UN condemns deadly Nepal crackdown, urges investigation and talks
The UN rights office said it was ready to help foster dialogue and trust-building efforts to ease the crisis and restore public confidence.
The United Nations human rights chief has raised alarm over deadly unrest in Nepal after protests against a social media ban and corruption turned violent, leaving at least 19 people dead and parliament set on fire.
The demonstrations, led mainly by young people, were met with heavy police response, including live ammunition, according to Amnesty International.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said he was “appalled by the escalating violence in Nepal,” urging restraint from security forces and an immediate end to the bloodshed. “I plead with security forces to exercise utmost restraint, and avoid further such bloodshed and harm,” Turk said. “Violence is not the answer.”
Turk emphasized that dialogue remained the only way forward, underscoring the importance of listening to the concerns of Nepal’s youth.
He warned against excessive police action, noting there were “concerning reports of unnecessary and disproportionate use of force by the security forces.” He called for “urgent, thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into such acts.”
At the same time, Turk appealed to protesters to avoid destructive actions
. “I am disturbed by reports of public buildings, businesses and private residences being attacked and, in some instances, set ablaze,” he said. He also condemned reported attacks on senior government officials.
The UN rights office said it was ready to help foster dialogue and trust-building efforts to ease the crisis and restore public confidence.
