Human rights commission: Children used as human shields in Gen Z protests

The National Human Rights Commission has concluded that children were used as “human shields” and that provocative actions were taken to incite violence during the “Gen Z” protests on Bhadra 23 and 24. This was stated by Dr. Lily Thapa, a member of the commission and the coordinator of the investigation committee formed to look into the protests, during a program at the Nepali Congress central office.

Dr. Thapa described the activities during the protests as serious from a human rights perspective. Addressing questions about the report allegedly exonerating the Prime Minister and the Nepal Army, she clarified that recommendations were made based solely on facts and evidence. The report suggests that commanders deemed responsible within the Nepal Army be cautioned and instructed to prevent recurrence of such actions.

Clarifying why the Prime Minister’s name was not included, Dr. Thapa emphasized that the report was prepared without fear or favor, based on thorough analysis and a human rights perspective. She stated that recommendations were made against those found guilty, considering the suffering of the victims’ families and the deaths of the youths involved.

She said, “Why not include the current Prime Minister? There are claims that the Prime Minister and the Army were let off. The Army has not been let off. If you look closely at the recommendations, it is suggested that the Army be directed to cooperate with the commission to ensure such incidents do not recur. As for the Prime Minister’s name not being included, we conducted a deep analysis before finalizing the report. We are aware of the sacrifices and contributions of all top leaders from all parties. However, from a human rights perspective, those youths lost their lives, and we must consider the pain of each victim’s family. That was our basis. In many aspects, we analyzed solely from a human rights perspective.”

According to her, the commission studied 437 video clips during the investigation. External experts were consulted to distinguish between real and artificial videos. About 35 videos were found to be authentic, showing high-ranking individuals and activists inciting violent activities. The videos revealed that children were used as human shields, taught to make bombs, and given provocative instructions to attack security personnel.

The commission identified 54 individuals who played a provocative role in the protests and deemed further investigation necessary. Although some claimed non-involvement, their roles appeared suspicious based on evidence, prompting a recommendation for a review process.

Since Nepal has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the commission interpreted the use of children in the protests as a serious human rights violation. To prevent such incidents in the future and bring the guilty to justice, the commission has directed the government to take action.