UN Human Rights Office calls for prompt, transparent probe into killings of Gen Z protesters

KATHMANDU. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said on Monday that it is shocked by the killing and injury of protesters in Nepal and has called for a prompt and transparent investigation.

In a statement, OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said: “We have received several deeply worrying allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by security forces during protests organized by youth groups demonstrating against corruption and the recent government ban on social media platforms.”

At least 19 people were killed in police firing during Gen Z-led protests. Members of Nepal’s Gen Z took to the streets on Monday in Kathmandu and other major cities to protest against growing corruption, nepotism, favouritism, and the recent social media ban imposed by the K.P. Sharma Oli government.

According to the government, around 350 people were injured and are receiving treatment at various hospitals.

“We call on the authorities to respect and ensure the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” Shamdasani said.
“All security forces must comply with the basic principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials.”

It was pent-up anger that spilled into the streets on Monday, triggered by the government’s decision last Thursday to impose a sweeping ban on over two dozen social media platforms, including X, Facebook, and Instagram.

The government has claimed it banned the platforms due to their failure to comply with Nepal’s regulatory requirements.

Free speech advocates, however, argue the ban is a move to silence dissent under the guise of regulation.

The OHCHR said Nepal enjoys a lively democracy and an active civic space, and that dialogue is the best means to address young people’s concerns.

“We urge reconsideration of measures to regulate social media to ensure they comply with Nepal’s human rights obligations,” Shamdasani added.

Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator Hanaa Fikry Ahmed Singer described the situation as “so unlike Nepal” and warned that the casualty numbers could rise.

“Lots of my staff here are crying,” she told UN News in an interview. “They haven't seen violence in their lifetime.”

Expressing deep concern for the safety of civilians, Ahmed Singer underscored the urgent need to ensure unrestricted medical access for the injured. 

“The immediate priority now is the protection of civilians, particularly young people who are at the forefront of the protests,” she said.

UN News reported that UN agencies in the country — such as the World Health Organization, the UN Children’s Fund, and the UN human rights office — are monitoring developments closely.

They are preparing to provide health and other forms of support if needed, and stand ready to facilitate dialogue.

“Our role really is to remind everybody to ensure the protection of civilians, safeguard fundamental freedoms, and support Nepal in its commitment to international human rights norms and standards,” Ahmed Singer said.