International Community Raises Concerns Over Nepal’s Judiciary Independence

Three prominent international human rights organizations have expressed concerns over the independence of Nepal’s judiciary, citing the recent pressure on three senior judges to resign and the potential use of impeachment as a means of exerting political influence.

The organizations, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), issued a joint statement highlighting the risks of undermining the judiciary’s independence and the potential impact on the country’s democratic system.

Pressure on Judges

The statement notes that the three judges, Sushila Karki, Kumar Regmi, and Hari Phuyal, have been subjected to pressure from the government to resign, and that the threat of impeachment has been used as a means of exerting control over the judiciary.

The organizations express concern that the use of impeachment as a means of exerting political influence undermines the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, and that it may have a chilling effect on the ability of judges to make impartial decisions.

Constitutional Concerns

The statement also raises concerns about the recent amendment to the Constitutional Council Act, which allows the government to appoint judges without the consent of the opposition parties.

The organizations argue that this amendment undermines the independence of the judiciary and the principle of separation of powers, and that it may lead to the politicization of the judiciary.

International Community’s Concerns

The international community has expressed concerns about the erosion of Nepal’s democratic institutions, including the judiciary, and the potential impact on the country’s stability and development.

The organizations emphasize that an independent judiciary is essential for the protection of human rights and the rule of law, and that any attempts to undermine its independence are a threat to the country’s democratic system.

Call for Action

The statement calls on the government of Nepal to respect the independence of the judiciary and to refrain from using impeachment as a means of exerting political influence.

The organizations also call on the international community to support the efforts of the Nepalese people to protect their democratic institutions and to promote the rule of law.