Kathmandu— The nation of Nepal is reeling after the rape of a three-year-old girl in Bara, prompting renewed scrutiny of the country’s response to widespread sexual assault. While ten individuals have been arrested in connection with this specific case, advocates point to a systemic issue of impunity surrounding crimes against women and girls, where perpetrators frequently avoid conviction. Data indicates a concerning trend of increasing rape cases nationwide, alongside low reporting rates globally and within Nepal itself, raising questions about effective prevention, prosecution, and support for survivors.

Escalating Numbers And Systemic Impunity

Nepal Police data reveals 603 reported rape cases and 94 attempted rape cases in the first four months of the fiscal year 2081/82 BS, marking an increase compared to the previous year. WOREC Nepal, a women’s rights NGO, documented 2,507 rape cases in 2080/81, up from 2,380 in 2078/79. The Bagmati Province consistently reports the highest number of incidents. This rise occurs despite increasing reporting rates; globally, only one in ten rape survivors report to authorities, and an estimated 120 million women have experienced sexual assault at least once.

Global Trends And Impact On Survivors

A Worldmetrics Report 2026 highlights the devastating consequences of rape, noting that 98 percent of known victims are women and girls. The report also indicates a significantly higher risk of suicide among survivors within five years of the crime, as well as a 500 percent increase in HIV/AIDS risk for high-risk populations. Seventy percent of survivors experience chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. While eighty percent of countries have laws criminalizing rape, thirty percent lack clear prosecutorial guidelines, and conviction rates vary drastically – from five percent in South Sudan to ninety percent in Finland.

Calls For Review Of Punishments

The author argues that the current legal framework may not be sufficient to deter potential perpetrators. She suggests a serious review of punishments for rape, even raising the controversial possibility of corporal punishment or death penalties in extreme cases, such as those involving very young children. While acknowledging concerns about human rights violations, she emphasizes the need to prioritize the protection of victims and break the cycle of impunity. The author points to Finland’s approach – teaching children their rights and self-protection strategies from a young age – as a potential model for Nepal.

Shifting Mindsets And Collective Action

Reporting rape remains challenging due to stigma, family pressure, and fear of retribution. Advocates emphasize the need for a complete shift in mindset regarding reporting and addressing the aftermath of sexual assault. The author recounts interactions with individuals in Finland who highlighted the importance of early education on rights and self-protection, contributing to higher reporting rates. She stresses that ending impunity requires collective effort from both adults and children, moving away from protecting perpetrators and towards supporting survivors.

The youth-led government in Nepal faces increasing pressure to address the rising number of rape cases and ensure effective prosecution of offenders, while also prioritizing the rights and well-being of victims.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.