Independent watchdogs

National Human Rights Commissionराष्ट्रिय मानव अधिकार आयोग

Watchdogs keep power in check. They must be strong, independent — and accountable themselves.

The System Independent watchdogs

Chairpersonअध्यक्षतप बहादुर मगर
Top Bahadur Magaras of 2026-10-11Photo: nhrcnepal.org
Members
Chairperson and four other members (Art. 248(1)).अध्यक्ष र अन्य चार सदस्य (धारा २४८(१))।
How the chair and members are appointed
Appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council (Art. 248(2)); a parliamentary hearing is held before appointment (Art. 292).संवैधानिक परिषद्को सिफारिसमा राष्ट्रपतिबाट नियुक्ति (धारा २४८(२)); नियुक्तिअघि संसदीय सुनुवाइ हुन्छ (धारा २९२)।
Term
Six years from the date of appointment (Art. 248(3)).नियुक्ति भएको मितिले छ वर्ष (धारा २४८(३))।
National Human Rights Commission · Government of Nepal Part 25, Art. 248 Official website

What it must do

  • The Commission's duty is to respect, protect and promote human rights, and to ensure that they are effectively enforced.मानव अधिकारको सम्मान, संरक्षण र संवर्धन गर्नु तथा त्यसको प्रभावकारी कार्यान्वयन सुनिश्चित गर्नु आयोगको कर्तव्य हो। Government of Nepal Art. 249(1), PDF p.138
  • It investigates complaints of human rights violations, or of abetting them. A complaint may come from a victim or from someone acting for them. The Commission can also act on its own initiative or on information from any source. It then recommends action against those responsible.मानव अधिकार उल्लङ्घन वा त्यसको दुरुत्साहनसम्बन्धी उजुरीमा आयोगले छानबिन तथा अनुसन्धान गर्छ। उजुरी पीडित आफैँ वा निजको तर्फबाट अरू कसैले दिन सक्छ। आयोग आफ्नै पहलमा वा कुनै पनि स्रोतबाट पाएको सूचनाका आधारमा पनि अघि बढ्न सक्छ। त्यसपछि दोषीमाथि कारबाहीको सिफारिस गर्छ। Government of Nepal Art. 249(2)(a), PDF p.138
  • It can recommend three kinds of action: (1) departmental action against officials who fail, or are reluctant, to prevent violations; (2) departmental action and punishment for violators, with reasons given; (3) filing a case in court where one is required.आयोगले तीन किसिमका कारबाहीको सिफारिस गर्न सक्छ: (१) उल्लङ्घन रोक्ने जिम्मेवारी पूरा नगर्ने वा त्यसमा उदासीनता देखाउने पदाधिकारीमाथि विभागीय कारबाही; (२) उल्लङ्घनकर्तामाथि कारण र आधारसहित विभागीय कारबाही र सजाय; (३) आवश्यक भएमा अदालतमा मुद्दा दायर। Government of Nepal Art. 249(2)(b), (c), (e), PDF p.138
  • It reviews human rights laws from time to time and recommends improvements to the Government. It recommends whether Nepal should join human rights treaties. It also monitors whether treaties Nepal has already joined are being implemented.आयोगले मानव अधिकारसम्बन्धी कानुनको आवधिक पुनरावलोकन गरी सुधारका लागि सरकारलाई सिफारिस गर्छ। नेपाल कुनै मानव अधिकार सन्धिको पक्ष बन्नुपर्ने वा नपर्ने विषयमा सिफारिस गर्छ। नेपाल पक्ष भइसकेका सन्धि कार्यान्वयन भए वा नभएको पनि अनुगमन गर्छ। Government of Nepal Art. 249(2)(f), (g), PDF pp.138-139
