Kathmandu: Nepal’s status on the implementation of commitments made during the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on human rights appears poor. A meeting of the Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights convened today to discuss the implementation status of recommendations received from the UPR report, as well as preparations for the upcoming fourth UPR.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers submitted details during the meeting indicating that Nepal has largely failed to implement most recommendations from the third UPR. Preparations for the fourth UPR also seem inadequate. Nepal’s fourth cycle of Universal Periodic Review is scheduled for 2026, with the national report due to the UN Human Rights Council by October 5.
During the Committee meeting, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung affirmed Nepal’s commitment to presenting the report within the given timeline, emphasizing that officials are working in coordination with all involved agencies. Minister Gurung highlighted the government’s priorities, which include formulating laws to implement constitutional provisions, developing mechanisms for planning and policy implementation, and allocating necessary budget.
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya claimed progress in concluding transitional justice matters. Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal provided the Committee with an update on the implementation status of the third UPR, noting that only 16 out of 196 commitments have been fully implemented. Ten others are partially implemented, 111 are at different stages of implementation, and 10 remain unimplemented. Nepal had only taken 37 points into notice.
Committee members raised concerns over the dismal state of rights for Dalits and minorities, issues of caste-based discrimination and untouchability, and the protection of fundamental rights.