The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on escaped inmates to return to their prisons and surrender any weapons taken during recent jailbreaks.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the commission expressed concern that the mass prison breaks during Monday and Tuesday’s Gen Z protests have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in society. It said reports had also emerged of juveniles fleeing from reform centres.

The NHRC warned that the escape of convicted prisoners undermines victims’ rights as guaranteed under Article 21 of the constitution, the Crime Victim Protection Act, 2018, and the 1985 UN Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power.

“The jailbreaks have caused psychological distress especially among women, children, decision makers, crime victims and their families,” the commission said.

While some escapees have already been recaptured, the majority remain out of contact with the prison authorities.

The commission has urged security agencies to intensify the search for the fugitives while appealing to the inmates themselves to respect the rule of law and return to prison voluntarily.

Police on Friday said more than 200 prisoners who had escaped from prisons and juvenile reform centres this week amid ongoing unrest were recaptured in Hetauda, Makawanpur.

According to officials, 117 inmates out of 440 who fled Bhimphedi prison by breaking down walls early Wednesday were detained across Makawanpur, while 323 remain at large.

The administration of Nakkhu prison in Lalitpur, issuing a public notice on Friday, appealed to inmates who fled during the recent Gen Z protests to establish contact and surrender without delay.

The prison administration urged escapees to abide by legal procedures and social responsibility by returning voluntarily. It warned that failure to comply would result in their continued status as fugitives and enforcement of harsher penalties under the Prison Act 2022 and other prevailing laws.