LocationsUNDP, OHCHR and Judges Society Strengthen Judicial Capacity to Advance Corporate Accountability towards human rights in Nepal
April 21, 2026
The role of Judiciary courts in advancing corporate accountability is becoming increasingly central, as more than 40 judges from (high court and district courts) across Nepal gathered today for a high-level workshop on business and human rights.
As Nepal navigates a critical phase of economic and social transition, expectations of both public institutions and the private sector are rising. Greater integration into global trade and investment is opening new opportunities—but also placing renewed emphasis on responsible business conduct, stronger governance, and access to justice when harm occurs.
Opening the workshop, Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla underscored the importance of shaping development pathways that go beyond economic growth.
Development is not a project, it is a process.Sapana Pradhan Malla, Acting Chief Justice
She highlighted that the commitment in Nepal’s Constitution on international human rights obligations already provides a strong mandate for ensuring corporate accountability. The challenge ahead, she noted, lies in defining the conditions under which both state and private actors can be held accountable in practice. Furthermore, she also shared good examples of the Supreme Court's response towards advancing human rights in the corporate area.
The workshop—co-organized by UNDP Nepal and Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in collaboration with the Judges Society and supported by the Government of Sweden—focused on strengthening the capacity of judicial actors to address increasingly complex cases at the intersection of business and human rights.
Participants exchanged experiences on adjudicating cases involving environmental harm, rights of indigenous peoples, labour rights, consumer rights, land use, and corporate responsibility, while exploring ways to ensure timely and effective remedies for affected communities—particularly those most at risk.
Speaking at the event, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Julien Chevillard emphasized that a responsive and capable judiciary is essential for inclusive and sustainable development. He reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s justice sector in strengthening accountability mechanisms and maintaining public trust.
As courts in particular high courts across the region increasingly confront business-related human rights cases, their role is becoming pivotal in ensuring that development is not only economically viable, but also socially just and rights-based.
In Nepal, this priority is reflected in the country’s first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (2023), which places a strong emphasis on improving access to justice—particularly for workers, women, and vulnerable groups.
An independent judiciary, equipped to handle the evolving demands of a modern economy, remains a cornerstone of ensuring that growth translates into equitable and accountable development for all.
