Nepal at a Turning Point: After Deadly Crackdown on Corruption Protests and Unrest, Can Democracy Recover?
Nepal is facing its gravest political crisis in decades. What began as peaceful, Gen Z-led protests against corruption, displays of wealth by government officials, and frustration over the government’s failure to respond to citizens’ needs, ignited by a government-imposed social media ban, spiralled into deadly unrest. More than 70 people have died, thousands have been injured, and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was forced to resign. The country now faces an uncertain transition under a newly appointed interim government. As institutions falter and anger simmers, civil society organisations (CSOs) stand at a critical juncture: where does Nepal go from here, and what role will they play in shaping its future?
Frustration Turned into Tragedy
The demonstrations began as peaceful marches in Kathmandu. Tensions escalated when police blocked protesters’ advance near the Parliament. When demonstrators pushed through barricades, security forces responded with lethal force, leading to the death of 19 protestors.
“This was a peaceful march at first,” said Narendra Khatiwada, founder and president of KIOS Grantee Youth Advocacy Nepal (YAN). “People just wanted to be heard. The police reaction turned it into tragedy.”
Reena Lama, Executive Director of KIOS grantee Friends Affected in Infected Together in Hand (FAITH), added: “My first reaction was disbelief. When the state reopened social media, the violence became undeniable. It was clear the situation had spiralled out of control, and the next day would be even worse.”
Immediate Consequences of the Crackdown
Outrage over the crackdown sparked further unrest. On the second day, protesters torched government buildings, courts, and the homes of senior politicians. As the unrest intensified in response to the violence, the death toll continued to rise. According to Nepal Police spokesperson Binod Ghimire, a total of 73 people—including police officers, prison inmates, and civilians—lost their lives during the unrest.
Dr. Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, President of KIOS grantee International Institute for Human Rights, Environment and Development (INHURED) warned:
“What Nepal needs now is a strong civilian caretaker government to restore stability, protect democracy, safeguard human rights and punish the perpetrators and criminals with no impunity. Since the Constitution is a living document, its spirit must guide us through this storm, or it risks becoming nothing more than a piece of a paper. It’s high time to assert zero tolerance to violence and impunity.”
The Nepal Army imposed curfews, placed top leaders under protection, and assumed control of security. While curfews have been lifted, panic and security concerns persist. Both the President and Army Chief have urged dialogue during this uncertain period.
On 12 September, after consulting with major political party leaders and representatives of the Gen Z groups, the President appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Nepal’s interim Prime minister. She is the first woman to head the Government of Nepal and has been tasked with holding elections by 5 March 2026.
Despite wide support, some Gen Z groups and families of the deceased have objected to the first ministers appointed to Karki’s interim cabinet, saying they were not consulted and threatened to relaunch protests.
Civil Society Steps Up
During the unrest, CSOs in Nepal have not stayed silent. They have actively called for restraint; emphasised solutions upholding the constitutional framework and urged all stakeholders to engage in negotiation. They have organised virtual dialogues and resolved to negotiate with Gen Z groups, political leaders and other key influencers.
As Narendra Khatiwada from YAN emphasised: “It is crucial to find solutions within the framework of the current constitution while upholding multi-party democracy, human rights, the rule of law, press freedom, and pluralism.”
Oher KIOS grantees have also spoken out about accountability. In their statement the Citizenship Affected People’s Network (CAPN) condemned the killings and stressed that: “Resignations alone are insufficient — those responsible must be held accountable.” At the same time, CAPN urged protesters to avoid destroying public offices, warning that vital records and citizens’ security are at risk.
CAPN’s commitment has not wavered, even amid personal challenges at the start of the protests. CAPN staff and board members were attending a paralegal learning exchange programme abroad and were unable to return due to airport closures. “Being abroad while witnessing the devastation of our key state institutions—the Executive, Legislative branches, and the Judiciary—is heart-breaking,” said Programme and Advocacy Coordinator Prasanna Nirmal Aryal. “Ensuring the safety of our team and participating in national reconstruction must be our foremost priorities. We are taking all necessary measures to protect our team and ensure continuity of our work.”
