/03/2021), A Nepali mother meets her son after 40 years (rep 21/03/2021), Durga Prasad Timsina reunites with his mother after four decades : The 60-year-old, who had been held in Indian prison without proper trial for the last 40 years, meets his 85-year-old mother and relatives at his ancestral home in Ilam, by Biplav Bhattarai and Parbat Portel (kp 22/03/2021), Kafkaland blues : For the poor, the marginalised and the illiterate, the criminal justice process itself is the punishment (kp 22/03/2021), India court orders state to consider compensating Timsina : Family faced hardships due to his incarceration, the court notes, by Parbat Portel (kp 23/03/2021)

Government directed to run VAW classes in schools every week (ht 19/03/202)

“The goal is empowerment and independence of women”, Supreme Court Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla on the struggle ahead for Nepal’s feminist movement (interview) (nt 19/03/2021)

How Bhutan is fooling the world about refugee crisis : The resettled Bhutanese need to come together to make the international community aware about the reality and exert diplomatic pressure on Bhutan, by Hari Khanal (rep 19/03/2021)

Budget delay hampers reconstruction of houses destroyed last monsoon : Displaced families wonder how long they will have  to live without proper roof above their heads, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 18/03/2021)

Prisoners forgotten in COVID-19 pandemic, as crisis grows in detention facilities (rep 18/03/2021)

Language chauvinism : The recent arrests in Balaju show the need for greater understanding of language diversity, by Deepak Thapa (kp 18/03/2021)

Laws are not enough : We risk reversing years of hard-earned progress toward keeping children, especially girls, in school (kp 17/03/2021)

Political siblings beyond borders : Human rights advocacy and supremacist jingoism do not go together, by CK Lal (kp 17/03/2021)

Musahars deprived of land for lack of citizenship (ht 17/03/2021)

2,219 of 2,729 missing children found, reintegrated with family (ht 17/03/2021)

In Kalikot district, incidents of child marriage are still rampant169 incidents of child marriage were reported in two local units of the district in 2020, by Tularam Pandey (kp 16/03/2021)

Death without dignity : The government must arrange for the return of the remains of deceased migrant workers, by Anurag Devkota (kp 16/03/2021)

Many senior citizens continue to be neglected: NHRC report (ht 15/03/2021)

Why participation isn’t enough : Women’s participation  in decision making may  not mean they are truly empowered, by Sahara Basnet (kp 15/03/2021)

Bomb blast at Lahan’s Land Revenue Office, three injured, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep 14/03/2021), Lahan Blast: Pamphlets of Jay Krishna Goit-led Janatantrik Tarai Mukti Morcha recovered from incident site, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep 14/03/2021), Tarai Janatantrik Mukti Morcha’s leaflet found in Lahan blast, by Kamalesh Thakur (kh 14/03/2021), Eight injured, two critically, in a blast at a government office in SirahaThe explosion, for which Jaya Krishna Goit-led group has taken responsibility, shows radical forces continue to exist and they should be brought to the talks table, analysts say, by Bharat Jarghamagar and Tika R Pradhan (kp 15/03/2021) [Only a few days ago, PM Oli claimed that there was no militancy left in Nepal, except for the one he had started. That was probably a false statement!], Shun violence : Let us hope Nepal is not witnessing a resurgence of those violent activities that brought the country to a standstill (ht) 16/03/2021)

Rebuttal to international rights concerns draws flak : The National Human Rights Commission’s response to statements by Human Rights Watch and others is unprincipled, unwarranted, ex-officials say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 13/03/2021) [This is part of the destruction of Nepal's reputation in the democratic world by the machinations of Oli!]

New gender equality policy to end discrimination (ht 11/03/2021) [???]

Dalit Network urges govt to address Badi people’s problems (kh 11/03/2021), Badi people end protest after 16 day : Provincial government of Karnali has pledged to address the demands concerning their rehabilitation and reintegration, by Kalendra Sejuwal (kp 12/03/2021)

Making the country safe for women : Many times people who have been raped feel it was their fault and they end up feeling disgusted for something which was not their fault at all, by Nilima Adhikari (rep 10/03/2021)

Global bodies' statements against country's sovereignty, says NHRC (ht 09/03/2021) [The allegations of the NHRC prove that this commission in its present composition, fabricated by PM Oli, has lost all independence and is in thrall to the Oli government!], NHRC’s ire : It is surprising that no one showed any concern when the posts in the constitutional bodies had been lying vacant for a long time (ht 10/03/2021)

Harassment, misogyny still all too common for women : The law has ensured women’s representation in the  political sphere but attitudes have not changed, by Samiksha Baral (kp 08/03/2021)

Our right to move : Restrictive policies have only served to delegitimise women’s free movement, by Neha Choudhary and Sandhya Sitoula (kp 08/03/2021)

Social media is ‘dangerous’ to women journalists in Nepal, by Anjali Subedi (rep 08/03/2021)

‘What I do today will make things better for women tomorrow’ : Quietly and away from the limelight, across the country women are working  on behalf of women to make society more equitable and just for them, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp 08(03/2021)

Many Nepalis deprived of citizenship certificate (ht 07/03/2021)

Muktikot village in Bajura grapples with acute food shortage, by Prakash Singh (ht 07/03/2021)

Ill practices, society's attitude root causes for sexual violence (ht 06/03/2021)

