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Nepal's New Government Urged to Protect LGBTQ+ Rights

Nepal's new Prime Minister Balendra Shah is being urged to protect human rights, including LGBTQ+ rights. Three major human rights organisations sent him a letter with 13 key recommendations.

RainbowNews EditorialMay 1, 2026 — Nepal3 min read
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Nepal has a new government. Prime Minister Balendra Shah leads it. His party is the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). He came to power on 27 March 2026.

Many people in Nepal wanted change. They voted for Shah because of this. Now, human rights groups want him to act. They want him to protect everyone's rights in Nepal.

Three big organisations wrote a letter to Shah. These are Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the International Commission of Jurists. They published the letter today.

The letter lists 13 important human rights topics. One is LGBTQ+ rights. LGBTQ+ people in Nepal still face discrimination. They need stronger legal protection. The new government can make this happen.

The letter also talks about other groups. These include women and girls, Dalits, and migrants. Dalits are people from lower castes. They often face unfair treatment in Nepal.

The organisations also ask for justice for past crimes. Nepal had a civil war years ago. Many people were hurt. The government still hasn't fully addressed this.

Freedom of speech is another concern. Journalists and activists sometimes face pressure. The new government should protect their voices too.

The right to housing is also mentioned. Many people in Nepal don't have safe homes. This is serious in cities like Kathmandu.

Human rights groups say this is a key moment. Nepal has a chance to move forward. A strong democracy protects everyone. That includes LGBTQ+ people.

Nepal made some progress in the past. Same-sex marriage was debated publicly. But legal recognition isn't complete yet. The new government could change this.

Shah's government is new and has public support. Rights groups say now is the right time. They urge the government to act quickly and fairly. All people in Nepal deserve equal rights and dignity.

RE

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