Other organisations have echoed the same determination. Another KIOS grantee, Samari Utthan Sewa (SUS), reminded the public of the heavy toll and the commitment moving forward: “Unfortunately, we have lost the institutions and lives of too many of our youth. However, we remain hopeful that we will rise again. We trust that the new government will hold all perpetrators accountable and ensure human rights and justice for the survivors,” said SUS Programme Manager Shiva Hari Gyawali. “The interim government must ensure the safety and security of all citizens and create a fearless environment for participation in the upcoming election.”
Nepal’s CSOs are standing firm, demanding accountability, protecting democracy and committing to rebuilding a just and inclusive society.
Marginalised Groups in Focus
Beyond the broader civic response, organisations working with Nepal’s most excluded communities have voiced particular concerns about how the crisis can deepen existing inequalities.
KIOS grantee working on Indigenous Peoples’ rights, Lawyers’ Assocation for Human Rights of Nepalese Indigenous Peoples (LAHURNIP), warned that constitutional protections for Indigenous communities are at risk. “This moment of upheaval threatens to suppress Indigenous voices on key issues such as autonomy, self-determination, and customary rights over traditional territories and natural resources,” said Advocate Durga mani Rai. “In this critical time, it is essential that inclusion, meaningful participation, and democratic values are upheld. Indigenous peoples must be part of the dialogue to ensure a just and equitable future for all.”
Similar concerns were raised by The Feminist Dalit Organisation (FEDO), who highlighted that instability disproportionately affects Dalit women and girls. “This moment underscores the urgency of our advocacy. Grassroots voices must be part of nation-building, whether in securing access to justice, addressing violence against women, or safeguarding constitutional rights. While challenges are real, we also see a prospect to continue working together, ensuring that Dalit rights remain visible and that the leadership of Dalit women and girls contributes meaningfully to a more just, inclusive, accountable and sustainable development of the new Nepal,” reflected Dr Rabina G. Rasaily, Executive Director of FEDO.
These perspectives underline the crucial role of civil society in ensuring that marginalised voices are not lost amid upheaval. They also point to the broader question of how the country can move forward and what steps are necessary to restore stability, justice, and inclusive governance.
The Way Forward
KIOS adviser Veera Teittinen emphasised the global relevance of Nepal’s crisis: “Nepal’s escalating situation mirrors a global trend: younger generations are frustrated with corruption and pushing for change. Civil society and human rights defenders play a vital role, especially as authorities restrict civic space—for instance, by blocking social media platforms to curb protests and limit freedom of expression.”
The newly formed Nepali government has officially declared the 72 individuals who died during the recent Gen Z-led anti-government protests as martyrs, pledging financial compensation of Rs1.5 million per bereaved family and national honours for the deceased. The decision, made during the first Cabinet meeting under newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki, includes a National Day of Mourning on September 17 and the establishment of a judicial inquiry commission to investigate the use of force during the protests. The government also announced free medical treatment for the injured and plans to build a “Gen Z Awakening Memorial Park” to honour the fallen.
Uncertainty remains over whether the interim government will effectively address issues of proportional representation, reservation, and social justice as guaranteed by the Constitution. Previous experiences have raised concerns among Dalit and marginalised groups that hard-won progress may be lost or inadequately protected under the new administration.
Amid uncertainty, hope endures. CSOs remain essential to safeguard justice, inclusion, and the constitutional rights of all Nepalis. Their continued advocacy and engagement are critical to ensuring that democracy recovers and that the voices of younger generations, marginalised groups, and grassroots communities are meaningfully included in Nepal’s future.
This article is based on information gathered from KIOS Grantees and local news sources. KIOS has reached out to all its grantees in Nepal and is monitoring the situation closely, giving help and support to the important and brave human rights organisations in this difficult time. At the time of the writing, all our grantees are safe. They are assessing the situation and looking for ways forward to continue their valuable and important human rights work in this time of change.