  • It may publish, and record as human rights violators, the names of officials, persons or bodies that do not implement its recommendations or directions. Under the Act it must first write to them and give them 15 days to respond.आयोगका सिफारिस वा निर्देशन कार्यान्वयन नगर्ने पदाधिकारी, व्यक्ति वा निकायको नाम आयोगले सार्वजनिक गर्न र तिनलाई मानव अधिकार उल्लङ्घनकर्ताका रूपमा अभिलेख गर्न सक्छ। ऐनअनुसार त्यसअघि उनीहरूलाई लेखी पठाएर जवाफ दिन १५ दिनको समय दिनुपर्छ। Government of Nepal · Nepal Law Commission Const. Art. 249(2)(h), PDF p.139; NHRC Act 2068, s.7(1)-(2), pp.5-6
  • It has court-like powers to summon people and take evidence. It can search premises and enter without notice where a serious violation has happened or is about to happen. It can enter any government office or other place to rescue a person. It can order compensation for victims in accordance with law.मानिस झिकाउन र प्रमाण बुझ्न आयोगलाई अदालतसरहको अधिकार छ। गम्भीर उल्लङ्घन भइसकेको वा हुन लागेको अवस्थामा सूचना नदिई खानतलासी गर्न र प्रवेश गर्न सक्छ। कुनै व्यक्तिको उद्धार गर्न कुनै पनि सरकारी कार्यालय वा अन्य स्थानमा प्रवेश गर्न सक्छ। कानुनबमोजिम पीडितलाई क्षतिपूर्ति दिन आदेश दिन सक्छ। Government of Nepal Art. 249(3)(a)-(d), PDF p.139
  • Under its Act, it can also: inspect and monitor prisons and other public or private places; investigate sub judice cases with the court's permission; monitor how human rights laws are being implemented; carry out research; recommend human rights education in school and university courses; and publish reports on the human rights situation. The Act says the Commission is independent and autonomous in this work.ऐनअनुसार आयोगले यी काम पनि गर्न सक्छ: कारागार तथा अन्य सार्वजनिक वा निजी स्थानको निरीक्षण र अनुगमन; अदालतको अनुमतिमा विचाराधीन मुद्दामा अनुसन्धान; मानव अधिकारसम्बन्धी कानुनको कार्यान्वयनको अनुगमन; अध्ययन–अनुसन्धान; विद्यालय र विश्वविद्यालयको पाठ्यक्रममा मानव अधिकार शिक्षा समावेश गर्न सिफारिस; र मानव अधिकारको अवस्थाबारे प्रतिवेदन प्रकाशन। ऐनले यस काममा आयोग स्वतन्त्र र स्वायत्त रहने भनेको छ। Nepal Law Commission NHRC Act 2068, s.4(1)(a)-(g) and s.4(2), pp.3-4
  • Before the Government sends a report required under a human rights treaty, it must ask for the Commission's opinion. The Commission may also recommend new laws or amendments, and may recommend that Nepal join a treaty.मानव अधिकार सन्धिअन्तर्गत प्रतिवेदन पठाउनुअघि सरकारले आयोगको राय माग्नुपर्छ। आयोगले नयाँ कानुन बनाउन वा भइरहेको कानुन संशोधन गर्न, र कुनै सन्धिको पक्ष बन्न सिफारिस गर्न सक्छ। Nepal Law Commission NHRC Act 2068, s.6(1)-(5), pp.4-5
  • Bodies that receive a recommendation must inform the Commission once they have implemented it. If they face difficulties, they must report the reasons within two months, and the Commission then reconsiders the matter. In a compensation decision the Commission may set up to Rs 300,000, depending on the victim's situation.सिफारिस पाउने निकायले त्यो कार्यान्वयन गरेपछि आयोगलाई जानकारी दिनुपर्छ। कार्यान्वयनमा कठिनाइ भए दुई महिनाभित्र कारणसहित प्रतिवेदन पठाउनुपर्छ, र आयोगले पुनः विचार गर्छ। क्षतिपूर्तिको निर्णयमा पीडितको अवस्था हेरी आयोगले बढीमा तीन लाख रुपियाँसम्म तोक्न सक्छ। Nepal Law Commission NHRC Act 2068, s.16(3), p.11; s.17(1)-(5), pp.11-12

