Experts Urge Implementation of UN Human Rights Council Recommendations for Nepal's Fourth Cycle Review

Experts have demanded the implementation of suggestions provided by various countries on the report submitted by Nepal during the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The Government of Nepal submitted the report under the fourth cycle of the UN Human Rights Council in 2025. Various countries provided suggestions based on that report.

Advocate Binu Lama stated that Nepal has two options regarding the suggestions received, particularly concerning three issues: either to implement (accept) the suggestions or keep them in the 'note'. During a workshop organized by the Women, Law and Development Forum for journalists, discussions were centered on legal identity, gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. The main objective of the program was to provide information about the UPR process, explain its national significance, and discuss the key suggestions Nepal received in the fourth cycle, she mentioned.

Advocate Rojina Shrestha from the Forum stated that Nepal received important suggestions concerning the decriminalization of abortion, reproductive health rights, respectful maternity services, comprehensive sexuality education, and overall sexual and reproductive health and rights services during the fourth cycle of the periodic review.

Informing about the suggestions received by Nepal, Advocate Shrestha shared that Iceland and France suggested decriminalizing and legalizing abortion in all circumstances. Iceland suggested ensuring access to safe abortion services.

Senior Advocate Meera Dhungana informed that Norway suggested ensuring access for women, adolescents, gender minorities, and safe abortion. Various countries also presented suggestions to strengthen multi-sectoral coordination to ensure universal access to comprehensive sexuality education inside and outside school premises, to prevent adolescent pregnancy and child marriage, and to effectively implement the National Strategy against Discriminatory Gender Identity and Gender-Based Abortion 2021.

Various countries recommended prohibiting the practice of Chhaupadi (menstruation hut) and the dowry system in marriage, increasing awareness for effective implementation of the law, and prosecuting and penalizing offenders. Senior Advocate Dhungana stated that Mexico suggested decriminalizing sexual relations by consent between adolescents under eighteen years of age and preventing adolescent pregnancy and child marriage.

Discussions were held regarding the preparation and strategy for the Government of Nepal's final response to the UPR recommendations, as the government is preparing to submit its final response before the session scheduled for June/July 2026. Furthermore, the program was organized to increase the role of the media in creating an environment for informed public debate and promoting accountability in the UPR process, informed Binod Chandra Devkota, Information Officer of the Forum.

He stated that accepting these suggestions provided on Nepal's report under the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review and implementing them effectively is the constitutional and international obligation of the Government of Nepal.