May 21, 2024

Nepal appoints its very first female foreign Secretary, Sewa Lamsal paving a route for  involvement of women in Nepal’s diplomacy at a higher level. The court gives a sentence of  life imprisonment for 24 guilty individuals related to the murder case of Nabraj bk and his friends setting a great example of caste based inclusion. Nepal will be hosting an international  tourism conference for gender and caste based minorities from all over the world. The  Kathmandu District court convicts Sandeep Lamichhane of rape after constant postponing of  the hearings.
 

May 20, 2024

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres visited Nepal in October 2023 and urged the country to adopt a transitional justice system that meets international standards and to expedite the peace process. The government took a proactive step by deploying heavy security in Sarlahi during the Durga Visarjan festival, following a riot in September that sparked religious disharmony in Terai-Madhes. It is hoped that the government's measures will be sufficient to prevent further violence, as the politicization of communal issues has the potential to escalate the situation. The presidential pardon to Yog Raj Dhakal was overturned by the Supreme Court setting precedence for other similar cases.

Mar 22, 2024

Nepal made history as the first South Asian country to register same sex marriage. Ruksana Kapali, a trans Nepali woman was felicitated among the BBC 100 influential women. Nepal decided to ban TikTok in order to safeguard social harmony and prevent violence. A ward chairperson in Kaski was found guilty of caste-based discrimination and was sentenced to jail. A 16-day campaign was launched to raise awareness against gender-based violence.
 

Nov 04, 2023

Events of the past month has demonstrated that significant progress has been made in transitional justice, and addressing communal dispute. However, there are underlying challenges that requires attention, and there remains the added fear of politicization of the matters. The government has taken proactive measures to end communal disputes and has mobilized religious leaders to push the agenda of communal harmony. As for the transitional justice, the Prime Minister has pledged to complete the process and take it forward as his major political agenda. While promises remain rosy, the impact is yet to be seen. Lastly, rape accused cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane’s hearing has been delayed once again amidst criticisms.
 

Sep 22, 2023

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led coalition rejected the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission to investigate the 2007 Gaur Massacre. Rights groups have criticized this decision, citing that the proper investigation has not been done yet. The government also announced that the contribution-based social security scheme will now be expanded to include informal workers. The latest census revealed that the number of single women in Nepal has increased; experts cite the stigma associated with divorced women and widows to be the reason for women opting out of remarriage.
 

Aug 24, 2023

The Election Commission of Nepal proposed a new amendment to limit candidates to two terms under the proportional representation system. The amendment would also require political parties to field at least 33% of women candidates under the first-past-the-post electoral system. This was an effort to ensure that the system does not get abused by influential patrons and that underrepresented groups get a fair chance to be elected. The government of Nepal has also passed a new bill that criminalizes loan sharking. The bill was amended at the last minute to address the concerns of lenders. A Dalit man's house was set on fire by a man from an upper caste after he eloped with the upper caste man's sister. The incident highlights the discrimination that Dalits still face today, despite laws that are supposed to protect them.
 

Jul 19, 2023

Being the month of Pride, Nepalis also went ahead to celebrate at the Pride Parade in Kathmandu. People gathered on the streets carrying rainbow flags and placards to pledge their support for the LGBTQ+ community. The Citizenship Bill, previously rejected, was authenticated by President Ram Chandra Paudel, but faced opposition and a subsequent order by the Supreme Court ruling in favor of the bill. The court also issued an interim order in favor of same-sex marriage registration. Lastly, the Gulmi Durbar Rural Municipality launched an awareness campaign to involve fathers and male family members in caring for pregnant women, aiming to challenge gender roles.

Jun 21, 2023

The month of May was sparked by controversy when Resham Chaudhary and 19 others were granted presidential pardon, drawing criticism for undermining the rule of law. The citizenship bill, previously snubbed by the former president, was authenticated by President Ramchandra Paudel, paving way for acquiring citizenship to more than 400,000 stateless people. Injustice surrounding untouchability persists, as cases related to the Rukum massacre continue to face delays and political influence. The Karnali region continues to reel with high maternal mortality rates and limited medical access.
 

May 09, 2023

The Government of Nepal has released its Common Minimum Programme, which prioritizes the peace process, together with various other commitment that was already made three months ago. Nepali migrant workers are facing difficulty in enrolling themselves in the social security scheme, and loan shark victims have been protesting in the streets. On a separate note, the Kathmandu District Court has directed to produce the doctor who carried out the test on the minor who was allegedly raped by cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane.  

Apr 14, 2023

Protest against loan sharking by victims from varied southern districts cause stir in the Valley. 

Mar 24, 2023

The month of February also saw some controversial rulings by both the Supreme Court as well as the Pokhara High Court. Cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane was granted permit to fly abroad despite much controversy. However, based on his laudable performance at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 series at Kathmandu, his participation at Dubai next could be crucial for Nepal’s success. Similarly, actor Paul Shah was acquitted by Pokhara High Court citing lack of evidence. In another disturbing incident, a supposed ‘Chinese uncle’ held several Nepali young girls hostage, promising them money and employment. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Watch cited Nepal’s Social Protection Policy to be reinforcing inequality rather.
 

Feb 17, 2023

The citizenship issue brought forth by Rabi Lamichhane’s negligence to acquire a new citizenship upon giving up his American citizenship, costed him to lose his position as a lawmaker. Subsequently, Sandeep Lamichhane was bailed on a bond and some conditions by Patan High Court. With Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s expansion of cabinet, women leaders share 26% of the cabinet, the highest so far.
 

