The National Human Rights Commission, established as an independent statutory body in 2000, has now been elevated to a constitutional body with a commensurate mandate, competence and independence. The NHRCN was elevated to a constitutional body by the Article 131 of the Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007 and by Article 248 of the present Constitution of Nepal (2015).

The Commission is mandated to ensure the respect, promotion and protection of human rights, is competent to launch inquiries and investigations into alleged human rights violations, and can recommend legal or departmental action against human rights violators.

The Commission propagates human rights education at different levels of society through various seminars, symposia, conferences and also builds consciousness and awareness for the protection of human rights. The Commission encourages the functioning and efforts of institutions working in the non-governmental sector. In addition, there is a general power to carry out such activities, as the Commission may deem necessary and appropriate for the enforcement, promotion and protection of human rights.