Its stated goals

  • Vision of the Sixth Strategic Plan (2021–2026): "Right to life, dignity, equality and freedom: foundation for sustainable peace and prosperity." This is the Commission's own English text.छैटौँ रणनीतिक योजना (२०२१–२०२६) को सोच: "जीवन, मर्यादा, समानता र स्वतन्त्रताको अधिकार: दिगो शान्ति र समृद्धिको आधार।" (आयोगको अङ्ग्रेजी संस्करणबाट नेपालीमा उल्था) National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Sixth Strategic Plan, section 3.1, PDF p.31 (printed p.17)
  • Mission: "Develop human rights culture through respect, protection and promotion of human rights education."लक्ष्य (मिसन): मानव अधिकार शिक्षाको सम्मान, संरक्षण र संवर्धनमार्फत मानव अधिकार संस्कृतिको विकास गर्ने। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Sixth Strategic Plan, section 3.2, PDF p.31 (printed p.17)
  • Strategic objective 1: "To ensure effective complaint management system, investigation, and implementation of the recommendations/decisions made."रणनीतिक उद्देश्य १: प्रभावकारी उजुरी व्यवस्थापन, अनुसन्धान, र गरिएका सिफारिस/निर्णयको कार्यान्वयन सुनिश्चित गर्ने। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Sixth Strategic Plan, section 3.6(1), PDF p.32 (printed p.18)
  • Strategic objectives 2–4: to improve the human rights situation by monitoring how national laws and international standards are implemented; to promote human rights awareness; and to create conditions in which vulnerable and marginalised communities can enjoy their rights.रणनीतिक उद्देश्य २–४: राष्ट्रिय कानुन र अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय मापदण्डको कार्यान्वयन अनुगमन गरी मानव अधिकारको अवस्थामा सुधार गर्ने; मानव अधिकार सचेतना बढाउने; र जोखिममा परेका तथा सीमान्तकृत समुदायले आफ्ना अधिकार उपभोग गर्न सक्ने वातावरण बनाउने। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Sixth Strategic Plan, section 3.6(2)-(4), PDF p.32 (printed p.18)
  • Strategic objectives 5–7: to review human rights laws and carry out research; to coordinate with the executive, the legislature, the judiciary, constitutional bodies at all three levels of government, and civil society; and to strengthen the Commission's own capacity through technology and staff development.रणनीतिक उद्देश्य ५–७: मानव अधिकारसम्बन्धी कानुनको पुनरावलोकन र अनुसन्धान गर्ने; तीनै तहका कार्यपालिका, व्यवस्थापिका, न्यायपालिका, संवैधानिक निकाय र नागरिक समाजसँग समन्वय तथा सहकार्य गर्ने; र प्रविधिको उपयोग तथा कर्मचारीको क्षमता विकासमार्फत आयोगको संस्थागत क्षमता बलियो बनाउने। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Sixth Strategic Plan, section 3.6(5)-(7), PDF pp.32-33 (printed pp.18-19)
  • The plan sets out 16 strategies and 106 programmes. It is to be monitored and evaluated every year, at mid-term (after three years) and in its final year.योजनामा १६ रणनीति र १०६ कार्यक्रम छन्। यसको अनुगमन र मूल्याङ्कन हरेक वर्ष, मध्यावधि (तीन वर्षपछि) र अन्तिम वर्षमा गरिने उल्लेख छ। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Sixth Strategic Plan, Executive Summary, PDF p.11

