Global Outcry: Nepalis in Canada Hold Memorial for Gen-Z as Protests Against Government Crackdown Spread Worldwide

9th September 2025, Kathmandu

The fallout from the Nepali government’s violent crackdown on a youth-led “Gen-Z” movement has reverberated across the globe.

 Memorial for Gen-Z Movement

With a memorial service held in Canada and widespread protests being organized by the Nepali diaspora in several countries.

The movement, which began as a response to the government’s recent social media ban, has quickly morphed into a national and international protest against rampant corruption, nepotism, and state brutality.

In a poignant display of solidarity and grief, the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Canada organized a candlelight vigil and memorial service to honor the young lives lost during the recent clashes in Nepal.

The event, held in a solemn atmosphere, saw members of the Nepali community gather to pray for the eternal peace of the youths who were martyred while exercising their right to peaceful protest.

Participants expressed their shock and condemnation of the brutal force used by security forces against unarmed youths, highlighting a deep sense of betrayal by the very government tasked with protecting its citizens.

The initial trigger for the protests was the government’s ban on numerous social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube, which had not registered with the government.

For Nepal’s digitally native Gen-Z, this was the final straw in a long list of grievances. Online campaigns against corruption and the “nepo kid” culture—where the children of political elites flaunt extravagant lifestyles—had already been gaining significant traction.

When their digital megaphone was silenced, the youth took their protest to the streets, demanding accountability and an end to the government’s perceived authoritarianism.

The government’s response was swift and deadly, with police using tear gas, rubber bullets, and even live ammunition to disperse the crowds, leading to a tragic loss of life and hundreds of injuries.

The outrage is not confined to Nepal’s borders. Reports from various international cities indicate that the global Nepali diaspora is mobilizing.

Preparations are underway for large-scale protests in major hubs including the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia. These demonstrations are aimed at raising international awareness about the human rights abuses and the massacre carried out by the ruling Congress–UML coalition in Nepal.

The widespread nature of these protests underscores the deep connection Nepalis abroad feel to the fate of their homeland and their willingness to act as a voice for those silenced at home.

Adding a new dimension to the international response, U.S.-based journalist Tank Dahal has announced his intention to file legal cases in America against key figures in the Nepali government.

Dahal plans to target ministers in Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s cabinet, as well as the Nepal Police Inspector General (IGP) and Chief District Officers (CDOs) who were reportedly responsible for the violent crackdown.

This unprecedented legal action signals a new era of accountability, where officials may be held responsible for their actions under international law, even while in office. This move could potentially open up avenues for further legal challenges and sanctions against those who have abused their power.

In a sign of the escalating political crisis at home, the very regime being despised globally seems to be feeling the pressure.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his coalition partner, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, reportedly held late-night discussions yesterday. While the content of their conversation remains unconfirmed, it is widely speculated that the leaders are scrambling to formulate a strategy to contain the public fury and widespread opposition.

With ministerial resignations already beginning and international condemnation mounting, the Oli-Deuba government finds itself in a precarious position, facing a multi-front crisis that shows no signs of abating.

The situation remains fluid, with youth continuing to defy curfews and protests flaring up in different parts of Nepal.

The global community watches with bated breath, as a new generation of Nepalis, both at home and abroad, stands united in its demand for justice, transparency, and a government that truly represents the people.

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