KATHMANDU, Jan 27: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday urged political leaders, candidates and the general public to stop hate speech ahead of the March 5 House of Representatives (HoR) election, warning that such expressions could disrupt peace and security during the polls.
Issuing a press release, NHRC said it has taken serious note of recent instances of political leaders engaging in personal attacks, hate-filled remarks, and indecent accusations against one another. It warned that such conduct could encourage disorder and negatively affect the election environment.
NHRC urges all to stop hate speech amid political transition
While acknowledging that the Constitution of Nepal and international human rights instruments guarantee freedom of expression and opinion, the NHRC said speech that undermines the dignity of others or threatens peace and security cannot be justified in the name of free expression.
NHRC stressed that responsible individuals must remain aware of the potential impact of their words on the rights of others.
It called on political parties, candidates, and social media users to exercise restraint, use polite and human rights–friendly language, refrain from promoting or spreading hateful content, and strictly comply with the election code of conduct.
The NHRC also directed the Government of Nepal to further strengthen peace and security, noting that unchecked hate speech could fuel social hostility and pose challenges to public order during the election period.
