As the border blockade prolongs and Madhes protest turns violent, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has urged the Nepal government, parties concerned, including India and international community, to act immediately to end the crisis and border blockade, which has resulted in severe shortages of necessary commodities across the country.

At least three people were killed and 28 individuals, including 15 police personnel, were injured during clashes in the past three days. “The border blockade initiated nearly three months ago has had a deeply detrimental impact on the economic and social rights of the population countrywide, including the rights to food, water

and sanitation, health and adequate housing, by causing severe shortages of essential commodities such as fuel, cooking gas and medical supplies throughout the country,” read the statement issued on Tuesday.

Pointing out the act of violence from protesters and security forces, the ICJ said the perpetrators—be they security forces or protesters—should be brought to justice. “At the same time, the Nepal government must address the severe shortage of commodities and the impact it has had on economic and social rights by prioritising the most urgent needs while working to resolve the constitutional crisis,” said Sam Zarifi, ICJ’s Asia-Pacific Director.  

The commission said that India and Nepal have an obligation to protect the human rights, including the economic and social rights, of people affected by their acts or the actions of those under their jurisdiction, and accordingly have an obligation to remove obstacles to uphold those rights.

“The impact of the blockade is all the more acute because the country is still reeling from the April 25 earthquake and its aftershocks,” Zarifi said,

adding, “The international community, particularly neighbouring India, should do all it can to ensure that urgent humanitarian assistance gets to the Nepali people.”