What it has delivered

  • Complaints registered: 105 human rights violation complaints, compared with 100 in FY 2079/80 and 120 in FY 2080/81. The Commission says 13,338 complaints have been registered since it was founded.दर्ता भएका उजुरी: मानव अधिकार उल्लङ्घनसम्बन्धी १०५ उजुरी। आ.व. २०७९/८० मा १०० र आ.व. २०८०/८१ मा १२० उजुरी दर्ता भएका थिए। आयोगका अनुसार स्थापनाकालदेखि जम्मा १३,३३८ उजुरी दर्ता भएका छन्। (FY 2081/82 (BS)) National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Ch. 2, section 2.1, PDF p.26 (printed p.15); office-wise table, PDF pp.27-28 (printed pp.16-17)
  • Investigations completed into 643 incidents of human rights violation. A further 986 general complaints that fell outside the Commission's jurisdiction were dealt with, for example by giving advice or referring them to the competent body.मानव अधिकार उल्लङ्घनका ६४३ घटनामा अनुसन्धान सम्पन्न। आयोगको क्षेत्राधिकारबाहिरका ९८६ सामान्य उजुरीमा पनि कारबाही सम्पन्न, जस्तै परामर्श दिने वा सम्बन्धित निकायमा पठाउने। (FY 2081/82 (BS)) National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Section 2.3, PDF p.29 (printed p.18); summary table rows 1.3, PDF p.13 (printed p.2)
  • Decisions: over 22 meetings the Commission made 49 complaint-based recommendations and 8 policy recommendations. It shelved 150 complaints and dismissed 6. It recommended departmental action against two people.निर्णय: २२ वटा बैठकबाट आयोगले ४९ उजुरीगत र ८ नीतिगत सिफारिस गर्‍यो। १५० उजुरी तामेलीमा राखियो र ६ उजुरी खारेज गरियो। दुई जनामाथि विभागीय कारबाहीको सिफारिस गरियो। (FY 2081/82 (BS)) National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Chairperson's foreword, PDF p.4; summary table row 1.4, PDF p.13 (printed p.2)
  • Compensation: the Commission recommended that the Government pay Rs 4,772,489 in compensation to seven victims or their families.क्षतिपूर्ति: सात जना पीडित वा पीडितका परिवारलाई ४७ लाख ७२ हजार ४८९ रुपियाँ क्षतिपूर्ति उपलब्ध गराउन आयोगले सरकारलाई सिफारिस गर्‍यो। (FY 2081/82 (BS)) National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Chairperson's foreword, PDF p.4; section 2.5, PDF p.34 (printed p.23)
  • Monitoring and promotion: 226 monitoring visits or exercises; 1,889 promotional activities such as trainings, interactions and awareness events; 1,019 consultations on complaints or petitions; 35 press releases and 15 press notes; 33 right-to-information requests answered.अनुगमन र संवर्धन: २२६ अनुगमन; तालिम, अन्तरक्रिया, सचेतनाजस्ता १,८८९ संवर्धनात्मक कार्यक्रम; उजुरी वा निवेदनमाथि १,०१९ परामर्श; ३५ प्रेस विज्ञप्ति र १५ प्रेस नोट; सूचनाको हकअन्तर्गत ३३ निवेदनमा सूचना उपलब्ध। (FY 2081/82 (BS)) National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Summary table rows 1.2, 2.1, 3, 5.2, 5.4, PDF pp.12-14 (printed pp.1-3)
  • Budget: Rs 285,313,000 was allocated to the main recurrent budget sub-head. Of this, Rs 244,212,905.80 was released and spent. A capital allocation of Rs 3,000,000 saw Rs 2,361,142.70 released and spent.बजेट: मुख्य चालू बजेट उपशीर्षकमा रु. २८,५३,१३,००० विनियोजन भएकोमा रु. २४,४२,१२,९०५.८० निकासा र खर्च भयो। पुँजीगततर्फ रु. ३०,००,००० विनियोजनमा रु. २३,६१,१४२.७० निकासा र खर्च भयो। (FY 2081/82 (BS)) National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Ch. 1, financial management, PDF pp.24-25 (printed pp.13-14)
  • Over its first 20 years (Jestha 2057 to Asar 2077), the Commission registered 12,825 complaints, settled 6,617 of them, and made 1,195 recommendations for justice for victims. About 79 per cent (78.66 per cent) of those recommendations related to the armed conflict.पहिलो २० वर्षमा (२०५७ जेठदेखि २०७७ असारसम्म) आयोगमा १२,८२५ उजुरी दर्ता भए, जसमध्ये ६,६१७ फर्छ्योट भए, र पीडितको न्यायका लागि १,१९५ सिफारिस गरिए। ती सिफारिसमध्ये ७८.६६ प्रतिशत सशस्त्र द्वन्द्वसँग सम्बन्धित थिए। (Jestha 2057 – Asar 2077 (BS)) National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Report note, PDF p.8; section 2.1, Table 3, PDF p.21
  • Latest quarter (central office, Baisakh–Asar 2083): over 11 meetings, 106 complaint files were tabled. These produced 40 recommendations and 1 policy recommendation, including Rs 750,000 in compensation; 51 files were shelved and 3 dismissed, and 103 were settled. In this quarter the Commission also sent the Government the recommendations of its investigation report on the youth (Gen Z) movement (press note of 13 Jestha 2083).पछिल्लो त्रैमास (केन्द्रीय कार्यालय, २०८३ वैशाख–असार): ११ बैठकमा १०६ उजुरी फाइल पेस भए। तीमध्ये ४० सिफारिस र १ नीतिगत सिफारिस भयो, जसमा ७ लाख ५० हजार रुपियाँ क्षतिपूर्ति समावेश छ; ५१ फाइल तामेलीमा राखिए, ३ खारेज भए, र १०३ फर्छ्योट भए। यही अवधिमा आयोगले नवयुवा (जेनजी) आन्दोलनसम्बन्धी अनुसन्धान प्रतिवेदनका सिफारिस नेपाल सरकारलाई पठायो (प्रेस नोट, २०८३ जेठ १३)। (Baisakh–Asar 2083 (Q4 of FY 2082/83, BS)) National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Section 9.1, PDF p.11 (printed p.10); press releases list item 4, PDF p.22 (printed p.21)
  • International accreditation: in March 2025 the GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) recommended re-accrediting the Commission with 'A' status, the highest grade for compliance with the Paris Principles.अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय मान्यता: २०२५ मार्चमा GANHRI को प्रत्यायन उपसमिति (SCA) ले आयोगलाई 'A' श्रेणीमा पुनः प्रत्यायन गर्न सिफारिस गर्‍यो। पेरिस सिद्धान्तको पालनामा यो सबैभन्दा माथिल्लो श्रेणी हो। (SCA 45th session, March 2025) Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Sub-Committee on Accreditation Section 1.5 Nepal, PDF p.26

