Kathmandu: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the government to promptly address the demands of protesting teachers through constructive dialogue, emphasizing the urgency of restoring normalcy in the education sector.

In a statement released today, NHRC spokesperson Dr Tikaram Pokharel stressed the need for the government to engage in inclusive discussions with stakeholders while formulating the new Education Act, and to implement past agreements signed with teachers.

The Commission expressed concern that the ongoing protest by the Federation of Nepal Teachers, which entered its 13th day in Kathmandu, is severely impacting students’ right to education. The teachers have been demanding timely amendments to the Education Act, improvements in education policy, and enforcement of prior commitments made by the government.

“The Commission urges the Government of Nepal to make the laws related to school education timely after holding adequate discussions and consultations with the concerned parties,” the statement read.

The NHRC is also conducting on-site monitoring of the protest and warned that continued disruptions could adversely affect the SEE and class 12 examinations, as well as the upcoming school admission campaign.

The rights body emphasized the critical need for a resolution to avoid further setbacks in an already vulnerable education system.