Kathmandu, Sept 21: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed serious concern over the rise in hate speech and inflammatory remarks from individuals, groups and political leaders following the recent change in government and the announcement of new elections.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, the NHRC warned that such expressions could incite violence and destabilize the already sensitive political climate. It called on all stakeholders to act with restraint and adhere to constitutional and human rights norms.
NHRC urges everyone to stop hate speech before polls
While the NHRC acknowledged that freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it stressed that such freedoms must be exercised within the bounds of dignity, decency, and respect for others’ rights.
The Commission cited Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and Article 19 of Nepal’s Constitution, which guarantee the right to freedom of opinion and expression, but also underscore responsibilities such as respecting others’ rights, national security, and morality.
The NHRC also referenced Nepal’s Criminal (Code) Act, 2017, particularly Sections 305, 306 and 307, which prohibit and penalize acts of defamation and hate speech.
“While exercising one’s rights, no one should infringe upon the dignity of others. All must be aware of the potential violence that hate speech can trigger,” said Dr. Tikaram Pokharel, joint secretary and spokesperson of the NHRC.