Address Badis' woes : It is the responsibility of the government to provide basic amenities to the underprivileged groups (ht 05/03/2021), Badi people’s sit-in continues for two weeks : Around 400 people of the Badi community have come to Surkhet for the protest, demanding land plots, by Kalendra Sejuwal (kp 07/03/2021)

Acid attack survivor Muskan Khatun wins 2021 International Women of Courage Award (rep 05/03/2021)

Of trafficking and absurd rules : Long before, women travelling abroad were routinely subjected to humiliating questions about why and with whom they were travelling, or how they could afford to do so, by Bishal Thapa (ae 05/03/2021), Two decades of debate on female migration : A look back at how we have come back full circle in 20 years about the ban on migration. Or maybe we never left, by Upasana Khadka (nt 05/03/2021)

Linguistic discrimination and conflict : As long as there is unfairness, the goal of an inclusive and prosperous Nepal is impossible, by Sangmo Yonjan-Tamang (kp 03/03/2021)

Supreme Court lenient on pressing contempt charge against journalists, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 02/03/2021) [!!!]

Decriminalisation of abortion in Nepal: Tabooed yet crucial debate, by Bandana Upreti and Samana Kafle (ht 02/03/2021)

Nepal’s Human Rights Commission’s integrity in jeopardy, three international human rights groups say : In a joint statement on Monday, Human Rights Watch, the International Commission of Jurists, and Amnesty International said that lack of transparency in appointments undermines effectiveness and public confidence (kp 01/03/2021) [see common statement of AI, HRW and ICJ: Nepal: Human Rights Commission’s Integrity in Jeopardy : Lack of Transparency in Appointments Undermine Effectiveness, Public Confidence], NBA opposes recent appointments in constitutional bodies (ht 01/03/2021), Global bodies decry lack of transparency in appointments to constitutional bodies (ht 02/0372021)

Bridging the gender gap  in higher education : Just improving literacy rates as a token of inclusion may not improve gender parity, by Roshee Lamichhane (kp 01/03/2021)

Fault lines of anti-trafficking discourse in Nepal : Anti-trafficking community has failed to truly empower young girls and women and has instead added to their insecurity by holding them responsible for a situation which is out of their control, by Vaishally Shah (rep 01/03/2021)

Girl held captive for a week and raped in Gorkha, by Narahari Sapkota (rep 01/03/2021)

They spoke up and they are receiving threats : Harassment, death and rape threats, and bigotry against women are a silent epidemic affecting their right to speak up against issues, women activists say, by Samiksha Baral (kp 28/02/2021)

Gangamaya’s health in critical condition (rep 28/02/2021)

Narrow the gap : Although the constitution has not discriminated its citizens based on gender, the laws need to be amended to see this in practice (ht 26/02/2021) [The constitution, too, discriminates against women, for example with regard to citizenship law!]

As World Cup draws closer, Nepalis continue to die in Qatar : A recent investigation by the Guardian has shown that at least 1,641 Nepali workers have died in the Gulf country in the last decade, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 26/02/2021)

Curtailing women’s liberty : The rule proposed by Department of Immigration tries to force the patriarchal vision of society onto women through the fabric of legislation. This policy is based on classification of sex, by Niyati Adhikari (rep 24/02/2021)

Six held for seeking justice for Nirmala (ht 23/02/2021) [It is a crime to demand justice for rape victims when His Majesty the Prime Minister is in town!]

Addressing HR violations : Nepal Police needs to reform, by Mohna Ansari (ht 23/02/2021)

Execute penal code : The government should take corrective measures to make improvements in the criminal justice system (ht 23/02/2021)

Manifestation of misogyny : If the government really wants to ‘protect’ women it needs to make the country safe from violence, prejudices, practices and laws that harm and humiliate women, by Grishma Bista (rep 22/02/2021)

Nutrition deficiency still prevalent despite country spending billions to address the issue : Distribution of complementary foods and micronutrients alone will not address the problem, nutritionists say, by Arjun Poudel (kp 22/02/2021)

What’s in a language : The government should learn from the past blunders of promoting one language (kp 22/02/2021)

Lamjung jail bursting at the seams, inmates rue poor hygiene (ht 22/02/2021)

Nepal needs to amend human trafficking laws to fully enforce Palermo Protocol, experts say : Existing laws define the crime in a narrow sense and fail to protect the victims, they argue, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 21/02/2021), 'Trafficking is crime of moral turpitude', by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 21/02/2021), Stronger laws needed : Merely handing down prison terms and fines is not going to deter people from engaging in human trafficking law (ht 22/02/2021)

End of war is not peace : A generation later, the legacy of war is seen in residual violence and impunity, extortion and murder, rape and torture (nt 19/02/2021), The lingering trauma of war : 15 years after opposing sides in Nepal’s conflict made peace, a victim’s fight for truth and justice continues, by Pratibha Tuladhar (nt 19/02/2021), From the frontlines of Nepal’s war : Five reporters remember their coverage of the people caught up in the Maoist ‘People’s War’ (nt 19/02/2021)

Cases of torture declining, claims govt (kp 18/02/2021) [???]

