The report identified interference in press freedom, deaths in prisons, child marriage, and restrictions on refugee rights as major challenges.
Kathmandu, 14 Aug: A report released by the U.S. State Department shows that human rights in Nepal are in decline. It cites interference in press freedom, deaths in prisons, child marriage, and restrictions on refugee rights as key challenges.
The report primarily raises serious concerns about the deteriorating state of press freedom in Nepal. It states that compared to the previous year, press freedom has declined, with evidence of interference in media operations.
Although the constitution guarantees freedom of expression, the report concludes that recently enacted laws are vague. It cites, for example, an incident on February 19, when journalists were barred from covering the Democracy Day program at Tundikhel.
Similarly, on September 28, journalists covering a public transport operators’ protest against ride-sharing services were attacked. By including such cases, the report underscores that journalists in Nepal face unsafe working conditions.
It also notes that existing laws have pushed journalists toward self-censorship. “The Criminal Code, contempt laws, the Broadcasting Act, and the Working Journalists Act, among others, can be used to criminalize journalists,” the report states, “which results in the media engaging in self-censorship.”
Similarly, the report also highlights the case of investigative journalist Gopal Dahal. Dahal is one of three journalists who received threats after reporting on Mayor Hark Sampang of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City.
The report states, “There have been multiple instances of threats and attacks against journalists reporting on corruption. Among these, Gopal Dahal of the Center for Investigative Journalism Nepal was personally and professionally threatened in December by Mayor Sampang and his supporters. This occurred after Dahal published an investigative report on the mayor’s performance.”
Nepal’s press freedom is clearly in decline. According to the Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the country’s ranking has dropped compared to the previous year. In 2025, Nepal is ranked 90th, down from 74th the year before—a decline of 16 places.
Similarly, the Federation of Nepali Journalists reported 94 cases of press freedom violations in the last fiscal year, with the trend continuing in the current fiscal year. Since May alone, 57 incidents have been recorded.
Other Findings in the Report
The report also highlights the treatment of marginalized communities in police custody. It states that detainees are often beaten and held longer than legally permitted. In some cases, they are denied adequate access to legal counsel, food, and medicine.
“According to human rights activists and legal experts, police abuse suspects to extract confessions, including physical assault and extended detention,” the report notes. “The NGO Advocacy Forum reported that by mid-August, police had tortured 16 suspects in custody before filing formal charges. Poor or marginalized individuals, including Dalits, have faced abuse and discrimination.”
The report further notes that authorities have been negligent regarding deaths in custody. On April 8, Sunil Shahi died in Kailali following a police beating, with injuries reportedly consistent with being struck by an iron rod. Even after media reports, no investigation was initiated by the security agencies.
Regarding child marriage, Nepalese law prohibits marriage for boys and girls under 20. However, the report notes that child marriage and early childbirth among women remain prevalent, particularly in Dalit and Madhesi communities. Between mid-July of the previous year and mid-July of the current year, 52 child marriage cases were registered. The report concludes that such practices have a direct negative impact on girls’ education, health, and access to a safe life free from violence.