Jan 25, 2023

All seven political parties (Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN Maoist, CPN Unified Socialist, Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Janata Samajbadi Party and Janamat Party) that crossed the threshold of 3% total votes cast under Party-list Proportional Representation System submitted the list of nominated candidates to the Election Commission. Two advocates, Yuvaraj Poudel and Rabi Raj Bastola filed the writ petition against the current Minister of Home Affairs, Rabi Lamichhane at the Supreme Court with a claim that Lamichhane hadn’t renounced his Nepali citizenship when he received his American Citizenship.

Jan 05, 2023

A total of eight women candidates won through First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) in the House of Representative (HoR). As affairs of electoral coalitions became the major priority of mainstream political parties, other electoral agendas - especially inclusion - took a backseat. On November 6, the supreme court ruled that the Tharu community will no longer get reservations in the country’s civil service commission.

Dec 17, 2022

According to the reports maintained by Nepal Police, the cases of violence against women, children and senior citizens are on spike during the second wave lockdown period.

Dec 17, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the prospects of many social, economic and political sectors. Among the most impacted sectors is of foreign employment.

Dec 17, 2022

The COVID crisis has significantly impacted the education system in Nepal. The government has imposed online teaching and learning,

Dec 17, 2022

This month saw discontentment regarding the expiry of an important ordinance on punishment for gender-based violence due

Dec 17, 2022

The month of October saw cabinet expansion, where, out of twenty-three ministers; six ministerial seats are held by women.

Dec 14, 2022

Nepal conducted its 12th National Census from 11 to 25 November 2021 after the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015. At least for the next 10 years, political disclosure on inclusion is determined by t

Dec 13, 2022

The year witnessed a series of protests against the government for misusing state machinery, possibly violating human rights of the citizens. Some of the areas of

Dec 13, 2022

In the front of Human rights, gender and social inclusion, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Health Ministry came up with strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19

Dec 12, 2022

The Supreme Court, last month, issued a directive to the Government of Nepal and Federal parliament to implement the rights of the Dalit community with necessary legal arrangements and policy guidelines in accordance with the Constitution of Nepal, 2015.

Dec 12, 2022

The month of March ended without a single bill being endorsed in the Parliament and without any general discussion on the impeachment motion against Chief Justice Rana as PM Sher Bahadur Deuba administration decided to prorogue the winter session of

Dec 12, 2022

The electoral alliance has also become the subject matter of controversy as alliance politics could potentially cut down the women’s representation at the local level. Concerned with this issue, a writ petition was filed in the Supreme Court (SC),

Dec 12, 2022

Series of videos went viral in social media where an aspiring model claimed she was drugged and raped by an organiser of the beauty pageant multiple times in 2014 when she was 16 years old. This incident which has come to light after 8 years has shaken the whole nation to the core.

Dec 12, 2022

Nepal held its first Pride parade on June 29 2019 in celebration of diversity in gender and sexuality. The first legal recognition of the LGBTQI+ community was established by the interim constitution of Nepal, 2063 which guaranteed the rights of each individual right to freedom,

Dec 12, 2022

The month of July saw the amendment to Citizenship Act 2006, allowing thousands of Nepali individuals to acquire Citizenship by Descent. The bill is a step forward, however, it is a far cry from addressing inequality. The constitution still pertains contradictory and discriminatory provisions that

Dec 12, 2022

The month of August saw the much contentious Citizenship Act 2006 Amendment Bill yet again delayed as the President sent it back to the parliament for review. The bill then was endorsed by the Lower House without any alteration and is now awaiting approval by the Upper House.

Dec 11, 2022

The month of September saw the Citizenship 2006 Amendment Bill being rejected for the second time by President Bidya Devi Bhandari. While this year, the

Dec 11, 2022

The federal and provincial election of 2079 has highlighted the lack of nomination of women and marginalized castes.

Dec 12, 2022

Nepal’s transitional justice process awaits a logical end. Neither the government nor the major political parties have seriously worked towards for that. Political observers blame leaders for failing to prioritize the transitional justice process despite

Dec 11, 2022

On 10 January, stateless Nepali Citizens staged a sit-in protest at Maitighar, Mandala demanding the government to provide citizenship

Dec 11, 2022

The international human rights body annual report states that the many human rights situation in Nepal remains unaddressed in 2021 due to

Dec 11, 2022

The National Human Rights Commission has asked the government not to deprive anyone of service if they cannot produce the vaccine card,

Dec 11, 2022

Indrajit Safi, president of the Citizenship-less Nepalis Struggle Committee claimed that there is a total of 650,000 deserving Nepali

Dec 11, 2022

The Chief Justice, as presiding officer of the Court is responsible for administration of justice and hearing cases. Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher has not been able to perform either of his constitutional responsibilities for about three months but still holds office

Dec 11, 2022

Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana got into a heated controversy after he allegedly demanded a share in Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s Cabinet.

Dec 11, 2022

Nepal conducted its 12th National Census from November 11 to 25 2021. First census after the country transitioned to a federal republic

Dec 11, 2022

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) held discussions with former chief election commissioners, former commissioners and civil society representatives

Dec 11, 2022

On March 8 2022, Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand took an initiative to forge a consensus on the bill relating to the amendment of Nepal Citizenship Act, 2006 .

Dec 11, 2022

On June 27 and July 4, demonstrations and protests were held by the urban refugee communities in front of the UN and UNHCR offices