Ethics of the 2025 Nepal “Gen-Z” Protests

Context

On 4 September 2025, the Government of Nepal banned 26 social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube for failing to comply with a registration order. Protesters viewed this as an attack on digital freedom and civic space.

Mass Protests Begin: On 8 September 2025, tens of thousands of youth and students, largely Generation Z, gathered at Maitighar Mandala and New Baneshwor in Kathmandu to protest against the ban, corruption, nepotism, and political unaccountability.

Casualties and Violence: At least 76 protesters were killed nationwide, including a 12-year-old child, and hundreds were injured. Firearms and excessive force by police and armed personnel contributed to this toll.

Storming of Parliament & Government Buildings: On 9 September 2025, protesters stormed the Federal Parliament building in Kathmandu, setting it on fire and damaging other government offices including Singha Durbar, the seat of executive power. Wikipedia

Political Fallout

• • Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned on 9 September 2025, amid escalating violence and loss of legitimacy.
  • On 12 September 2025, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed interim Prime Minister, marking the first time a woman held that position in Nepal. General elections were scheduled for 5 March 2026.

Ethical Issues in the Nepal Protests

A. Right to Protest vs Public Order: Citizens exercised their democratic right to protest against policies seen as unjust.

Ethical tension: freedom of expression, assembly, and dissent versus state duty to maintain public order.

B. Use of Force by State: Security forces employed disproportionate force, including live ammunition, leading to high civilian deaths. Ethically, the state must use minimum force necessary and protect life and dignity, especially of youth and students.

C. Non-Violence vs Violence in Protest: While many protests began peacefully, some segments resorted to arson, vandalism, and storming of public buildings.

Ethical question: When does protest cross the line from legitimate civil disobedience to lawlessness?

D. Political Accountability: The resignation of PM Oli and the dissolution of Parliament reflect ethical failure of leadership — inability to heed popular concerns on corruption and governance.

Ethical Frameworks Applicable

A. Civil Disobedience & Democratic Ethics

• • Drawing onJohn Rawls’ ethic of protest, civil disobedience is justified when:
    • Constitutional channels are exhausted or unresponsive, and
    • Aim is to appeal to political community forjustice and reform.

Here, Generation Z felt institutional responsiveness was lacking on issues of corruption and digital rights.

B. Proportionality & State Response

• • State use of force must follow theprinciple of proportionality: the harm inflicted must not exceed the harm prevented.
  • Shooting unarmed demonstrators — especially students — violateshuman dignity and ethical use of authority.

C. Collective Responsibility & Institutional Ethics

• • Political elites’ failure to address corruption and represent youth aspirations contributed to ethical distrust in governance.

Moral Dilemmas Highlighted

Justice vs Order: Should the state protect order even if it means stifling legitimate political dissent?

The Nepal case showed that prioritising order through force can undermine justice and lead to greater instability.

Non-Violence vs Escalation: Can violent actions by some protestors be ethically justified if motivated by deep grievances?

Ethics demands non-violence as a norm, but persistent injustice can push movements toward escalation — posing complex moral choices.

Ethical Lessons & Way Forward

A. Strengthening Dialogue Platforms: Governments should institutionalise dialogue mechanisms with youth and civil society to prevent escalation from protest to crisis.

B. Ethical Policing Standards: Clear protocols for crowd management that prioritise life, minimal force, and de-escalation.

C. Leadership Accountability: Leaders must address core grievances — corruption, transparency, unemployment — rather than rely on suppression or symbolic policies.

D. Protecting Democratic Space: Social media and civic spaces are vital for civic expression. Policies affecting them must be justified, transparent, and proportionate.

Conclusion

The 2025 Nepal Gen-Z protests were not just political turbulence but a moral indictment of governance and state restraint. Ethical governance requires respecting dissent, limiting force, and engaging constructively with citizens’ aspirations.

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