The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed serious concern over the Government of Nepal’s decision to shut down social media platforms. In a press release issued on September 5, the Commission stated that such a decision would not only affect social media users but also run contrary to the principles of democratic governance and the core values of human rights.
The Commission stated that it is the government’s duty, responsibility, and authority to ensure that any service provider is legally registered, listed, or regulated before operating. However, it noted that in the name of regulation and management, the decision to shut down social media platforms, which have long been in use and have become an integral part of Nepali people’s expression and communication, has adversely affected the general public. The press release stated that such actions would restrict fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal, including the Right to Freedom of Expression (Article 17), the Right to Communication (Article 19), and the Right to Information (Article 27). Additionally, such a decision would run contrary to the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966. Therefore, the Commission has urged the government to reconsider its decision to shut down social media, taking into account the potential impacts on the general public, for whom social media has already become an integral part of daily life.
The press release issued by Dr. Tika Ram Pokharel, Under-Secretary and Spokesperson of the Commission, stated that the Commission has directed the Government of Nepal to adopt alternative measures for the regulation and management of social media, while ensuring the rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal and international law.