How proposed immigration policy on women is deeply flawed : Limiting women’s education, employment and movement hinders their economic empowerment and freedom thereby perpetuating their dependency on men, by Tara Kanel (rep 18/02/2021)

Contempt of conscience : Let freedom of speech and divergent views flourish (kp 17/02/2021)

Temptations of saffron secularity and hybrid democracy : The political call for a Hindu Rashtra poses a mortal threat to the very idea of an inclusive Nepal, by CK Lal (kp 17/02/2021)

NHRC urges govt to save Ganga Maya (ht 17/02/2021)

Former chief justices reply to the court, reasserting why free speech matters : In saying House dissolution is unconstitutional, they say they used their right to freedom of expression and that does not amount to contempt of court, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 16/02/2021)

Ensure right to speech : It is sure to backfire on the government should it introduce the directives aimed at curtailing the freedom of speech (ht 15/02/2021)

Sapana Rokka Magar faces harassment; police working to arrest the accused (rep 15/02/2021)

Family of Baitadi victim still clueless about perpetrator’s identity : Police claim that they will make public the culprits soon, by Tripti Shahi (kp 14/02/2021), Someone familiar involved in Bhagrathi rape and murder case: Police (rep 14/02/2021)

Broken promise : The Nepal government has failed to live up to its commitments on transitional justice, by Ram Dayal Rakesh (kp 14/02/2021) [Oli has implemented almost nothing of what he had announced three years ago. All Nepali politicians think and act similarly, but Oli's failure is particularly extreme!]

Bardiya municipalities unite to keep memories of war victims alive : Local and provincial governments can now do their bit to  provide relief for victims of the conflict, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 14/02/2021)

'Reject contitutional appointments bypassing parliamentary hearing' : Rights activists are very certain that the National Human Rights Commission will not be able to do its job effectively as it lacks legality and validity (kp 14/02/2021)

NHRC introduces policy to ensure gender equality (ht 14/02/2021)

Man arrested for raping 14-year-old girl (kh 14/02/2021)

Draft directives to regulate social media give authorities power to define decency : Provisions of the directives, to be enforced by the Department of Information Technology, are from the controversial Information Technology Bill which is in Parliament., by Bijay Timalsina (kp 13/02/2021), New directives to control online media worry free speech proponents (ht 13/02/2021)

Fear looms the fate of Nirmala Pant case might recur, by Gajendra Basnet (kh 13/02/2021)

History of female (im)mobility in Nepal : Immigration Dept proposal is just the latest proof of a misogynist, bungling bureaucracy, by Upasana Khadka (nt 12/02/2021)

Proposed travel rule change may not help control women’s trafficking, experts say : Immigration official tries but fails to convince protesters that the government is not trying to curtail anyone’s rights, by Chandan Kumar Mandal and Samikshy Baral (kp 12/02/2021) [But it helps the patriarchy to control women even better! According to the thinking of Hindu fundamentalists like Oli, this is perfectly fine!]

Nepal’s ‘inferior’ women : Nepal is still a highly patriarchal society that looks upon women as second-class citizens (ae 12/02/2021), ‘Women’s March’ in Kathmandu to demand an end to violence against women and impunity : People from various walks of life are participating in the march from Basantapur to Singha Durbar gate (kp 12/02/2021), ‘Justice, justice, justice’ : Fed up with inaction, women march to demand end to impunity, by Samiksha Baral (kp 13/02/2021), Hundreds rally in capital for women’s rights (ht 13/02/2021)

Children becoming victims of sexual exploitation due to internet misuse (ht 11/02/2021)

Girl abducted and raped in Morang, by Chuman Basnet (rep 11/02/2021)

Children in stress due to parent’s dispute, by Sabina Karki (kh 11/02/2021)

Leader Ram Kumari Jhakri Arrested (rn 11/02/2021), NCP's Dahal-Nepal faction leader Jhakri arrested from home for "committing a crime against state" (rep 11/02/2021), Dahal-Nepal faction protesting outside Jhakri’s residence as police prepare to arrest her (rep 11/02/2021), NC leader Thapa takes strong exception to Jhankri’s arrest (kh 11/02/2021), Dr. Koirala condemns Jhakri’s arrest, demands immediate release (kh 11/02/2021), Habeas corpus petition filed at SC against Jhakri’s arrest (kh 11/02/2021), In Jhakri’s arrest, analysts see Oli government’s intent to curb free speech : The leader was charged with crime against the state, before she was released, for her remarks on the President, but legal experts say police stretched the law a bit too far, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 12/02/2021)

Standard for expanding GBV Prevention Fund developed (ht 10/02/2021)

Eliminating gender based violence : The way political leadership is working to end gender-based violence in our country is not inspiring enough. There should be greater commitment and more actions, by Mandip Lamichhane (rep 10/02/2021), Smash rape culture : Impunity is one of the reasons why sexual violence continues to thrive (kp 11/02/2021) [The Oli government and political parties care more about their sympathisers, even if they are perpetrators! They also regard women as inferior creatures, subordinate to men in every way!]

Lactating mothers, newborns in the far-west forced to stay in cowsheds after childbirth, by Prakash Singh (ht 10/02/2021)

New rule requiring women under 40 to take approval from family, local ward office to go abroad draws criticism : Social media users call it a regressive move, saying the decision deprives women of their agency and limits their right to free movement (kp 10/02/2021) [Oli, the misogynist!], New directives to regulate media, social networking sites in offing (ht 10/02/2021) [Media censorship in preparation!], New rule on foreign travel for women under 40 draws ire as patriarchal and preposterousIn what is described by public and rights defenders as a regressive move, government says women under 40 years of age must take consent from family to fly abroad on visit visas, by Chandan Kumar Mandal and Samiksha Baral (kp 11/02/2021), DoI expresses concern over news reports on alleged requirement of letter from local govt and permission of family to woman under 40 to travel abroad (rep 11/02/2021)

