Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to human rights at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva on Monday. Addressing the high-level segment, she highlighted Nepal’s democratic progress, constitutional guarantees for human rights, and ongoing efforts in transitional justice.

“Nepal’s current constitution provides the total range of economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights as fundamental human rights,” she said, adding that the country is a “trailblazer in the protection and promotion of human rights.”

Deuba stressed that Nepal remains engaged with international human rights instruments and mechanisms. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the independence of the National Human Rights Commission.

She highlighted Nepal’s progress in gender inclusion, noting that the Constitution guarantees one-third representation of women in the federal and provincial parliaments and 40 percent in local governments. “Access to justice has increased at the local level by the agency of judicial committees, which are led by elected deputy mayors, mostly women,” she said.

Deuba acknowledged new challenges posed by climate change and digital technology, stating that these issues are now impacting human rights in Nepal. She also reaffirmed Nepal’s dedication to press freedom and a vibrant civil society.

She said Nepal has started the ratification process for the ILO Convention on Freedom of Association and recently presented its seventh periodic report to the CEDAW Committee. Nepal is also implementing recommendations from the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review.

On transitional justice, Deuba reiterated Nepal’s commitment to concluding the process. “Nepal passed laws to this end in August 2024 with a victim-centric approach in line with international standards,” she said.

She announced that Nepal will host the Sagarmatha Sambad dialogue in May on “Climate change, mountains, and the future of humanity” and invited international participation.

Deuba announced Nepal’s candidacy for the Human Rights Council member for the 2027–2029 term, seeking support from member countries.