Summary:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal invited Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as the chief guest for its silver jubilee anniversary celebration.
The invitation was extended two weeks in advance, but just hours before the event, Oli's secretariat informed the commission that the Prime Minister was busy and could not attend.
The NHRC officials rejected this explanation, noting that previous Prime Ministers usually sent representatives if they couldn’t attend themselves, but this time there was no government representation at all.
The NHRC suspects the boycott is linked to recent political tensions, including a controversial statement by Oli accusing party members of controlling parts of Kathmandu ahead of a pro-monarchy demonstration on May 29.
The commission criticized Oli’s remarks, stating they undermine the rule of law and democratic freedoms.
The NHRC also expressed frustration over the government’s failure to implement its recommendations; since its formation in 2000, only about 15% of recommendations have been fully implemented.
In recent years, implementation has worsened, with no compensation or legal action taken on recommendations in the last four years despite 444 recommendations being made.
The commission accused the government of indifference toward human rights and warned it might blacklist agencies or officials who refuse to comply.
Oli’s media expert claimed the PM was busy and cannot attend every event, dismissing claims that the absence was politically motivated.