Nepal
As politics have stabilized in Nepal since 2006, pressure on journalists has decreased, and authorities have been somewhat more tolerant of peaceful assembly. However, political protests are still sometimes marred by violence, and corruption remains endemic in politics, government, and the judicial system.
Research & Recommendations
Nepal
| PR Political Rights | 28 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 34 60 |
Overview
Nepal’s elections are competitive and credible, with parties and citizens largely committed to democratic processes. The country’s anticorruption authority has been active in pursuing official misconduct, though corruption persists. Journalists and civil society face some restrictions, while gender-based violence, underage marriage, and bonded labor remain problems.
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.