Burn violence survivors push for legal reform beyond acid attacks

Survivors and rights advocates say Nepal’s laws treat victims differently depending on how they were burned and deny many adequate protection, compensation or rehabilitation.

Sapana Tamang (name changed) of Makawanpur came to Kathmandu a decade ago in search of work and a better life. She found a job at a carpet factory and, for a while, life unfolded as she had hoped. She earned an income, enjoyed her independence and regularly sent money home to support her family.