KATHMANDU: The 2023 Human Rights Report by the US Department of State brings attention to the Nepalese government's failure to hold officials accountable for suspected human rights violations, despite conducting investigations. The report outlines several significant human rights issues observed in Nepal during the year, including credible accounts of arbitrary or unlawful killings, instances of torture or cruel treatment by government authorities, and arbitrary detention.
Freedom of expression and media faced serious restrictions, with instances of violence or threats against journalists, and unjustified arrests in 2023. The report highlights that harsh comments on social media against government officials resulted in criminal charges, underscoring concerns about freedom of speech.
Interference with the freedom of peaceful assembly and association, particularly for minority and marginalized communities, was noted, despite legal provisions for these freedoms. The government imposed restrictions on the movement of refugees, especially resident Tibetans, and limited their ability to work and celebrate culturally significant events.
Government corruption and extensive gender-based violence, including domestic and sexual violence, were widespread. Although laws provide for criminal penalties for corruption, effective implementation was lacking, resulting in numerous reports of government corruption.
The report also documents child, early, and forced marriages, alongside violence targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. Civil society observers reported arbitrary or unlawful killings by the government, especially among marginalized communities. Prison conditions, particularly in pretrial detention centers, were poor and did not meet national or international standards due to overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure.
