Human rights defenders and civil society activists have urged the government to end the abuse of evicted landless families and take legal action against officials responsible for pushing them toward hunger.
In a joint appeal issued on July 10, 2026, they stated that it is condemnable, inhumane, and a serious violation of human rights to issue ultimatums, intimidate, and expose evicted landless families, who have been kept in a holding center for more than 70 days—to the risk of hunger. The appeal states that forcibly depriving people of their homes and means of livelihood, and then exposing those under state protection and control to food insecurity and starvation, constitutes a criminal offence under Nepal’s prevailing laws. It calls on the government to immediately conduct a criminal investigation, prosecute the responsible officials in accordance with the law, and ensure reparative justice for the victims as guaranteed under Article 21(2) of the Constitution.
The appeal notes that Section 40 of the Right to Food and Food Sovereignty Act, 2018 defines as offences acts such as depriving individuals of access to essential food, causing serious harm or creating conditions of hunger, and rendering people homeless in a way that deprives them of their means of livelihood. It further states that the Act provides for imprisonment and fines for such offences and calls for legal accountability for those responsible.
The human rights defenders and civil society activists also urged the concerned agencies of the Government of Nepal to immediately ensure housing, food security, and basic services for all victims staying at the holding center, and to fulfill commitments related to their management and rehabilitation. They further called on the National Human Rights Commission, parliamentary committees related to human rights and social justice, and members of the Federal Parliament to effectively monitor and investigate the incident and ensure accountability.
The joint appeal was issued by 39 human rights defenders and civil society activists, including Anita Nyaupane Thapaliya, Anupa Aryal, Asmita Sapkota, Kapil Aryal, Kailash Rai, Khagendra Wali, Jagat Basnet, Bijay Raj Gautam, and Mohna Ansari.