Why women should be given equal rights in citizenship : Nepal’s sovereignty will be stronger if we empower our women and children and weaker if we disenfranchise the children of Nepali mothers. A nation that treats its citizens unequally is doomed from within, by Riti Prasai (rep 09/02/2021)

Three incidents of rape and attempted rape reported in five days in Gorkha (rep 09/02/2021)

Locals worried that culprits of Bhagrathi rape and murder case may escape (rep 09/02/2021)

Four years old girl raped in school, by Narahari Sapkota (rep 08/02/2021)

Nepali girl gang raped and murdered in Bihar (rep 08/02/2021)

Baitadi father shoots daughter, torches house and flees, by Tekendra Deuba (ht 07/02/2021)

Human trafficking laws need to be amended, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 07/02/2021), Amend the laws : Amending the laws as per the protocol would ensure adequate compensation to the victims and tough punishment to the traffickers (ht 08/02/2021)

How Nepali migrants suffered during the pandemic : In the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, job loss created a financial hardship to low-skilled migrants. It cut off the survival lifelines of the family members back home, by Dinesh Prasad Joshi and Laxmi Kumar Parajuli (rep 07/02/2021)

Teenage girl found dead in Baitadi forest : The girl’s family suspects that she was murdered and have demanded authorities to arrest the perpetrators, by Tripti Shahi (kp 06/02/2021), Bhagirathi Bhatta murder case: Six arrested for interrogation (kh 06/02/2021), Bhagirathi Murder Case: Preliminary investigation suggests rape before murder, by Tekendra Deuba (ht 07/02/2021), Police ‘speed up’ investigation into Bhagarathi Bhatta murder case : Family refuses to receive dead body (kh 07/02/2021), NHRC to monitor probe into Baitadi rape, murder (ht 08/02/2021), ‘Bhagarathi raped and choked to death’, by Bira Gadal (rep 08/02/2021), Bhagarathi rape and murder case: Vaginal swab sent to Kathmandu for lab test (rep 08/02/2021), Post-mortem report reveals Baitadi teenager was raped and murdered : There were wounds in her head, legs, mouth, hands and private parts, police say, by Tripti Shahi (kp 09/02/2021), A pall of gloom and fear hangs over Baitadi village since teenage girl found deadSchools remain closed as calls grow louder that culprit(s) should be booked. Police say, based on the post-mortem report, someone killed the 17-year-old after rape, by Tripti Shahi (kp 10/02/2021)

Government has not procured essential drugs for over 18 months : The essential drugs provided for free are key to preventing deaths by non-communicable diseases, doctors say, by Arjun Poudel (kp 06/02/2021)

General strike affects life nationwide : Five trucks were vandalised in Chitwan on Thursday; vehicular movement disrupted in many other places, by Ramesh Kumar Poudel (kp 05/02/2021) [Since 1991, the cadres of the political parties do not understand what the fundamental right to strike and demonstrate entails. In any case, vandalism and coercive methods against civil society are not part of it!], As citizens bear the brunt of strikes, they ask who politicians are servingSix vehicles were vandalised in the Capital during Thursday’s general strike called by the Dahal-Nepal faction. Their fault—going about their lives to feed their families, by Anup Ojha (kp 05/02/2021), Anarchy let loose : Their intent does not seem to be to bring the democratic process back on track (kp 05/02/2021), Banda for what? People are not going to tolerate it when any political group declares shutdowns and restricts their mobility (rep 05/02/2021)

Tenure of two transitional justice bodies to be extended but it is not enough, conflict victims say : Law that allows amnesty for rights violators must be changed first, victims and activists demand., by Binod Ghimire (kp 05/02/2021)

DoPM urged to improve prison conditions (ht 04/02/2021)

Flood, landslide-displaced Baglung villagers still wait for new houses : The displaced families say government authorities and the people’s representatives are indifferent towards their problems, months after they were forced to abandon their homes, by Prakash Baral (kp 03/02/2021)

Disappearance commission starts issuing ID cards : Kin of victims say cards not associated with any facility from the state are of no use when officials are reluctant to address their concerns, by Binod Ghimire (kp 31/01/2021)

Let’s raise our voice : This is a time to unite and educate every person to speak out against gender violence, by Sachina Paudel (kp 31/01/2021)

Nepal Communist Party dispute risks further delay in justice for war victims : As Oli is wooing former Maoist combatants for his political gains, Dahal is warning that the peace process could be derailed because of the House dissolution move, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/01/2021)

Forced labour, bonded labour and child labour prevalent in country’s brick kilns sector, new report says : Organisations call for concerted efforts by all key stakeholders–government, industry employers and workers–to work for a decent work agenda in the country’s brick production industry (kp 29/01/2021) [see UNICEF report], Forced, bonded, child labour thrives in brick kiln sector, report says : Organisations call for efforts by government, industry employers and workers to strive for a decent work agenda in the country’s brick production industry (kp 30/01/2021)

Threat to Nepal’s hard-fought democratic ideals : The civil society movement not only must insist on punishing Oli, but also push for a new political culture, by Pramod Mishra (kp 28/01/2021)

Poor HR record : Making amendments to the TRC Act and NHRC Act are a must to gain support from the international community (ht 28/01/2021)