Where it falls short

  • Low implementation of recommendations, in the Commission's own figures. Of 1,618 recommendations counted cumulatively up to FY 2081/82, 13.29% had been fully implemented, 34.12% partly implemented and 52.60% not implemented. The fully implemented share was 15.30% in FY 2079/80 and 13.66% in FY 2080/81.आयोगकै तथ्याङ्कअनुसार सिफारिस कार्यान्वयन न्यून छ। आ.व. २०८१/८२ सम्मका जम्मा १,६१८ सिफारिसमध्ये १३.२९ प्रतिशत पूर्ण कार्यान्वयन, ३४.१२ प्रतिशत आंशिक कार्यान्वयन र ५२.६० प्रतिशत कार्यान्वयन नभएका छन्। पूर्ण कार्यान्वयनको हिस्सा आ.व. २०७९/८० मा १५.३० र आ.व. २०८०/८१ मा १३.६६ प्रतिशत थियो। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Section 2.5 and table, PDF p.33 (printed p.22); repeated in section 6.2(ङ), PDF p.154 (printed p.143)
  • The report says no recommendation was implemented during FY 2081/82. It adds that the recommendations which do get implemented are mostly about compensation. Recommendations for legal action against those involved in violations have not been implemented. The report also says some officials recommended for legal action were promoted instead.प्रतिवेदनअनुसार आ.व. २०८१/८२ मा कुनै पनि सिफारिस कार्यान्वयन भएन। कार्यान्वयन हुने सिफारिस प्रायः क्षतिपूर्तिसम्बन्धी हुन्छन्। उल्लङ्घनमा संलग्नमाथि कानुनी कारबाहीका सिफारिस कार्यान्वयन भएका छैनन्। कानुनी कारबाहीको सिफारिस गरिएका कतिपय अधिकारी बढुवा भएको पनि प्रतिवेदनमा उल्लेख छ। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Section 2.5, PDF pp.33-34 (printed pp.22-23); section 6.2(ङ), PDF p.154 (printed p.143)
  • The 20-year review found a similar pattern. Of 1,195 recommendations, 13.64% were fully implemented, 37.23% partly implemented, and about half were not implemented at all.२० वर्षे समीक्षामा पनि यस्तै ढाँचा देखियो। १,१९५ सिफारिसमध्ये १३.६४ प्रतिशत पूर्ण, ३७.२३ प्रतिशत आंशिक कार्यान्वयन भए, र करिब आधा कार्यान्वयन भएनन्। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Report note, PDF p.8; implementation section, PDF p.44
  • No action had been taken on some policy recommendations, such as joining the Rome Statute and the convention on the rights of migrant workers and their families.रोम विधान र आप्रवासी कामदार तथा तिनका परिवारको अधिकारसम्बन्धी महासन्धिजस्ता नीतिगत सिफारिसमा कुनै कारबाही भएको छैन। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Section 6.2(ङ), PDF p.154 (printed p.143)
  • Staff vacancies: of 309 sanctioned posts, 249 were filled and 60 vacant at the end of FY 2081/82. The latest quarterly statement (Asar 2083) shows 237 filled.कर्मचारी रिक्तता: ३०९ दरबन्दीमध्ये आ.व. २०८१/८२ को अन्त्यमा २४९ पदपूर्ति भएका र ६० रिक्त थिए। पछिल्लो त्रैमासिक विवरण (२०८३ असार) अनुसार पदपूर्ति २३७ छ। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal · National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Annual report summary row 6.3, PDF p.14 (printed p.3); quarterly statement staff table, PDF p.5 (printed p.4)
  • Organisational structure not approved: the Commission sent a revised structure to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on 2075 Asar 12, and a reviewed version on 2079 Chaitra 27. By FY 2081/82 neither had been approved.सांगठनिक संरचना स्वीकृत भएन: आयोगले २०७५ असार १२ मा र पुनरावलोकन गरी २०७९ चैत २७ मा प्रधानमन्त्री तथा मन्त्रिपरिषद्को कार्यालयमा संरचना पठाएको थियो। आ.व. २०८१/८२ सम्म कुनै पनि स्वीकृत भएन। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Section 6.2(घ), PDF p.153 (printed p.142)
  • The NHRC Act 2068 predates the 2015 Constitution. The Commission says a new Act is needed. According to the Commission, the Government agreed in principle but has not taken the bill forward. In 2023 and again in March 2025, the GANHRI SCA urged that the law be amended to provide for: a broad, transparent and participatory selection and appointment process; rules on conflicts of interest; financial autonomy (the Commission currently needs Ministry of Finance approval before accepting donor funding); and tabling reports directly in Parliament rather than through the President.राष्ट्रिय मानव अधिकार आयोग ऐन, २०६८ नेपालको संविधान (२०७२) भन्दा अघिको हो। नयाँ ऐन आवश्यक रहेको आयोगको भनाइ छ। आयोगका अनुसार सरकारले सैद्धान्तिक सहमति दिए पनि विधेयक अघि बढाएको छैन। GANHRI SCA ले २०२३ मा र फेरि २०२५ मार्चमा कानुन संशोधन गरी यी व्यवस्था गर्न आग्रह गर्‍यो: व्यापक, पारदर्शी र सहभागितामूलक छनोट तथा नियुक्ति प्रक्रिया; स्वार्थको द्वन्द्व रोक्ने नियम; आर्थिक स्वायत्तता (हाल दाताको सहयोग लिन अर्थ मन्त्रालयको स्वीकृति चाहिन्छ); र प्रतिवेदन राष्ट्रपतिमार्फत नभई सिधै संसद्मा पेस गर्ने व्यवस्था। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal · Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Sub-Committee on Accreditation Annual report section 6.2(घ), PDF p.153 (printed p.142); SCA report section 1.5(1), PDF p.26
