Nepal is currently grappling with intense protests led by young people frustrated by the government’s actions. In the past 48 hours, violence erupted, with government buildings set ablaze and clashes between protesters and police. Tragically, at least 19 lives have been lost, with over 200 injured, according to local health reports.
The catalyst for this unrest appears to be rising discontent among the youth, particularly regarding unemployment and the widening wealth gap. A report from the Nepal Living Standard Survey 2022-2023 shows that the unemployment rate is around 12.6%, a significant issue for the younger generation.
Social media also played a role in sparking these protests. The hashtag #NepoBaby gained traction as it criticized the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, exposing deep-rooted corruption. Compounding this issue, the government recently banned social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, claiming these companies did not register with the government. Many viewed this as a major infringement on free speech, while others worried about staying in touch with family working abroad.
On Monday, protests intensified with demonstrators targeting government buildings, including the Parliament and Supreme Court. The chaos forced the closure of Tribhuvan International Airport due to smoke hazards in the vicinity. Despite the lifting of the social media ban, a curfew was imposed in Kathmandu and other major cities. Nonetheless, protests continued, with the government responding with water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
The resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli has stirred uncertainty about who will lead the country next. Ashish Pradhan from the International Crisis Group remarked, “This is pretty unprecedented, especially because of the scale.” The challenges ahead include not just choosing a new leader but also restoring faith in the government.
The protests in Nepal mirror movements in other countries where young people have taken a stand against corruption and authoritarianism. Last year in Bangladesh, students protested against a controversial job quota system, culminating in significant unrest and loss of life, with over 1,400 deaths reported by the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
In a joint statement, several embassies, including those of the U.S. and U.K., emphasized the importance of peaceful assembly and urged all parties to avoid escalation. The global community is watching as the situation in Nepal unfolds, and many are advocating for the protection of fundamental rights.
