Mexico Urges Nepal to Decriminalize Consensual Sex Among Minors During UN Review

Kathmandu. During the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Mexico suggested that Nepal decriminalize sexual relations among minors under 18 that are based on consent. Information regarding the key recommendations Nepal received during the fourth cycle of the UPR was provided at a workshop organized by the Women, Law and Development Forum (WLD).

Mexico drew attention to the need for such legal reform to prevent adolescent pregnancy and child marriage. At the workshop, lawyers emphasized the need to implement the suggestions given by various countries on the report Nepal submitted in 2025.

According to lawyer Binu Lama, Nepal only has the option to accept those suggestions or keep them on record. Lawyer Rojina Shrestha stated that countries like Iceland, France, and Norway made significant recommendations regarding the decriminalization of abortion, reproductive health rights, and comprehensive sexuality education. Iceland and France suggested legalizing abortion in all circumstances, while Norway emphasized ensuring access to safe abortion for gender minorities.

Senior Advocate Meera Dhungana mentioned that various countries suggested strengthening multi-sectoral coordination to provide access to comprehensive sexuality education inside and outside schools and to prevent child marriage. Similarly, recommendations have come from the international level to strictly implement laws and tighten the process of prosecuting offenders to end harmful practices such as Chhaupadi (menstruation huts) and the dowry system. Nepal has also been urged to implement the National Strategy 2021 against discriminatory gender identity and gender-based abortion.

The Government of Nepal is preparing to submit its final response to these recommendations before the session scheduled for June/July 2026. WLD Information Officer Binod Chandra Devkota stated that accepting and implementing the suggestions received through the UPR is Nepal's constitutional and international obligation. Participants at the workshop expressed confidence that the implementation of these suggestions would play a significant role in improving Nepal's human rights situation and achieving gender equality.