Nepal’s demolition drive leaves thousands homeless, violates human rights

The mass eviction of slums and informal settlements in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu and surrounding districts has displaced an estimated 15,000-20,000 people.

On April 25, the Nepal government began forcibly removing landless residents from the Kathmandu Valley, later extending the drive beyond the capital.

Nepal faces a staggering crisis: more than 3.5 million people are landless or homeless. A government commission invited applications for registration, and 1.2 million people – mostly poor, Dalit, and indigenous – have already registered in the hope of receiving land. Ironically, these communities have borne the brunt of evictions carried out without adequate notice, consultation, or alternative housing. The lack of support has eroded their trust in the state.

The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party pledged to resolve landlessness within 1,000 days of office. Its 100-point action plan also promised relief to the landless. Yet, despite decades of settlement – some families have been living in Kathmandu’s slums for 60 years – the government demolished homes using the full force of the state. Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal Army, and the municipal police participated. Residents were harassed, threatened, and even detained before demolitions.

Authorities report 2,687 houses destroyed, affecting 15,300 people since April 25. District Administration Office data show 2,501 families – 15,316 people, including 3,133 schoolchildren – evicted between April 25 and May 4, this...

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