The Joint People’s Movement Committee formed by pro-monarchy groups has submitted a petition to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN OHCHR), urging the UN body to investigate alleged human rights violations during a protest in Kathmandu on March 28.
Addressed to UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk, the petition claims that ‘a peaceful protest’ at Tinkune—demanding restoration of the constitutional monarchy, a Hindu kingdom with multiparty democracy, and an end to federalism and corruption—was ‘brutally suppressed by the security forces even before the programme formally started.’
The petition alleges ‘disproportionate and arbitrary use of force’. It states that ‘such government action lacking in restraint and responsibility led to loss of lives and properties,’ violating Nepal’s Constitution and its obligations under international human rights treaties.
The petition signed by the committee coordinator Navaraj Subedi further alleges unlawful detentions, government harassment, and falsified charges. It also raises concern over military vehicles and personnel deployed during the protest, describing it as “an unprecedented use of excessive force.”
Describing Nepal’s situation as a wider crisis, the petition cites rising corruption, economic decline, youth emigration, and democratic erosion.
It demands six actions from the UN, including an independent investigation, accountability for rights violations, release of detainees, protection of free speech and press freedom, and prevention of militarisation of civil protests.
“Nepal, as a UN member and signatory to major human rights treaties, must be held accountable,” reads the petition. “The use of lethal force against peaceful demonstrators, illegal detentions, and suppression of speech represent grave threats to democracy. We request the UN to intervene urgently, prevent escalation, and ensure justice for victims and prisoners of conscience.”
The protest organised by the Subedi-led committee at Tinkune, Kathmandu, on March 28 had turned violent, leaving two dead and injuring scores of other people.
Police have detained Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Rabindra Mishra and controversial businessman Durga Prasai, who was designated as the commander of the protest, among others.
