Genocide and Civil War
From 1996-2006 there was a civil war and genocide in Nepal. The Nepalese government and the Maoists clashed over the difference of ideas between the two groups. Maoists were communists who wanted a refresh to the political system and wanted the end to kings. War began when Maoists murdered the royal family, and started to overthrow the government. There were over 17,000 deaths during the course of the war, and many of these were civilians. Many war crimes were committed on both sides, from summary executions, to mass rapes, to massacres. In the end the a peace agreement was made, and the government is now a parliamentary democracy. Maoists faced little punishment and are still allowed to participate in the government.
Human Rights
How does this Civil War relate to human rights in Nepal? After this many deaths and war crimes, little action was taken for any change. Police in Nepal are still allowed to torture people in many areas, despite a law in the new 2015 Constitution banning this. Freedom of speech is still heavily restricted, and speaking out against the government is seen as a cybercrime. The Constitution hasn’t made as much of an effect as one would hope. Nepal did sign The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but it is clear that this isn’t very enforced, and that people are still subject to unjust circumstances. Few western countries are concerned about human rights in Nepal, and this is an ongoing issue.
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