  • Appointment dispute and accreditation review: the Commission's report notes concerns, raised at home and abroad, that its current office-holders were appointed without a parliamentary hearing. A writ challenging the appointments was dismissed by the Supreme Court with about a year and a half of the term left. The Commission says the delay affected its work. During this period the SCA carried out a special review (opened in 2021). In October 2022 it recommended downgrading the Commission to 'B' status, and in October 2023 it recommended that 'A' status be kept.नियुक्ति विवाद र प्रत्यायन समीक्षा: वर्तमान पदाधिकारी संसदीय सुनुवाइबिना नियुक्त भएको विषय राष्ट्रिय र अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय तहमा उठेको आयोगको प्रतिवेदनमा उल्लेख छ। नियुक्तिविरुद्धको रिट कार्यकाल करिब डेढ वर्ष बाँकी रहँदा सर्वोच्च अदालतबाट खारेज भयो। यस ढिलाइको असर आयोगको काममा परेको आयोगको भनाइ छ। यसै अवधिमा SCA ले विशेष समीक्षा गर्‍यो (२०२१ मा सुरु)। २०२२ अक्टोबरमा आयोगलाई 'B' श्रेणीमा झार्न सिफारिस गर्‍यो, र २०२३ अक्टोबरमा 'A' श्रेणी कायम राख्न सिफारिस गर्‍यो। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal · Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Sub-Committee on Accreditation Annual report section 6.2 (external challenge ख), PDF p.152 (printed p.141); SCA Oct 2023 report section 1.8, PDF p.25
  • Pluralism and funding (GANHRI SCA, March 2025): one of the five commissioners is a woman, and 33% of staff are women. The SCA considered this insufficient for the Paris Principles. It also noted that the state budget had fluctuated over the previous three years and needed to increase for the Commission to cover its full mandate.बहुलता र बजेट (GANHRI SCA, २०२५ मार्च): पाँच आयुक्तमध्ये एक जना महिला छन्, र कर्मचारीमध्ये ३३ प्रतिशत महिला छन्। SCA ले यसलाई पेरिस सिद्धान्तअनुसार अपर्याप्त मान्यो। साथै विगत तीन वर्षमा राज्यबाट पाउने बजेट घटबढ भएको र आयोगले पूरा कार्यादेश निर्वाह गर्न बजेट बढ्नुपर्ने उल्लेख गर्‍यो। Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Sub-Committee on Accreditation SCA report section 1.5(3)-(4), PDF pp.27-28
  • Grounds for dismissal (GANHRI SCA, March 2025): neither the Constitution, the Act nor parliamentary procedure clearly defines 'incompetence', 'misconduct' or 'failure to discharge duties honestly' as grounds for removing commissioners.पदमुक्तिका आधार (GANHRI SCA, २०२५ मार्च): आयुक्त हटाउने आधारका रूपमा रहेका 'अक्षमता', 'खराब आचरण' र 'इमानदारीपूर्वक कर्तव्य पालना नगर्नु' भन्ने कुरा संविधान, ऐन वा संसदीय कार्यविधिमा स्पष्ट परिभाषित छैनन्। Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Sub-Committee on Accreditation SCA report section 1.5(5), PDF p.28
  • Premises and resources: the central office building, damaged in the Baisakh 2072 earthquake, had still not been rebuilt by FY 2081/82. The central, provincial and branch offices run from rented space. The Commission also reports shortages of vehicles and equipment, and no separate rooms or specialist staff (such as psychosocial counsellors) for receiving complainants.भवन र स्रोतसाधन: २०७२ वैशाखको भूकम्पमा क्षतिग्रस्त केन्द्रीय कार्यालयको भवन आ.व. २०८१/८२ सम्म पनि पुनर्निर्माण सुरु भएको छैन। केन्द्रीय, प्रदेश र प्रदेश शाखा कार्यालय भाडामा चलेका छन्। सवारी साधन र उपकरणको अभाव, तथा उजुरीकर्ताका लागि छुट्टै कक्ष र मनोपरामर्शजस्ता विज्ञ जनशक्ति नभएको पनि आयोगले उल्लेख गरेको छ। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Section 6.2(ग), PDF pp.152-153 (printed pp.141-142)
  • Internal challenges the Commission identifies: internal coordination and information systems are not yet effective; staff need more skills for emerging issues; reports need to be published on time and their quality improved.आयोगले औँल्याएका आन्तरिक चुनौती: आन्तरिक समन्वय र सूचना प्रणाली अझै प्रभावकारी छैनन्; नयाँ विषयका लागि कर्मचारीको दक्षता बढाउनुपर्ने; प्रतिवेदन समयमै प्रकाशन गर्नुपर्ने र गुणस्तर सुधार्नुपर्ने। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Section 6.2(क), PDF pp.151-152 (printed pp.140-141)
  • The latest quarterly statement (Baisakh–Asar 2083) lists four office-holders, the Chairperson and three members. The Constitution provides for five. The statement does not explain the difference.पछिल्लो त्रैमासिक विवरण (२०८३ वैशाख–असार) मा अध्यक्ष र तीन सदस्य गरी चार पदाधिकारी सूचीमा छन्। संविधानले पाँच जनाको व्यवस्था गरेको छ। विवरणमा यो फरकको कारण उल्लेख छैन। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal · Government of Nepal Quarterly statement section 2.1-2.2, PDF p.4 (printed p.3); Const. Art. 248(1), PDF p.136

