Kathmandu: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reported that several academic institutions affected by the Gen-Z protests have yet to resume regular classes. The delay is attributed to the ongoing fear among parents, students, and teachers following incidents where students were killed or injured, and institutions suffered damage.
According to National News Agency RSS, NHRC Spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokharel highlighted in a press statement that while some academic institutions have attempted to continue education through online classes, not all students have had easy access to these virtual modes of learning. The report emphasized that the psychological impact on children has been significant, as the protests placed parents and students in a state of fear.
The NHRC also noted the adverse effects on media personnel, with five journalists injured due to police actions during the protests. Additionally, media outlets such as Kantipur Media Group, Annapurna Post, and Himalayan TV were vandalized or set on fire. The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) is currently gathering more details on these incidents. Four vehicles belonging to media houses were damaged, creating challenges for media professionals in reporting, writing, and broadcasting, thus impacting freedom of expression.
Regarding employment, the NHRC expressed concerns over the job security of employees in business firms, indicating that the protests might lead to increased unemployment. The report also addressed the situation in prisons, revealing that approximately 7,500 out of 14,455 inmates who had escaped during the protests have been recaptured. Ten inmates lost their lives in Sindhuli, Dhading, and Banke during the unrest.
The NHRC has quoted officials from the Department of Prison Management, who stated that efforts are ongoing to retrieve fugitives, manage damaged documents, and improve security conditions to facilitate better assimilation among inmates and prisoners.