Nepal’s New Government: Human Rights Priorities for Prime Minister Shah | Human Rights Watch & Amnesty International

Kathmandu, Nepal – Nepal’s recently elected government, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is facing calls from human rights organizations to prioritize reforms that protect human rights and the rule of law. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the International Commission of Jurists jointly published a letter to Shah on May 1, 2026, outlining recommendations in 13 key areas.

The organizations highlighted concerns over early actions taken by the new government, including the forced eviction of landless people and a proposed ordinance that could undermine the independence of the constitutional council responsible for appointing judges, and commissioners. These actions, they argue, potentially violate housing rights and due process protections.

Youth Protests and Calls for Accountability

The RSP came to power following a snap election in March 2026, triggered by widespread youth-led protests in September 2025. These protests, sparked by a ban on social media platforms, demanded an end to corruption and greater respect for human rights. During the September protests, at least 76 people were killed, many unlawfully by police, and significant damage was caused to property.

Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, stated, “The protests by young Nepalis were a demand to end entrenched inequities, and that can only be addressed with transparent and accountable governance.” Pearson emphasized the need to hold those accused of human rights violations and corruption accountable through fair trials.

Transitional Justice and Conflict-Era Crimes

A central recommendation from the organizations is the establishment of a credible and effective transitional justice process to address crimes committed during the 1996-2006 internal armed conflict. Despite improvements to the relevant legislation in 2024, the process has stalled due to objections from victims’ groups regarding the political independence and expertise of appointed commissioners. Survivors of conflict-related sexual violence remain among those who have not received interim relief.

“Victims and survivors of crimes that were committed during the conflict have waited far too long for justice, while the culture of impunity that took root in that period has contributed to ongoing violations, including the killing of Gen Z protesters.”

Mandira Sharma, director for the Asia and Pacific program at the International Commission of Jurists

The organizations urged the government to investigate and prosecute those responsible for human rights violations during the Gen Z protests, release unpublished reports on past incidents of lethal violence against protesters dating back to 1990, and implement recommendations from the National Human Rights Commission to prosecute individuals with sufficient evidence of human rights abuses.

Vulnerable Groups and Rights Protections

The letter also addressed the rights of vulnerable groups within Nepal. Women and girls face a heightened risk of sexual violence, with insufficient preventative measures and prosecutions. Child marriage remains widespread despite being illegal. Dalits and other marginalized communities continue to experience discrimination, and successive governments have failed to effectively enforce anti-discrimination laws or collect data on caste-based crimes.

The organizations noted that despite Supreme Court rulings, LGBTI rights, including the right to same-sex marriage and gender affirmation, are not consistently upheld by officials.

Migrant Workers and Social Security

Nepal’s reliance on the economic contributions of migrant workers was also highlighted, with concerns raised about their exploitation and unsafe working conditions, particularly in the Persian Gulf. The organizations recommended specific steps to protect migrant workers’ rights during the current crisis and more generally.

Regarding social security, the organizations recommended extending the Child Grant program, currently available in only 25 of Nepal’s 77 districts, to cover the entire country. They also made recommendations to strengthen rights to health, education, and housing.

“The people of Nepal have demanded change, and that is what Balendra Shah and the RSP promised during the election campaign. Now the government needs to seize the opportunity and walk the talk to deliver real and lasting change built on respect for Nepal’s international human rights obligations.”

Smriti Singh, South Asia director at Amnesty International