How to make it stronger

  • Parliament to pass a new NHRC Act, consistent with the Paris Principles, that keeps the Commission independent and autonomous.पेरिस सिद्धान्तअनुकूल र आयोगको स्वतन्त्रता तथा स्वायत्तता जोगाउने नयाँ मानव अधिकार आयोग ऐन सङ्घीय संसद्बाट पारित गर्ने।
    The 2068 Act predates the federal Constitution. The SCA has repeated its concerns about appointments, conflicts of interest, financial autonomy and how reports are tabled, and wants them addressed in law.२०६८ को ऐन सङ्घीय संविधानअघिको हो। नियुक्ति, स्वार्थको द्वन्द्व, आर्थिक स्वायत्तता र प्रतिवेदन पेस गर्ने तरिकाबारे SCA ले दोहोर्‍याएका चासो कानुनमै सम्बोधन गर्नुपर्ने उसको भनाइ छ। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal · Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Sub-Committee on Accreditation
  • The Government to implement the Commission's recommendations without delay, including bringing people the Commission has found responsible within the reach of the law.आयोगका सिफारिस ढिलाइ नगरी कार्यान्वयन गर्ने, र आयोगले दोषी ठहर गरेकालाई कानुनी दायरामा ल्याउने।
    By the Commission's own count, more than half of its recommendations have not been implemented.आयोगकै गणनाअनुसार आधाभन्दा बढी सिफारिस कार्यान्वयन भएका छैनन्। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal · Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Sub-Committee on Accreditation
  • Approve the Commission's proposed organisational structure, and provide the money, building and other physical resources it needs.आयोगले प्रस्ताव गरेको सांगठनिक संरचना तत्काल स्वीकृत गर्ने, र आवश्यक आर्थिक स्रोत, भवन तथा अन्य भौतिक साधन उपलब्ध गराउने।
    Structure proposals sent in 2075 and 2079 are still pending, and the central office has had no building of its own since the 2072 earthquake.२०७५ र २०७९ मा पठाइएका संरचना प्रस्ताव अझै विचाराधीन छन्, र २०७२ को भूकम्पपछि केन्द्रीय कार्यालयको आफ्नै भवन छैन। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal
  • Table the Commission's annual report in the House of Representatives on time, and keep the discussion going. The SCA's related recommendation is that reports be tabled directly in Parliament.आयोगको वार्षिक प्रतिवेदन समयमै प्रतिनिधि सभामा पेस गरी छलफललाई निरन्तरता दिने। यससँग सम्बन्धित SCA को सिफारिस प्रतिवेदन सिधै संसद्मा पेस गर्ने व्यवस्थाको हो।
    Under Art. 294 the report goes to Parliament only through the President and the Prime Minister. The Commission and the SCA both raise this as a weakness in follow-up.धारा २९४ अनुसार प्रतिवेदन राष्ट्रपति र प्रधानमन्त्रीमार्फत मात्र संसद्मा पुग्छ। आयोग र SCA दुवैले यसलाई फलोअपको कमजोरीका रूपमा उठाएका छन्। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal · Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Sub-Committee on Accreditation
  • Write into law a broad, transparent and participatory way of selecting commissioners; at least two women among the five members; and clear grounds and procedures for dismissal.आयुक्त छनोटको व्यापक, पारदर्शी र सहभागितामूलक प्रक्रिया; पाँच सदस्यमध्ये कम्तीमा दुई महिला; र पदमुक्तिका स्पष्ट आधार तथा प्रक्रिया कानुनमै राख्ने।
    These are SCA recommendations. The SCA notes that the Commission's draft law includes the two-women provision.यी SCA का सिफारिस हुन्। दुई महिलाको व्यवस्था आयोगको मस्यौदा कानुनमा समावेश रहेको SCA ले उल्लेख गरेको छ। Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Sub-Committee on Accreditation
  • Political parties to commit to helping implement the Commission's recommendations.आयोगका सिफारिस कार्यान्वयनमा भूमिका खेल्न राजनीतिक दलहरू प्रतिबद्ध हुने।
    The Commission addresses this request to political parties directly in its list of remedies.आयोगले समाधानका उपायको सूचीमा यो अनुरोध राजनीतिक दलहरूलाई सिधै गरेको छ। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal
  • One option discussed in public-accountability practice is a public, regularly updated tracker showing each recommendation, the body it was sent to, and its implementation status. The Commission could also use its existing power to publish the names of bodies that do not comply.सार्वजनिक जवाफदेहिताका अभ्यासमा चर्चा हुने एउटा विकल्प: हरेक सिफारिस, त्यो पठाइएको निकाय र कार्यान्वयनको अवस्था देखाउने सार्वजनिक, नियमित अद्यावधिक ट्र्याकर। साथै सिफारिस पालना नगर्ने निकायको नाम सार्वजनिक गर्ने विद्यमान अधिकारको प्रयोग पनि गर्न सकिन्छ।
    This is a Policy Nepal explanation, not a finding. The Constitution and the Act already allow names to be published (Art. 249(2)(h); Act s.7), and the Commission already publishes cumulative implementation percentages.यो पोलिसी नेपालको व्याख्या हो, निष्कर्ष होइन। संविधान र ऐनले नाम सार्वजनिक गर्ने अधिकार दिइसकेका छन् (धारा २४९(२)(ज); ऐनको दफा ७), र आयोगले सिफारिस कार्यान्वयनको समग्र प्रतिशत अहिले नै प्रकाशित गर्छ। Government of Nepal · Nepal Law Commission

