UN Pledges Support After Deadly Nepal Protests

Street traffic in Kathmandu, Nepal. (file)

At least 19 people have been killed in Nepal and over 100 injured in large-scale youth protests that erupted in the capital and other cities on Monday, following a government ban on social media platforms.

Police used tear gas and opened fire on protesters attempting to storm the parliament complex in the capital, Kathmandu, according to media reports.

Curfews have been imposed in parts of the city and in Rupandehi, with movement restrictions also effective in Pokhara.

UN Resident Coordinator Hanaa Fikry Ahmed Singer described the situation as “so unlike Nepal” and feared that 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.”

The protests came just days after the Nepalese government blocked more than 20 social media platforms such as WhatsApp, X and Facebook, as well as websites such as YouTube, for failing to register with the authorities.

“The government wanted them to align with internal laws as well, because they have been concerned about misinformation, hate speech and social harmony, and to ensure oversight and monitoring,” she said.

“However, the decision was widely criticised as being too broad and has been perceived by many, particularly young people who are very global, like all parts of the world now, as a restriction on freedom of expression and access to digital spaces.”

Ms Ahmed Singer voiced deep concern for the safety of civilians and 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.

Social media came back online shortly before the interview. The senior humanitarian official said she posted a message on X calling upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint, adhere to basic principles on the use of force and firearms, and ensure that people can safely and peacefully exercise their democratic rights.

“The most important thing now is unrestricted access to medical care for those who are injured,” she said.

Meanwhile, UN agencies in the country – such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the UN human rights office (OHCHR) – are monitoring developments closely.

They are preparing 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,” she said.