Clarification on alleged extrajudicial killing sought (ht 28/01/2021), Four UN special rapporteurs on human rights seek details on investigations into deaths in custody and police actions : In a correspondence addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the four special rapporteurs have said that non-investigation into such deaths is against international conventions Nepal is party to (kp 28/01/2021), Lack of probe into deaths at hands of police concern for UN : Four special rapporteurs on human rights remind Nepal of its obligation to look into such cases, punish perpetrators. Officials say they are unaware of such correspondence, by Binod Ghimire (kp 29/01/2021)

Nepal has made little progress on transitional justice, Amnesty International Nepal says : The rights group says despite making numerous commitments at international forums, the country achieved little in terms of real delivery (kp 26/01/2021)

Campaigners decry use of force by police on peaceful civic protest against the House dissolution move : Unwarned, protesters were hit by water cannons and  beaten up as they marched towards Baluwatar. Earlier in the day, rights activists were rounded up from same area, by Anup Ojha (kp 26/01/2021), [The police action as now ordered by the Oli government is criminal and a serious violation of basic human rights. The behaviour of the police has not changed since the end of the authoritarian royal Panchayat system!], Rights activists protesting HoR dissolution arrested from Baluwatar (ht 26/01/2021), Police use water canons, baton charge citizen protesters in Baluwatar (ht 26/01/2021), Do not suppress dissent : The attack on citizens’ peaceful protests is unacceptable in a democracy (kp 27/01/2021), Assault on civil liberties : Monday's use of force against civil society activists and intellectuals is a fresh reminder of how the Oli government is inching toward an authoritarian rule (rep 27/01/2021)

Several protesters injured as police use force on participants of Baluwatar March : Writers, poets, artists, intellectuals and members of the public were participating in the rally (kp 25/01/2021) [Even more than the protests of the parties, these intellectuals endanger Oli's ambitions for power and must be silenced, he thinks!], Rights activists protesting HoR dissolution arrested from Baluwatar (ht), Rights activists protesting HoR dissolution arrested from Baluwatar (ht 25/01/2021), Rights activists protesting HoR dissolution arrested from Baluwatar (ht), Baluwatar wears tense look as police obstruct march by civil society members (with photos), by Monika Malla (rep 25/01/2021)

Poverty and lack of awareness and access forcing many to resort to unsafe abortion : Even 19 years after legalisation, women’s struggle for safe abortion continues. As a result, they put their health at risk and are unable to exercise their rights, experts say, by Samiksha Baral (kp 24/01/2021)

Kalikot teens run successful campaign against Chhaupadi : Campaign inspires girls and women to abandon period sheds, by Tularam Pandey (kp 23/01/2021)

Nepali women migrants repatriated from Beirut : Migrant workers, mostly women, have been hit hard in the West Asian country reeling under multiple crises, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 23/01/2021), Is foreign employment a choice or a compulsion? Labor migration is not safe for innocent Nepali migrant workers. The government should ensure that every single Nepali worker in foreign land is paid decent salary and treated with dignity, by Bipana Thapa (rep 23/01/2021)

When will Dalit lives matter? Despite voices being raised in the Capital and across the country against the injustices inflicted on Dalit people, their plight remains the same.  The Post takes a look at the events that took shape last year and why they were not enough, by Srizu Bajracharya (kp 23/01/2021)

PM Oli assures ex-Maoists commanders of finding solution to their problems (kh 23/01/2021) [And what about the problems of the victims of the insurgency and their families, Mr Oli??]

Nepal yet to ensure transitional justice: Officials have been repeating same commitments at international fora, but have done little to implement them, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/01/2021) [The statement read out by the foreign minister sounded in part like a fairy tale story! Promises made for years, but not kept, were presented as if they would be implemented!], NHRC urges govt to ensure implementation of its past recommendations (rep 23/01/2021),
Govt urged to implement NHRC recommendations (ht 24/01/2021)

Universal Periodic Review: Nepal quizzed on transitional justice, rights, Tibetan refugee issue : Foreign Minister Gyawali reiterates Nepal’s commitment to human rights, deflects US queries on Nepal-China agreements as a bilateral matter, by Anil Giri (kp 22/01/2021), United Nations urged to tell Nepal government to protect civic freedom : Physical attacks on journalists, rights activists continue to undermine civic space (ht 22/01/2021)

Writ petition filed against renewal of online media (rep 19/01/2021)

Media fails to uphold its role as watchdog : The government tried to stop criticism by  threatening and spreading fear among journalists, by Bhanu Bhakta Acharya (kp 18/01/2021)

‘Govt working to end discrimination against women’ (ht 18/01/2021) [This claim is a farce as long as the political patriarchy that dominates all parties is not willing to treat women as equal to men in every way, that is, in the constitution, laws, citizenship, and any kind of inclusion and participation. And none of the autocratic male Tagadhari politicians are willing to do that!], 90pc VAW cases settled thru reconciliation (ht 18/01/2021) [This cannot be called justice. It overwhelmingly proves the unequal legal position of women. VAW is a serious crime and must be dealt with and punished by public courts. In case of legal loopholes, the courts must bindingly oblige the legislator to adjust the laws immediately!]

Kathmandu Metropolitan City doesn’t have any plans yet for street vendors : While Lalitpur Metropolitan City authorities have adopted a much gentler way to manage street vendors, their counterparts in Kathmandu are still resorting to brute force, by Anup Ojha (kp 16/01/2021)

Lost and never found: Hundreds of children, more girls than boys, go missing every year The majority of children who go missing are eventually found but stakeholders  fear all those who go missing are vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 15/01/2021)

Landslide victims await relocationAlmost 700 houses were destroyed and 1,771 partially damaged by landslides triggered  by heavy rainfall in Kalikot last year, by Tularam Pandey (kp 14/01/2021)

Govt claims it’s working to address woes of conflict victims (ht 14/01/2021) [Measured against the government's inaction for years, this statement sounds like a mockery!]

