In Nepal, criminal charges of conversion by force or inducement are used to hinder the enjoyment of religious freedom. More than 30 Christians were arrested and taken to court on charges of “conversion” during 2018 and 2019. At the Human Rights Council’s 47th session in June and July 2021, during the Adoption of the UPR outcome of Nepal, the World Evangelical Alliance, the World Council of Churches and Baptist World Alliance reiterated our appeal to the Government of Nepal to repeal or amend sections 155, 156, 158 and 159 of the Penal Code so it is consistent with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
WEA Advocacy Officer, Wissam al-Saliby, reading the statement at the Human Rights Council via a video statement.