KATHMANDU – Amnesty International has expressed concern over human rights violations and shrinking atmosphere of freedom of expression in Nepal.
Releasing an annual report evaluating 2020 situation of human rights in Nepal, the Amnesty International has stated that there were pending legislation limiting rights to freedom of expression and privacy. “Security forces detained individuals for ‘spreading misinformation’ and criticizing the government during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Protesters were detained and security forces continued to use excessive force to disperse protesters and enforce lockdowns. Efforts toward securing justice, truth and reparation for crimes under international law and human rights violations committed during the 1996-2006 conflict remained grossly inadequate,” the report said, adding that indigenous families were forcibly evicted and their homes destroyed.
Moreover, the international human rights organization expressed concern over sexual and gender-based violence and impunity, and abuses against Dalits. It urged the government to take adequate measures to protect Nepali migrant workers stranded abroad.
