"Government urged to protect migrant workers, marginalised groups", 4 April 2020

Amnesty International Nepal has urged the government to ensure that the measures adopted to protect public health amid the spread of COVID-19 are consistent with the country’s international human rights obligations.

The nationwide lockdown and closure of borders in Nepal in response to COVID-19 pandemic has gravely impacted thousands of people. Migrant workers are stranded in the countries where they work, and people living in poverty are struggling to fulfil their basic needs across the country. “While implementing the measures to protect public health are important to respond to COVID-19 pandemic, the government must ensure that these measures are consistent with the country’s international human rights obligations,” said AI Nepal in a press release issued today...

With the resultant slowdown of economic activity and closure of some businesses in the host countries, many of these migrant workers have now either lost their jobs, or are on unpaid leave, with inadequate access to basic necessities such as health care, food and accommodation. Due to closure of border by Nepal, they are unable to return to their homes. Others continue to work in environments that put them at risk of exposure to COVID-19.

...Nepali migrant workers, who are stranded on India-Nepal border, are in very difficult situation...