Amnesty International has raised serious concerns over the actions of Nepal’s law enforcement agencies during the youth-led demonstrations in September, known as Gen Z protests. The organization asserts that these actions violated international human rights law, contributing to deaths, injuries, and property damage. It has called on Nepalese authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable. This report follows widespread accusations of the excessive use of force by police during the protests as detailed by JURIST.
Nirajan Thapaliya, Director of Amnesty International Nepal, criticized the government’s response as a reflection of disregard for human life. The organization’s report highlighted systematic policing failures, revealing that the police used lethal force even in non-threatening situations and failed to employ non-violent measures before escalating to the use of weapons.
During the protests, law enforcement reportedly used high-pressure water cannons and tear gas near hospitals, causing respiratory issues among patients and disrupting medical services. Witnesses also recounted security forces firing projectiles into dense crowds without attempts to de-escalate tensions. Most alarmingly, live ammunition was used indiscriminately, resulting in severe injuries, with 50 percent of wounded protesters suffering from gunshot wounds to critical areas.
This approach by authorities starkly contrasts with the rights to peaceful assembly as stipulated under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials emphasize that force should be used as a last resort and prioritize non-lethal means. However, the events in Nepal demonstrate a clear departure from these guidelines.
Emergent on September 8, the protests quickly escalated into a full-blown national movement fueled by discontent over government corruption and poor governance. The violent crackdown led to 19 deaths and 400 injuries in Kathmandu alone. The intensity of the protests and the subsequent unrest forced significant political changes, including the resignation of the prime minister and the appointment of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister. These actions illustrate the ongoing tensions and need for accountability in Nepal.