National Human Rights Commission of Nepal

Summary

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal is a constitutional body established under Articles 248–252 of the Constitution of Nepal 2072 BS (2015) and the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2068 BS (2012). The Chairperson must be a retired Chief Justice or a person of high moral character with human rights expertise; the four Commissioners must include persons with legal, social, or human rights backgrounds — all are civilians. Members are appointed by the President on recommendation of a Constitutional Council, serve a 6-year term or until age 70 (whichever is earlier), and may be removed only for cause through the same process as a Supreme Court justice. Under the NHRC Act, the Commission may summon any person, call for documents and records from any government body (including Nepal Police and Armed Police Force headquarters), conduct independent fact-finding visits to prisons and detention centres, and investigate complaints of custodial deaths, torture, and disappearance. Findings and recommendations — including for prosecution, compensation, or disciplinary action — are advisory; the Government of Nepal must respond within 90 days.