Nepal"s elite face accountability for wildlife crimes in 2023
- Nepal's Supreme Court ruled in May 2023 to enforce wildlife laws more strictly, addressing uneven enforcement that primarily targeted the poor.
- Conservationist Paudel's petition in 2018 highlighted the need for accountability among all social classes regarding wildlife crimes.
- The ruling aims to create equitable treatment under the law and combat the illegal wildlife trade, which has historically favored the elite.
In May 2023, Nepal's Supreme Court mandated the enforcement of strict wildlife laws, which had been inconsistently applied, particularly against the poor. Conservationist Paudel, who had been researching wildlife crime, highlighted the disparity in prosecution, where vulnerable communities faced severe penalties while the wealthy often escaped accountability. The ruling aimed to address this imbalance by requiring the government to seize illegal wildlife parts and educate the public on wildlife possession laws. This decision followed a petition filed by Paudel in 2018, which sought to hold all individuals accountable under the law, regardless of their social status. The historical context reveals that wildlife trophies were once displayed by the monarchy, and despite the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, illegal wildlife parts continue to be flaunted by Nepal's elite without repercussions. The ruling represents a significant step towards equitable treatment in wildlife crime enforcement, marking a turning point in the fight against illegal wildlife trade in Nepal.