Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has claimed that Nepal has been recognised as a global leader in protecting and ensuring the rights of sexual and gender minorities (SGM).

Speaking at a panel titled ‘Pathways to LGBTQI+ Inclusion in National Laws and Policies’ at the Equal Rights Coalition Conference in Berlin, Germany, on Tuesday, Deuba highlighted Nepal’s achievements in fostering inclusion and human rights for the LGBTQI+ community, positioning the country as a model for others.

“Nepal’s journey towards these initiatives has been long and complicated, but we have ensured their rights through progressive laws,” she said, while underscoring Nepal’s key milestones in LGBTQI+ rights.

The foreign minister stated that the 2007 Supreme Court verdict legally recognised the SGM community and directed the amendment of discriminatory laws. This landmark ruling paved the way for the legal recognition of same-sex marriage, making Nepal the first country in South Asia to achieve such progress. "The decision has since been cited in courts worldwide, including in India, the European Court of Human Rights, and the United States," she remarked.

Deuba recalled that Nepal enacted progressive laws to protect and empower sexual minorities, becoming the world’s 10th country to grant constitutional rights to the LGBTQI+ community. Notably, Nepal’s federal parliament welcomed Asia’s first openly gay elected official in 2008. "The country has also implemented special provisions to protect and uplift gender and sexual minorities," Deuba said.

On the administrative front, Nepal introduced the third gender option in voter rolls in 2010. This recognition was later extended to the federal census and passports in 2015, further solidifying inclusive policies.

Deuba also highlighted initiatives to support SGM rights through budget allocations. The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs at the federal level, provincial Social Development Ministries, and local municipalities have dedicated budgets to empower the LGBTQI+ community. Additionally, Nepal’s 16th Periodic Plan prioritises their development.