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Nepal on the Crossroad: The Gen-Z Revolution

The streets of Kathmandu, as well as other major cities across Nepal, recently told a story that words alone couldn’t. What began as outrage over corruption, display of wealth by government officials, politicians, and their families, fueled by the sudden social media ban, turned into one of the biggest youth-led protests Nepal has seen in years.

Youth born between 1997 and 2012 (Generation Z) found a way to connect digitally despite the social media ban and gathered to protest from different corners of Nepal. In Kathmandu, a massive number of young students gathered in Maitighar on September 8, marching towards the House of Parliament to voice their concerns about corruption, demand free speech, protect democracy, and call for transparency from the government. The protest was about much more than the social media ban, but it did catalyze a deeper conversation about access to diverse information, connection to other parts of the world, and dignity.

What initially started as a peaceful protest on the first day quickly became violent when police shot into the protesting crowds, taking the lives of 19 young people. These deaths resulted in even bigger protests on the second day, leading huge numbers of people to take to the streets in cities all around the country. This time, it was not just the young students; people of all ages joined arms with the Gen-Z protesters, echoing their voices and concerns.

Things began to deteriorate after the morning of the second day. The houses of political leaders and governmental offices, including the House of Parliament, the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister’s house, and the President’s building, were burned down. Significant arson and fire damage also occurred in banks and hotels. 

Over 13,000 inmates escaped from prisons across Nepal, creating additional security challenges as authorities scrambled to regain control. Protesters continued to call for Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s resignation, which he tendered on October 9, leaving the country in turmoil and without a functioning government.

By the evening of the second day, chaos had taken over, more lives were lost, buildings were on fire, and streets were filled with vandalism and looting. It wasn’t until the army arrived and a curfew was imposed that things began to calm down. The original Gen-Z protesters welcomed the army and took a stance against the vandalism and looting.

An interim government was formed, marking a historic moment as former Chief Justice Sushila Karki became the country’s first female Prime Minister, a choice advocated by thousands of young people through the online platform Discord. Although some legal experts initially raised questions about constitutional eligibility, Karki’s integrity and public trust helped her emerge as a unifying figure amid deep uncertainty and a power vacuum.

As the journey ahead is challenging, Karki’s immediate priority as interim Prime Minister is to restore law and order, investigate the violence and looting that occurred during the protests, address the demands of Gen Z, and ensure the upcoming elections are conducted peacefully and fairly. The elections are scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Out of this protest, something powerful has emerged: a politically awakened generation, Gen Z. They are no longer silently lost in their cellphones, but are actively questioning authority, showing that real change no longer requires a party banner or political ideology to come into fruition.

However, the protest has come at a tremendous cost. According to the Health Ministry, 72 people have lost their lives, and hundreds have been injured. Both the former government and infiltrators in the protest acted in ways that violated human rights and turned the streets into scenes of chaos, a situation that is deeply troubling and heartbreaking. Calling out human rights violations and protecting those who defend them is not optional; it is essential.

International organizations have a crucial role to play in supporting Nepal’s recovery and defending human rights, as well as the rights of its defenders. They need to work in close collaboration with local leaders, human rights defenders, and the government to ensure that the voices of young Nepalese are heard and that human rights defenders, particularly women, can carry out their work safely.

Their actions must be rooted in accountable partnerships and supporting credible investigations of human rights violations, while protecting journalists, peacemakers, and all those standing up for human rights.

PBI Nepal remains steadfast, working closely with local leaders and human rights defenders to safeguard safe spaces and promote lasting peace in Nepal. 

References

Photo credits: 

Prabin Ranabhat, AFP