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We, organizations and individuals committed to human rights, democracy, and social justice, raise our voices in urgent solidarity with the people of Nepal—especially the youth—who are courageously resisting systemic corruption, repression, and militarization.

In recent weeks, Nepal’s Gen Z has taken to the streets in unprecedented numbers. Sparked by the government’s decision to ban major social media platforms, their protests are not simply about online access. For the country’s youth, social media is more than entertainment: it is their primary space to speak truth, expose corruption, connect with peers, and hold leaders accountable. It is also the lifeline linking millions of migrant workers abroad with their families at home. By cutting this cord, the government has effectively severed the human connection for one-fifth of the country’s population—an act as cruel as cutting the umbilical cord of a child from its mother.

But these protests go far beyond the digital ban. They are a collective outcry against decades of unaccountable governance, elite corruption, economic exclusion, and systemic injustice. Young Nepalese demand:

· An end to corruption and impunity;

· The establishment of accountable and transparent governance;

· The protection of freedom of speech, assembly, and participation;

· Resistance against the militarization of society;

· Jobs, dignity, and a future they do not have to flee their country to find.

The statistics speak for themselves. According to Nepal’s most recent National Living Standards Survey (2022–23), unemployment has risen to 12.6%, with youth unemployment hitting 22.7%—almost one in four young people. With joblessness and hopelessness pushing more and more young people into migration, Nepal is experiencing a hollowing out of its future. This generation is demanding to be heard before it is lost.

Instead of listening, the government has chosen violence. Peaceful protesters, many still in their school uniforms, have been met with bullets. To date:

· At least 19 young people have been killed;

· More than 400 have been critically injured;

· Hundreds more have been beaten, harassed, or arbitrarily arrested.

These are not just tragedies—they are grave violations of international law. Nepal is a party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). By targeting students with live ammunition, the government has violated the right to life (Article 6, ICCPR), the protection of children from violence (Article 19, UNCRC), and prohibitions on torture and cruel treatment (Article 37, UNCRC). Shooting children in the head and chest is not defense—it is murder.

Despite curfews, intimidation, and escalating repression, the protests continue. Political resignations, attacks on party offices, and the persistence of the demonstrations show that the old ways of ruling Nepal are no longer sustainable. A new generation is rising to demand a new society.

Our Calls

We urgently call on:

1. The United Nations Human Rights Council to launch an immediate, independent investigation into the killings and injuries, and ensure accountability for those responsible.

2. The international community to speak out against Nepal’s increasing militarization, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, and systemic corruption. Silence makes one complicit.

3. Governments and civil society organizations worldwide to stand with the Nepalese people, amplify their voices, and pressure the Nepalese government to stop the violence, end impunity, and guarantee the rights of all citizens.

4. The Nepalese government to lift the social media ban, end repression, respect democratic freedoms, and provide dignified opportunities for its people—especially the youth.

5. The Nepalese people, especially the youth, to remain united, resist fear, and freely and democratically determine their future.

Our Commitment

We affirm that this struggle is not isolated to Nepal. Around the world, young people are rising against corruption, climate inaction, economic injustice, and authoritarian repression. From Kathmandu to Manila, from Jakarta to Nay Pyi Taw, from Dhaka to Santiago, from Nairobi to Paris, from Islamabad to Gaza, the call is the same: dignity, freedom, democracy, and justice.

The killing of children for demanding accountability is a crime against humanity. It is an assault on the very idea of democracy. The global community cannot remain silent.

We therefore commit to:
· Stand in solidarity with Nepali youth in their just struggle;
· Build international unity against corruption, repression, and militarization;
· Defend democracy wherever and whenever it is under threat.

This is a call to conscience. This is a call to action. Defend democracy, resist repression, and stand with the youth and people of Nepal.

September 9, 2025

Signed,

1. Guild Of Advocates For Humanity’s Optimal Mending (“GAHOM” Power of the Youth), Mindanao, Philippines

2. Iligan Youth Advocates for Development (IYAD), Mindanao, Philippines

3. Kagkalimwa Overseas Filipino Workers (Solidarity of OFW) Federation, BARMM, Philippines

4. Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee, Pakistan

5. Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan para sa Karapatang Pantao ((Alliance of Peoples’ for Human Rights), BARMM, Philippines

6 Lanao Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (LAHRA), Mindanao, Philippines

7. Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA)

8. Bangladesh Krishok Federation (BKF)

9. World March of Women, NCB, Nepal

10. Perempuan Mahardhika ( Free Women ), Indonesia

11. Europe solidaire sans frontières (ESSF), France

12. Movimento de Esquerda Socialista (MES), Brazil

13. Alternative Viewpoint, India

14. Alliance of Tri-People for the Advancement of Human Rights, Philippines

15. Indian Social Action Forum, India

16. CADTM International

17. Gauche Anticapitaliste - Stroming voor een Antikapitalistisch Project (SAP-GA), Belgium

18. Workers Democracy, China

19. Kilusang Maralita sa Kanayunan (Rural Poor Movement), Philippines

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