- Sanjip Timlsina(Kosi Beuro)
Koshi | Domestic violence cases have been rising steadily in Koshi Province. A recent report from the Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC) revealed that 34 women were killed by family members over the past year. This alarming statistic was made public at an event in Biratnagar, where the “Nepal Human Rights Yearbook 2025” was also launched.
While violence against women and domestic abuse are not new issues in Nepal, the increase in crimes where women lose their lives has become a serious cause for concern. According to Punya Adhikari, the Documentation Officer for INSEC’s Koshi Province office, out of 100 women killed by family members nationwide, 34 of these deaths occurred in Koshi Province. This places the province fourth in the country, making the human rights situation in the region a matter of grave concern.
Women Unsafe Within Their Own Homes
The most disturbing aspect of these domestic violence cases is the involvement of family members in the crimes. Police reports indicate that disputes between spouses, family conflicts, property disagreements, suspicions of extramarital affairs, and dowry-related issues are the primary causes of these fatal domestic incidents.
INSECβs report highlights that, of the 14 districts in Koshi Province, Udaypur has witnessed the highest number of female deaths, with seven women losing their lives. Other districts with significant numbers include Jhapa (5), Morang (4), and Ilam, Okhaldhunga, and Tehrathum (3 each). Additionally, Sunsari and Panchthar recorded two deaths each, while Bhojpur, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, and Taplejung each reported one.
Human rights organizations have emphasized the need for stronger legal structures to address violence against women. According to Punya Adhikari, “It is a serious issue that women are unsafe within their own homes. Violence continues to rise due to the prevailing climate of impunity. Many perpetrators evade the law, and victims do not receive justice, which perpetuates the cycle of violence.”
Koshi Provinceβs Human Rights Index: 4th Place
In the “Nepal Human Rights Yearbook 2025,” Koshi Province ranks fourth in terms of human rights violations. When compared with other provinces, Bagmati, Madhesh, and Lumbini were found to have even more severe human rights issues.
INSECβs analysis of 53 indicators shows that in 2023, Koshi Province had a human rights violation index of 33.32%. This figure has risen to 36.18% in 2024, signaling a deteriorating human rights situation in the region. Domestic violence has been a key contributing factor to this increase in violations.
The Need for Effective Legal Implementation
Despite improvements in laws regarding violence against women, these incidents have not diminished significantly. Human rights activists argue that having laws alone is not enough; efforts to curb violence must be made at every level of society.
Experts suggest that programs aimed at making women self-reliant, promptly investigating violence incidents, ensuring justice for victims, and conducting awareness campaigns at the community level are essential. Creating a safe environment where victims of violence can speak out is also crucial. Many women suffer because of the lack of legal support, psychological counseling, and safe shelters.
INSEC and other human rights organizations have urged the government to take serious steps to reduce violence against women. They believe that strengthening the legal framework is crucial, but it is equally important to effectively implement these laws to prevent such incidents.
The Path Forward
The challenge now is to increase societal awareness, adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards domestic violence, guarantee security for victims, and make judicial processes more effective. Only by strengthening the legal framework and ensuring its enforcement can incidents of violence against women be prevented.