Impunity in Nepal: A persistent crisis of justice

A culture of impunity—where perpetrators of grave crimes evade accountability—has seeped into Nepal’s political, judicial, and social fabric, leaving victims

How the US immigration system is failing Bhutanese refugees

It is exhausting to hear some of my fellow countrymen echo political rhetoric with blanket statements like, “I don’t support

Monarchy or republic? Without budget credibility, neither will make lives better

Last few weeks, the media and the streets have been resonant with pro-monarchy voices. In response, some republican forces have

Persecuting Dalits in the name of religion

On March 20, 2081, houses of Dalit community were demolished in Aurahi Municipality-5, Siraha district of Madhesh Province of Nepal.

Nepal’s post-earthquake recovery: What the UN can do

I still remember the chaos of April 25, 2015. The ground beneath me trembled violently, buildings cracked like fragile shells,

Emphasis on protection of right to reproductive health

Kathmandu: Various speakers have pointed out the need to strengthen the right to reproductive health in the country.     

Speaking at an event organized on the occasion of 25 years since the introduction of safe abortion services in Nepal, they said the provision of reproductive health rights as stipulated in Article 38 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal should be realized. The event held on Friday was hosted by Forum for Women, Law and Development and Center for Reproductive Rights.     

On the occasion, former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha said that the Supreme Court has established the notion that even women without money should get safe abortion services. He said that the availability of safe abortion services should be ensured for those who need them.     

Head of the family welfare division of the Ministry of Health and Population, Gauri Pradhan, shared that 3,000 people have been trained to perform abortions up to twelve weeks. There are 1,700 centers providing medical abortion services across the country.     

Executive Director of the FWLD, Sabin Shrestha, emphasized that women’s lives should be protected by revising the policy that currently allows abortion up to 28 weeks only in limited circumstances.

On that occasion, Clara Rita, who is working for women’s reproductive rights and health rights in the Philippines and Anubha Rastogi, an independent legal practitioner from India, and others were informed about the provisions related to safe abortion services in their respective countries.