Teachers' Rights Trampled: Nepal's Violent Crackdown on Peaceful Protest Raises Serious Human Rights Concerns

Author: Aamnah Fatima Khan

May 5, 2025

The Human Rights Research Center (HRRC) strongly condemns the violent assault on peacefully protesting teachers in Kathmandu. Such excessive use of force is a blatant violation of human rights and democratic freedoms.

Nepal's teachers clash with police in peaceful protest [Image credit: ANI News]

For over a month, beginning in late March 2025, Nepal's government school teachers held peaceful protests in Kathmandu, seeking the long-delayed implementation of the School Education Act, a change promised in successive agreements since 2019. However, the state used excessive force rather than engaging in dialogue, violating educators' fundamental rights, including the freedom to peaceful assembly, dignity, and physical integrity.

On April 27, 2025, Nepali police conducted a brutal assault on teachers who were peacefully marching to the Federal Parliament. Authorities dispersed the gathering using water cannons and batons, injuring over 60 teachers, a dozen of whom were critically injured and later hospitalized. The police response included stone-throwing, which protestors claim was part of an attempt to infiltrate and undermine their movement.

These violent techniques contravene international human rights standards, notably the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Nepal is a signatory. Teachers expressing their constitutional rights were greeted with unwarranted force, a clear violation of democratic ideals, and a frightening message to civil society.

The demonstrations, coordinated by the Confederation of Nepalese Teachers and the Nepal Teachers' Federation, included both teaching and non-teaching employees from around the country. They demanded decent salaries, permanent status, and health benefits, all of which are basic labor rights. Delays in legislative action, despite repeated government pledges, exacerbated discontent and contributed to the intensification of protests.

Though the protests were halted on April 30 following a Cabinet-approved nine-point agreement that included commitments for healthcare, social security, and a deadline for passing the education bill, the crackdown has cast a long shadow over the Nepalese government's treatment of its educators. The event raises serious concerns about the state's commitment to uphold rights-based governance and negotiate in good faith with public employees.

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Glossary

• Assault – A violent physical or verbal attack on someone.

• Batons – Sticks used by police or security forces as weapons or for crowd control.

• Blatant – Done openly and unashamedly; obvious in an offensive or glaring way.

• Brutal – Extremely cruel, harsh, or violent.

• Cabinet – A group of senior government officials, typically heads of departments, who advise the head of state or prime minister and help make decisions.

• Contravene – To go against or defy a law, treaty, or a code of conduct.

• Constitutional rights – The basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals by a country's constitution.

• Discontent – A feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness with a situation.

• Disproportional force – Use of force that is excessive or not appropriate to the situation, especially in policing or military contexts.

• Exacerbated – Made a problem, situation, or feeling worse or more intense.

• Infiltrate – To secretly enter or gain access to a group, organization, or place, especially to gather information or disrupt it.

• Pledges – Promises or formal commitments to do something.

• Social Security – the principle or practice or a program of public provision (as through social insurance or assistance) for the economic security and social welfare of the individual and his or her family.

• Signatory – A person, country, or organization that has signed an official agreement or document.

• Stone-throwing  – To throw stones at someone or something.

• Trampled – Stepped on and crushed or injured, especially in a way that shows disregard.

• Unwarranted – Lacking justification; not deserved or authorized.

• Water cannons – High-pressure hoses used by police to disperse crowds during protests or riots..

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Sources

1. https://www.ei-ie.org/en/item/29799:nepal-brutal-attack-on-teachers-sparks-global-union-outrage-and-solidarity 

2. https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/nepals-agitating-teachers-clash-with-police-on-26th-day-of-protest-dozens-injured20250427213844/ 

3. https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/nepal-teachers-stage-nationwide-strike-demand-new-education-act 

4. https://kathmandupost.com/national/2025/04/30/teachers-suspend-month-long-strike-after-nine-point-deal-with-government