International and national rights organisations have condemned the killings of protesters in Kathmandu and Sunsari on Monday and demanded a transparent investigation into the horrendous act.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights said it was shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal and urged a prompt and transparent investigation.

“We have received several deeply worrying allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by security forces during protests organised by youth groups demonstrating against corruption and the recent Government ban on social media platforms,” Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani of the UN rights body said, issuing a statement from Geneva on Monday. “We call on the authorities to respect and ensure the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.”

All security forces must comply with the basic principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials, it said.

“Nepal enjoys a lively democracy and active civic space, and dialogue is the best means to address young people’s concerns,” the UN body said. “We urge reconsideration of measures to regulate social media to ensure they comply with Nepal’s human rights obligations.”

At least 19 people—mostly youths—lost their lives on Monday during a protest organised by youngsters against corruption becoming rampant in the country and the recent government ban on social media platforms.

Earlier on the day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) urged authorities to exercise restraint in handling protests after innocent people lost their lives during the protest organised by Gen Z groups.

In Kathmandu, protesters marched from Maitighar to New Baneshwar, attempting to enter the Parliament building. Police used batons, water cannons, tear gas, and bullets in response.

The NHRC said Nepal’s Constitution and international human rights law guarantee the right to peaceful dissent, and called the escalation into vandalism and the use of excessive force by security personnel ‘regrettable.’

The commission directed the government to implement high security measures to prevent further harm, provide relief and compensation to victims’ families, ensure free treatment for the injured, and conduct a fair and thorough investigation to hold perpetrators accountable. Protesters were also urged to maintain peaceful and disciplined demonstrations.