Nepal: Civil society report alleges that Indigenous Peoples rights were denied in hydropower project development

The new report “Hanging by A Thread: Indigenous Peoples Rights in Renewable Energy Transition” exposes how Development Banks and the Nepalese government have systematically failed to protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights in four major hydropower projects: Likhu, Tanahu, Upper Trishuli-1, and Upper Arun.

Despite being funded by development banks that require Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), the report finds that FPIC processes were either entirely bypassed or reduced to performative consultations.

Communities have reported facing retaliation for demanding their rights, including detention, false charges, and militarization of their lands.

The report calls for development banks to ensure meaningful Indigenous participation and for Nepal’s government to officially recognize Indigenous land rights before implementing infrastructure projects.

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