Centre for Media Freedom

At a time when Nepal has emerged from decades-long political instability and transition to take the path of prosperity, it is important that common people have smooth access to justice. After all, access to justice is a major prerequisite for human development and poverty alleviation. It is a fundamental human right and basic state service, enshrined in the country’s constitution. The new constitution features some new fundamental rights related to social, cultural and economic rights of the people aligned with international laws and fundamental principles of human rights. Likewise, newly promulgated civil code and criminal code are important legal instrument related to day-to-day life of Nepali citizens. Local judicial committee is another new and decentralised form of access to justice for Nepali people. There is a need of informing and educating people about these new legal provisions to increase their access to justice.