Cops thrash man black and blue (ht 12/01/2021)

Students study in roofless classrooms at this Salyan school : A strong wind had blown away the roof of the school building some eight months ago, by Biplab Maharjan (kp 11/01/2021)

Bajura's Haliya community files complaint with NHRC seeking rights to live (ht 10/01/2021)

Women hit by pandemic, domestic violence at high risk of trafficking : Traffickers have been using the Jamunaha border in Banke to smuggle girls and women to India on the pretext of sending them abroad for jobs, anti-trafficking officials say, by Madhu Shahi (kp 09/01/2021)

Bajura local government seeks religious leaders’ help to stop child marriage, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 08/01/2021)

Families displaced by Bheri-Babai diversion project deprived of compensation, by Chandani Kathayat (kp 08/01/2021)

Prison infrastructure construction gains pace (ht 08/01/2021)

Youths demanding justice to Nirmala Pant arrested from PM Oli’s mass assembly (kh 08/01/2021), Seven held from Oli’s event for wearing t-shirts with slogans demanding justice for Nirmala Pant : People who attended the function say they were not allowed to wear anything black, even caps or masks, by Mohan Budhaair (kp 09/01/2021) [Many authoritarian politicians are prone to such misbehaviour. Moreover, he must once again put up with the question of whether he personally is deliberately trying to prevent the crime against Nirmala Pant from being solved!]

Drawing a line in the sand : A year after Dilip Mahato was killed by the sand mafia, his family still seeks justice, and illegal mining continues unabated, by Bhrikuti Rai (nt 08/01/2021)

Hard life for the disabled : Nepal is failing to adequately protect persons with disabilities from discrimination and marginalisation, by Dev Datta Joshi (kp 07/01/2021)

FNJ flays journalists’ arrest in Kathmandu (ht 07/01/2021)

COVID pandemic worsens citizens’ right to employment (ht 07/01/2021)

Bardibas villagers grapple with drinking water shortage : Around 400 families have been facing water shortages for the last five decades, by Sunita Baral (kp 07/01/2021)

Despite quotas, hill Brahmins disproportionately land civil service jobs : In fiscal year 2019-20, 28 percent of applications for civil service jobs were from the community but 45 percent of those recruited were from it. This has been a trend for past few years, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 06/01/2021) [If one also takes gender into account, the disproportionality in favour of male Bahuns is even much greater!]

Families of flood victims still living in tents (ht 06/01/2021)

Child labour free zone proposals sought from local bodies (ht 06/01/2021)

Lumbini to expand access to drinking water (ht 06/01/2021)

Discrimination against Bajura elderly with leprosy; forced to live in cow-shed (ht 06/01/2021)

May such day never come again!, by Madhu Paudel (kh 06/01/2021)

Local authorities in Achham intensify anti-Chhaupadi campaign, by Menuka Dhungana (kp 05/01/2021)

Save Ganga Maya, ensure justice for her, says NHRC (ht 05/01/2021)

When women are not paid : Until and unless Nepali women are relieved of their burden of unpaid domestic works, gender equality in workforce will remain a mirage and the goal of women empowerment elusive, by Roshani Giri (rn 05/01/2021)

Incidents of sexual assault rampant in camps for flood displaced in Surkhet : A few cases get reported but a majority of them are settled within camps, families displaced by the 2014 floods say, by Chandani Kathayat (kp 04/01/2021) [Further proof of the Oli government's lack of sense of responsibility! Oli always speaks only of his rights, not of his duties!]

Just transition : Policymakers seem unaware that their decisions  are capable of causing  indescribable suffering, by Madhukar Upadhya (kp 04/01/2021)

Proposed amendment on visit visa law is deeply flawed, by Karan Kunwar and Indu Dhungana (rep 03/01/2021)

Religious minorities, marginalised people more vulnerable to humanitarian crisis (ht 02/01/2021)

Nirmala Panta's Case Revisited : Apathy delays justice (rep 02/01/2021)

Human rights matter : Recent events show how important it is for the countries in the world to uphold human rights, by Simone Galimberti (rep 02/01/2021)

Protests called for release of eight people convicted in 2015 Tikapur incident : The individuals who have been jailed for life are ‘political’ prisoners, struggle committee says, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 02/01/2021)

With no House, amendment to transitional justice law, as per court order, remains uncertain : The government is preparing to extend the terms of the commissioners assigned to look into conflict-era cases once again. Why not bring an ordinance to amend the law as ordered by the Supreme Court in 2015 instead, victims say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 01/01/2021), 2020, a tough year for Nepali journos, says FNJ (ht 01/01/2021)

World Bank. Women, business and the law 2022. Nepal data.

