According to recent documentation by national and international rights organisations, the situation of human rights in Nepal has deteriorated sharply over the past year, with rising violence, political interference in the justice process and widening gaps in accountability. A series of reports highlight alarming trends from custodial deaths, excessive use of lethal force and gender-based violence, questionable political appointments and stalled transitional justice reforms. It suggests a highly promoted culture of state impunity in recent Gen Z protests and the pro-monarchy protest of March.

Take the recent report of the Human Rights Watch (HRW), for instance. It found that police indiscriminately fired on Gen Z protesters multiple times over three hours, killing 19 people in a day in Kathmandu. The protesters had demonstrated against corruption and a sweeping social media ban. Although the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), as the country’s constitutional watchdog, has issued press statements calling for dialogue between protesters and the government, it has largely remained silent on taking concrete action against those responsible for violations of constitutionally protected civic space. The NHRC also appears to have overlooked many of the other serious concerns mentioned above.

Similarly, an Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC) human rights yearbook recorded 10,734 incidents of human rights violations and abuses in 2024, reflecting persistent systemic weaknesses in law enforcement, governance and protection mechanisms. Despite the scale of violations, the government fails to take even the bare minimum steps to address impunity. Of more than 60 custodial deaths across the country reported by INSEC in 2024, many deaths occurred in overcrowded prisons, juvenile reform facilities or poorly managed detention facilities as a result of inmate violence, illness, suicide or neglect. The Commission, however, failed to conduct credible investigations or disclose findings. Its silence only reinforces impunity, emphasising the need for urgent prison governance and accountability reforms.

The report also recorded 5,676 domestic violence cases and 664 sexual violence incidents, including rape, suggesting that gender-based violence remains a major human rights concern. Women and children are still unsafe in Nepal, as they face stigma, slow investigations and weak support. Many cases never reach the court. Despite claims of progress, violations continue to rise every year.

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have warned of the growing ‘criminalisation of politics’, citing appointments of individuals with serious allegations. Cases like the withdrawal of charges against Resham Chaudhary and Yograj Dhakal under political pressure, and the appointment of Rajiv Gurung, aka Deepak Manage, as provincial minister despite an ongoing case, undermine the rule of law and erode trust in the NHRC. When individuals with unresolved serious allegations rise to power, victims and survivors lose hope in the justice system.

Despite its constitutional mandate, the NHRC has been criticised for weak follow-through and limited engagement with the victims and the general public. The NHRC issues statements and conducts monitoring, but its efforts often lack depth and fail to pressure the government effectively. Since its establishment in 2000, the NHRC has issued 1,573 recommendations, of which only 15.3 percent have been fully implemented. Shockingly, none of the 806 recommendations issued in the past years were enforced. Most unimplemented recommendations involve criminal prosecution of security personnel, compensation for victims and investigations into extrajudicial killings and disappearances. Due to political pressure, it fears to exercise its constitutional authority—Article 249(2)(h) of the Constitution—to name public officials who disregard its recommendations.

The Commission’s credibility declined due to disputes over appointments and administrative decisions. The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) raised concerns about the commissioner appointments in 2021, which allegedly bypassed constitutional norms, though the Supreme Court upheld them in July. Another controversy emerged in 2024 over the promotion of a joint secretary, with allegations of irregularities.

Recently, the single woman commissioner of the NHRC resigned, as her proposals and ideas for better protection of women’s and children’s rights were repeatedly rejected by the secretary. Another commissioner also resigned due to his personal reasons and dissatisfaction with the collusion between the secretary and a small circle of staff. Faction feuds have divided the staff at the commission, and its performance remains questionable, as it has registered only 105 complaints in the year 2024-25. The current moment calls for institutional introspection and constitutional mandate.

Amnesty International and HRW have repeatedly urged the government to ensure impartial and independent appointments to restore trust in the transitional justice systems. Despite this, the NHRC, after initially refusing to engage in the appointment process for commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission on the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP), nominated commissioners and members in 2025 without resolving long-standing concerns in the transitional justice process. In both of the commissions, appointments were politically influenced, and victim voices were ignored. Many victims’ groups are still dissatisfied with the process, claiming that it lacked transparency and genuine consultation. After those appointments, the NHRC disappeared from the sight of the victims.

Human rights defenders across Nepal, especially those at the provincial level, continue to face risks, including threats, intimidation, surveillance and trumped-up charges. Those working on environmental issues, corruption, or minority rights are particularly vulnerable. INSEC documented 174 violations against human rights defenders, including 10 killings in recent years. Surprisingly, the NHRC reported zero complaints of such violations in 2023-24, exposing a significant gap in outreach and trust between defenders and the Commission.

Nepal continues to enjoy a status at the international level for its human rights architecture, but domestic realities tell a different story. The combination of political interference, weak institutional safeguards and shrinking civic space poses a serious threat to the country’s human rights environment. Prompt and meaningful reforms, particularly within the NHRC to exercise its independent mandate, are required. Otherwise, Nepal risks undermining its democratic gains, nationally and internationally. Moreover, it risks a downgrade by the Sub-Committee of Accreditation of GANHRIs.

Human rights protection is not just about laws on paper and NHRC’s press releases; it requires political courage, independent institutions and accountability. Without these, violations will continue unchecked. The Commission needs to jump into action to strengthen the rule of law, ensure credible investigations and restore public trust by ending impunity at all levels.