Human rights organizations have called on Nepal to turn its international commitments into meaningful action following the adoption of the country’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC62).
During the session, representatives from the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) and the Community Empowerment and Social Justice Network (CEMSOJ) highlighted that Indigenous Peoples in Nepal continue to face serious human rights challenges despite the country’s support for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and its ratification of ILO Convention 169.
Although Nepal has committed to protecting Indigenous rights under international law, human rights groups noted that the country’s Constitution and national legislation have yet to fully align with these standards. They also pointed out that a 2024 Supreme Court order directing authorities to implement laws supporting Indigenous rights remains largely unfulfilled.
Organizations expressed concern that major infrastructure and development projects continue to move forward without meaningful consultation or obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of affected Indigenous communities. The Fast Track (Expressway) Project was highlighted as one example, with concerns that it could significantly impact Indigenous Newa communities, their ancestral lands, cultural heritage, and traditional livelihoods.
The statement also raised concerns over restrictions on the rights to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and the work of human rights defenders. Rights groups alleged that excessive use of force against demonstrators and limited accountability for such incidents continue to undermine fundamental freedoms.
Human rights advocates urged Nepal’s new government to align national laws with international Indigenous rights standards, ensure Indigenous communities are fully involved in decisions affecting their lands and resources, and strengthen protections for peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and human rights defenders. They emphasized that the success of Nepal’s UPR commitments will ultimately be measured by tangible improvements in the lives and rights of Indigenous Peoples.