World Report 2022 - Nepal chapter, by Human Rights Watch

Gender Sensitivity in Nepali Media, report by Media Action Nepal, 2022

World Justice Project: Rule of Law Index, Nepal 2021

2020 Civil Society Organization Sustainability Indey for Asia, by USAID, November 2021 (Nepal, pp. 38ff)

Media in Nepal : Safety of Journalists, Sustainability and Gender Inclusiveness, report by Media Action Nepal, 2021

Misleading News in Media : A study of newspapers and online news portals of Nepal, report by Media Action Nepal, 2021

Code of Conduct : Improving conflict sensitive reporting & journalist safety in South Asia, report by Media Action Nepal, 2021

Vulnerability to Human Trafficking in Nepal : From enhanced regional connectivity. World Bank Group, December 2021

COVID-19 pandemic worsens disparities in young children’s development and learning in Nepal : One out of five children developmentally off track, press release bi UNICEF, 19 December 2021 [see also Child and Family Tracker, ECDI Survey, UNICEF, August 2021]

Impacts of protecting life in global health assistance policy in Nepal. Report by CREJHPA, September 2021

Unprepared and Unlawful: Nepal’s Continued Failure to realize the right to health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Briefing paper by International Commission of Jurists, 13 September 2021

Nepal Multidimensional Poverty Index 2021, by NPC et al., 18 August 2021

Violations in the name of conservation : "What crime had I committed by putting my feet on the Land that I own?" Amnesty International, 9 August 2021

Challenges for Dalits in South Asia’s Legal Community. Chapter I: Dalit Justice Defenders in Nepal, by American Bar Association - Center for Human Rights (18/06/2021)

Nepal: "Struggling to breathe".  The second wave of Covid-19 in Nepal, by Amnesty International (14/06/2021)

HRW report “I Must Work to Eat” - Covid-19, Poverty, and Child labor in Ghana, Nepal, and Uganda, by Human Rights Watch (26/05/2021)

South Asia: Urgent action needed to combat deadly COVID-19 surge across region (Amnesty International 13/05/2021)

Youth Anxiety, Aspiration, and Activism: Survey Report, by Niti Foundation and ILO, April 2021

Nepal Child Labour Report 2021, by International Labour Organisation and Central Bureau of Statistics, Nepal

Nepal 2020. Excerpt from Amnesty International Report 2020/21 (07/04/021)

2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nepal. US Department of State, 30 March 2021

Nepal: Human Rights Commission’s Integrity in Jeopardy : Lack of Transparency in Appointments Undermine Effectiveness, Public Confidence, common statement by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and International Commission of Jurists, 1 March 2021

World Report 2021 : Nepal - Events of 2020, by Human Rights Watch, January 2021

Report on Employment Relationship Survey in Nepal. UNICEF, January 2021

Nepal Human Development Report 2020, UNDP and NPC, 13/12/2020

The Government of Nepal has been using the Covid-19 Pandemic to Exercise Control, to Commit Human Rights Violations and to Deny Justice to Victims of Human Rights Abuses, by AHRC, 09/12/2020

No Law, No Justice, No State for Victims : The Culture of Impunity in Post-Conflict Nepal. Report by Human Rights Watch. 20/11/2020

Nepal : Justice stalled for conflict victims. Amnesty International submission for the UN universal periodic review, 37th session of the UPR working group, January 2021 (Amnesty International 23/10/2020)

आयोगको २० वर्ष आयोगका सिफारिशहरु र कार्यान्वयन अवस्था (२०५७ जेठ–२०७७ असार), National Human Rights Commission, 15/10/2020

Child & Family Tracker: Tracking the Socio-Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Children and Families in Nepal. Baseline Findings, by UNICEF Nepal and Sharecast, August 2020 (Powerpoint presentation)

Costing Study on Early Childhood Education and
Development (ECED) in Nepal: A Case for Investment in ECED, by UNICEF Nepal and The World Bank, 2020

Human Rights and the Rule of Law in a Federal Nepal: Recommendations from an ICJ High-Level Mission, by ICJ: Geneva, July 2020

Nepal’s Universal Periodic Review: Human Rights Review Should Address Broken Commitments, Impunity, by Human Rights Watch, 16/07/2020), see submission report by HRW (15/07/2020)

Lawyers at risk: Law Society submits joint UPR report on Nepal, by The Law Society of England and Wales, 13 July 2020 (see also factsheet and submission)

2019 Trafficking in Persons Report: Nepal, by US Department of State

2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, by US Department of State, 11 March 2020

Rule of Law Index Nepal 2020, by World Justice Project, 11 March 2020

Nepal 2019. In: Human Rights in Asia-Pacific. Review of 2019. Amnesty International, 29 January 2020

Nepal: Recent Steps Undermine Transitional Justice, by ICJ, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and TRIAL International, 25 January 2020

Nepal: Events of 2019, by Human Rights Watch, January 2020, pp. 418-422

Lawyers’ Association for Human Rights of Nepalese Indigenous Peoples (LAHURNIP)

Human Development Report 2019: Inequalities in Human Development in the 21stCentury. Briefing note for countries on the 2019 Human Development Report: Nepal. New York: UNDP 2019

Nepal: 13 Years On, No Justice for Conflict Victims. Joint statement by ICJ, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and TRIAL International, 25 November 2019

Nepal: New NGO Law Should Protect Rights
Government’s Recent Moves Have Restricted Activists, by Human Rughts Watch, 14 November 2019

Nepal: Release Report on 2015 Protest Violence: Suppressing Lal Commission Findings Denies Justice to Terai Victims, by Human Rights Watch, 1 October 2019

All work, no pay: The struggle of Qatar's migrant workers for justice, Amnesty International, 19 September 2019

Torture and forced child labour: UN experts find Nepal violated human rights, by OHCHR 27/08/2019,  including full text of the UN document]