Who holds it to account

  • Annual report: the Commission must submit an annual report on its work to the President, who has it laid before the Federal Parliament through the Prime Minister. The 2081/82 report says it was prepared for this purpose.वार्षिक प्रतिवेदन: आयोगले आफ्नो कामको वार्षिक प्रतिवेदन राष्ट्रपतिसमक्ष पेस गर्नुपर्छ, र राष्ट्रपतिले प्रधानमन्त्रीमार्फत सङ्घीय संसद्मा पेस गराउनुहुन्छ। २०८१/८२ को प्रतिवेदन यसै प्रयोजनका लागि तयार गरिएको उल्लेख छ। Government of Nepal · National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Const. Art. 294(1), PDF p.172; annual report foreword, PDF p.4
  • Parliament: chiefs and officials of constitutional bodies are accountable to the Federal Parliament. However, Art. 293 lets House of Representatives committees monitor and evaluate every constitutional body except the NHRC.संसद्: संवैधानिक निकायका प्रमुख र पदाधिकारी सङ्घीय संसद्प्रति जवाफदेही हुन्छन्। तर धारा २९३ ले प्रतिनिधि सभाका समितिलाई राष्ट्रिय मानव अधिकार आयोगबाहेकका सबै संवैधानिक निकायको अनुगमन र मूल्याङ्कन गर्ने अधिकार दिएको छ। Government of Nepal Art. 293, PDF p.172
  • Appointment and removal: the Chairperson and members are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council, after a parliamentary hearing. They can be removed by impeachment: a motion moved by one-fourth of members of the House of Representatives and passed by a two-thirds majority. They can also be removed by the President on the Constitutional Council's recommendation for physical or mental inability.नियुक्ति र पदमुक्ति: संसदीय सुनुवाइपछि संवैधानिक परिषद्को सिफारिसमा राष्ट्रपतिले अध्यक्ष र सदस्य नियुक्त गर्नुहुन्छ। उनीहरूलाई महाभियोगबाट हटाउन सकिन्छ: प्रतिनिधि सभाका एक चौथाइ सदस्यले प्रस्ताव राख्ने र दुई तिहाइ बहुमतले पारित गर्ने। शारीरिक वा मानसिक अस्वस्थताका कारण संवैधानिक परिषद्को सिफारिसमा राष्ट्रपतिबाट पनि पदमुक्त हुन सक्छन्। Government of Nepal Art. 248(2) and 248(5), PDF p.136; Art. 101(2), PDF p.55; Art. 292(1), PDF pp.171-172
  • Audit: the Auditor General audits the accounts of constitutional bodies. The Commission reports that it prepares its financial statements, has them audited, and deals with audit objections (beruju) through its financial management division.लेखापरीक्षण: संवैधानिक निकायको लेखापरीक्षण महालेखा परीक्षकले गर्छन्। आयोगले आर्थिक विवरण तयार गरी लेखापरीक्षण गराउने र आर्थिक व्यवस्थापन महाशाखामार्फत बेरुजु फर्छ्योट गर्ने गरेको उल्लेख गरेको छ। Government of Nepal · National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Const. Art. 241(1), PDF p.126; annual report PDF p.21 (financial management division duties) and PDF p.24 (printed p.13)
  • Right to information: under the Right to Information Act, the Commission publishes quarterly statements of the work done by its central office.सूचनाको हक: सूचनाको हकसम्बन्धी ऐनबमोजिम आयोगले केन्द्रीय कार्यालयले गरेका कामको त्रैमासिक विवरण प्रकाशित गर्छ। National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Quarterly statement title page, PDF p.1
  • International peer review: the GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation reviews the Commission against the Paris Principles. The most recent reviews were in October 2023 and March 2025.अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय समकक्षी समीक्षा: GANHRI को प्रत्यायन उपसमितिले पेरिस सिद्धान्तका आधारमा आयोगको समीक्षा गर्छ। पछिल्ला समीक्षा २०२३ अक्टोबर र २०२५ मार्चमा भएका हुन्। Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Sub-Committee on Accreditation · Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Sub-Committee on Accreditation SCA Oct 2023 section 1.8, PDF p.25; SCA March 2025 section 1.5, PDF p.26

Sources

  1. The Constitution of Nepal (2nd amendment), English translation Checked 2026-10-11
  2. २५ औँ वार्षिक प्रतिवेदन, आ.व. २०८१/२०८२ (25th Annual Report, FY 2081/82) Checked 2026-10-11
  3. Publications: Reports (listing page) Checked 2026-10-11
  4. Sixth Strategic Plan 2021-2026 Checked 2026-10-11
  5. National Human Rights Commission Act, 2068 (2012) Checked 2026-10-11
  6. आयोगको २० वर्ष: आयोगका सिफारिशहरू र कार्यान्वयन अवस्था (२०५७ जेठ – २०७७ असार) / A Precise Report on the Recommendations and State of Implementation in the 20 Years of NHRCN Checked 2026-10-11
  7. त्रैमासिक कार्यसम्पादन विवरण, २०८३ वैशाख–असार (Quarterly performance statement, Baisakh–Asar 2083) Checked 2026-10-11
  8. Report and Recommendations of the 45th Session of the SCA, Geneva, 13-21 March 2025 Checked 2026-10-11
  9. Report and Recommendations of the Session of the SCA, Geneva, 23-27 October 2023 Checked 2026-10-11

Corrections & right of reply

Parties, leaders and readers may ask us to correct an error or add a documented response. Corrections are published visibly with the date and reason; no one can pay to change coverage.

The submission channel is not open yet. It will open once an editorial contact and review process are in place.