There are concerns, both at the international and national level, about the absence of the rule of law in Nepal and the violation of the human rights of its people.

Rule of law and human rights are compromised from two sides: from the Maoist insurgents in Nepal, who are fighting to overthrow the King and introduce a communist regime, and on the other side, from the State and the State security forces, who are reportedly perpetrating gross violations of the human rights of the population.

Panelists reviewed the current political situation in Nepal and the rule of law and human rights gap, discussed some of the current deficiencies in the application of universally recognized human rights standards. Panelists also discussed the possibility and the prerequisites for engineering a return to the rule of law and the application of human rights standards and any obstacles to this endeavor.

Speakers

• Jonah Blank, Committee on Foreign Relations, US Senate
• Lisa Curtis, Committee on Foreign Relations, US Senate
• Sushil Pyakurel, Former Commissioner, National Human Rights Commission, Nepal
• Veena Siddharth, Human Rights Watch, Washington, DC
• Shambhu Thapa, President, Nepal Bar Association
• Colette Rausch, U.S. Institute of Peace, Rule of Law Program, Co-Moderator
• Christine Fair, U.S. Institute of Peace, Research & Studies Program, Co-Moderator

Media Inquiries

Please contact the Office of Public Affairs and Communications at 202.429.3832.