On the Occasion of International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, by Advocacy Forum - Nepal, 26 June 2019

2019 Trafficking in Person Report: Nepal. by US Department of State, June 20, 2019

Regressive Laws, Mounting Violations, report by Freedom Forum, 3 May 2019

The Legal Stranglehold, by International Federation of Journalists, 3 May 2019

Nepal: To End Hunger, Strengthen and Implement Right to Food Law, Amnesty International, 04 April 2019

Nepal 2018 Human Rights Report, by US Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

Fighting inequality in Nepal: The road to prosperity. OXFAM report, 11 January 2019

Media Freedom Deteriorating. Annual media freedom report 2018 by Freedom Forum

Preliminary Comments: Draft Bill to Amend the Act on Commission on Investigation of Disappeared Persons, Truth and Reconciliation, 2014], by Amnesty International, ICJ and TRIAL International, 20 July 2018

Preliminary Comments of Conflict Victims’ Common Platform (CVCP) on proposed TJ draft bill to amend Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, Truth and Reconciliation Act, 2014, 17 July 2018

Nepal: Transitional Justice Reform an Urgent Need; Current Draft Law Does Not Meet International Standards on Prosecuting Worst Crimes, by Human Rights Watch, 7 July 2018

Rule of Law Index 2017-2018 - Nepal, by World Justice Project

Nepal 2017 Human Rights Report, by US Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

Amnesty International Annual Report 2017/2018 on Nepal, 22 February 2018

Nepal: Events of 2017, by Human Rights Watch, January 2018

Nepal: Transitional Justice Proving Elusive Term Extensions do not Cure Act’s Fundamental Problems. Joint press statement by ICJ, HRW and AI, 13 February 2018

Nepal’s Transitional Justice Process: Challenges and Future Strategy. A Discussion Paper, by International Commission of Jurists, August 2017

Trafficking in persons. National report 2015/16, by NHRC, June 2017

Amnesty International. Turning people into profits: Abusive recruitment, trafficking and forced labour of Nepali migrant workers. London, 6 June 2017

New Fronts, Brave Voices: Press Freedom in South Asia 2016-17, by International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), 3 May 2017 [Nepal on pages 72-77]

“Building inequality": The failure of the Nepali government to protect the marginalised in post-earthquake reconstruction efforts (Amnesty International 25/04/2017)

"What I want is for the government to help". Nepal: Ensure the right to adequate housing for the marginalised in post-earthquake Nepal (Amnesty International 25/04/2017)

Serious Crimes in Nepal’s Criminal Code Bill, 2014. A Briefing Paper by International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), March 2017

National Human Rights Commission Nepal (NHRC)

Nepal 2016 Human Rights Report, by US Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, 3 March 2017

Nepal 206/17, report by Amnesty International, 22 February 2017

Nepal: extending transitional justice commissions without granting real powers betrays trust of victims, by International Commission of Jurists (10 February 2017)

NHRC. Varshik Prativedhan 2072/73 (yearly report), 13 January 2017 (in Nepali)

Human Rights Watch, World report 2017, Nepal chapter (January 2017)

Nepal: Decade After Peace, Scant Progress On Justice; Political Parties Fail to Deliver on Promises, by Human Rights Watch, 18 October 2016

Global Gender Gap Report 2016 - Nepal data, by World Economic Forum, Geneva, October 2016

Statement on the CIAA and reports on investigation of Social Science Baha (SSB) and Alliance for Social Dialogue (ASD) (BNAC 01/10/2016)

“Our Time to Sing and Play”: Child Marriage in Nepal, by Human Rights Watch, 7 September 2016 [see also video]

Nepal - Torture and Coerced Confessions, by Amnesty International, 19 July 2016

The Torture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment (Control) Bill, 2014. A Briefing Paper by International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), June 2016

Nepal 2015 Human Rights Report, by Department of State • Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Washington, 14 April 2016

Nepal 2015/16, by Amnesty International, 24 February 2016

Nepal’s police in Madhesi-hunting spree (Asian Human Rights Commission, 24 February 2016)

INSEC Yearbook 2016 (19 February 2016)

Earthquake Recovery Must Safeguard Human Rights, by Amnesty International 1 June 2015

Human Rights Watch: Silenced and Forgotten  Survivors of Nepal’s Conflict-Era Sexual Violence. September 23, 2014

International Commission of Jurists (ICJ): Justice denied: The 2014 Commission on Investigation of Disappeared Persons, Truth and Reconciliation Act. Geneva, May 2014

U.S. Department of State: Nepal 2013 Human Rights Report

Human Rights Watch. Under China’s Shadow: Mistreatment of Tibetans in Nepal. 1 April 2014

THRD Alliance. Continuing extra-judicial executions in the Terai (March 2014)

Amnesty International. The dark side of migration: Spotlight on Qatar's construction sector ahead of the world cup, London: AI, 18 November 2013

Nepal: Is the Government Unable or Unwilling to Prevent and Investigate Torture?, report by Advocacy Forum (26/06/2013)

Human Rights Watch: World Report 2013, Nepal chapter (01/02/2013)

Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC): The State of Human Rights in Nepal in 2012 (10/12/2012)

Torture of Women: Nepal’s Duplicity Continues, rebort by Advocacy Forum (26/06/2012

Torture of Women in Detention: Nepal’s Failure to Prevent and Protect, by Advocy Forum (26/06/2011)

Right to Information Rules, 2065 (2009)

Right to Information Act, 2064 (2007)