Opinion | Why stricter laws aren’t enough to fix Nepal’s rape problem
Summary
Stricter punishment for rape will not solve Nepal’s wider justice failures, as survivors still face police reluctance, victim-blaming, short reporting deadlines and weak institutional response. The article argues that legal reform must be paired with better implementation, broader definitions of rape and consent, and stronger prevention efforts.
Key Points
- The article argues that Nepal’s recurring calls for harsher rape laws and capital punishment address only part of the problem.
- Survivors face major barriers including a statute of limitations, police refusal or delays in filing complaints, intrusive questioning and social stigma.
- The justice system also disadvantages marginalized communities, including Dalit women and gender and sexual minorities.
- Real reform, the article says, must include better implementation, broader legal definitions, and stronger prevention efforts rather than only tougher penalties.
