WASHINGTON, D.C. — Members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee have called on Nepal’s government to preserve peace and democratic norms amid the recent surge of political unrest.
In a joint statement released Thursday, Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Van Hollen condemned the violence, arson and casualties reported during the protests, describing them as “unacceptable,” and extended condolences to the victims and their families.
The senators urged accountability for any excessive use of force against citizens and warned that impunity would undermine public trust. They emphasized that Nepal’s democratic gains over the past two decades — achieved through citizens’ sacrifice and participation — “must be safeguarded.”
A peaceful, fully democratic and dynamic Nepal, they said, is in the interest of Nepalis, the United States and the wider region. They also voiced confidence that the Nepalese government would address corruption and institutional weaknesses to restore confidence and stability.
The rare bipartisan appeal adds to a growing chorus of international concern over Nepal’s crisis, coming on the heels of statements from the United Nations, India, China and several Western governments urging restraint and dialogue.
