Community Safety & Health Guide for Sept 8 Andolan (Nepal)

Peaceful participation • Health-first • Respect for law & others

Quick Checklist (Pack Light, Stay Safe)

• Water bottle (sealed) + small saline/clean water for eye rinse.
• Umbrella / light raincoat (weather + shade).
• Goggles that seal better than sunglasses (avoid contact lenses if possible).
• Face mask (helps with particulates; change if wet/contaminated).
• Power bank + cable; phone on full charge; emergency battery saver.
• Cap/hat, sunscreen, comfortable closed shoes.
• Light scarf/bandana (for dust/sun; do not soak in chemicals).
• Small first-aid kit (bandage, antiseptic wipes, any personal meds—e.g., inhaler).
• Snacks (dry foods), hand sanitizer, wet wipes.
• ID (e.g., student ID) + a card with name, blood group, emergency contacts.
• Paper with key numbers (family, friends, health support) in case phone dies.
• Cash (small bills) + transit card if applicable.
• Earplugs (for loud sound), tissues, small plastic bags for trash/contaminated items.

Pack only essentials. Avoid items that could be misinterpreted as harmful or unlawful. Keep hands visible and prioritize non-violence.

Peaceful Conduct & Group Safety

• Attend with a buddy; agree on a meeting point if separated.
• Note exits and fresh-air routes on arrival; avoid bottlenecks.
• Follow organizers’ safety stewards; keep pathways clear for medical needs.
• Avoid oil-based makeup/lotions on exposed skin (they can trap irritants).
• Write an emergency number on your wrist (marker) in case of phone loss.
• Stay hydrated; take regular shade breaks.

Health Safety: If Irritants (Tear Gas/Pepper Spray) Are Used

Key idea: Move to fresh air quickly. Most symptoms improve after leaving exposure.

1. Go upwind and to open space. Avoid low areas where gas can settle.
2. Eyes: Blink naturally; irrigate with clean water or sterile saline only. Tilt head so runoff doesn’t hit the other eye. Remove contact lenses with clean hands and discard them.
3. Skin: Gently rinse exposed skin with water. When possible, shower with soap and water after leaving the area. Avoid scrubbing harshly.
4. Clothes: Remove contaminated outer layers; place in a sealed plastic bag to wash later (separately). Avoid touching your face while handling clothes.
5. Breathing: Focus on calm, slow breaths in fresh air. People with asthma/COPD should use prescribed inhalers and seek medical care early if symptoms worsen.
6. What to avoid: Do not use milk, baking soda solutions, oils, or vinegar in eyes/skin—authoritative guidance recommends plain water/saline for decontamination.
7. Seek medical help if you have chest pain, wheezing, severe or persistent eye pain/vision changes, burns/blisters, or symptoms that don’t improve after getting to fresh air.

Sources: CDC chemical emergencies guidance on riot control agents; Physicians for Human Rights’ protester health guidance; UK public health incident notes. See references below.

Respect, Law, and Community

• Keep actions peaceful and lawful. Respect differing views and public/medical personnel.
• Do not bring tools or items intended to harm others or damage property.
• Follow lawful instructions from safety personnel; prioritize de-escalation.

References (Health & Safety)

• CDC: Chemical Emergencies — Riot Control Agents (tear gas): symptoms & first aid.
• Physicians for Human Rights: Preparing for, protecting against, and treating tear gas exposure.
• UK Government: CS gas – incident management & expected symptom course.
• ACLU (general protest readiness & rights guidance; jurisdiction varies).

Disclaimer: This page is for general information, not medical or legal advice. Conditions and local laws vary—follow official instructions and seek medical care when needed.

10 Points for a Peaceful Protest: How We Keep Nepal’s Movement Strong

Deck: Peaceful protest is our power. Here’s how we stay safe, united, and focused while raising our voices against corruption, censorship, and nepotism.

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Why peaceful matters

Peaceful protest is not weakness—it’s strategy. Nonviolence keeps the public with us, protects vulnerable people in the crowd, and makes our message impossible to ignore. When we act with discipline, the story is justice, not chaos.

Below are ten principles we ask every marcher, volunteer, and supporter to follow.

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1) Stay nonviolent—no matter the provocation

Anger is real, but violence helps those who want to dismiss the movement. Breathe, step back, and support each other if tensions rise. Marshals should de-escalate, not escalate.

2) No party flags or symbols

This is a people’s movement, not a party’s rally. Bring the Nepali flag or clear, issue-focused placards. Keep banners non-partisan and respectful.

3) No individual promotion

We don’t rally behind a single leader or face. Share the mic, share the credit. The story is the message—not personalities.

4) Respect each other

Look out for new protesters, women, seniors, persons with disabilities, and anyone who needs support. If someone is uncomfortable or unwell, help them exit safely. Use inclusive language.

5) Do not damage property

Our fight is against corruption and abuse of power—not shops, buses, or public spaces. Leave venues cleaner than we found them. Report anyone attempting vandalism to marshals.

6) Stay focused on the message

Keep chants and signs on justice, democracy, fairness, intergenerational equity. Avoid rumors and unverified claims. If you don’t know, don’t share.

7) Document responsibly

Record incidents truthfully. Blur faces of minors or vulnerable people before posting. Do not share personal data or rumor videos. If you capture harm, note time/location and share with organizers through the official report form.

8) Be prepared

Carry water, mask, small first-aid, and emergency contacts. Charge your phone and keep a power bank. Wear comfortable shoes. (See our Quick Checklist below.)

9) Stand in unity

Differences aside, we march as one voice. If someone tries to divide protesters by caste, region, language, or party identity, respond with calm unity and bring the focus back to shared goals.

10) Expose hijackers—political or personal

If anyone tries to hijack the movement for clout or partisan gain, call it out—firmly and peacefully. Alert marshals and move the crowd’s attention back to the core demands.

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Quick checklist (pack light, stay safe)

• Water + light snacks
• Mask / scarf; sunglasses; cap/hat
• Small first-aid kit; personal meds
• Phone fully charged + power bank
• Paper with name, blood group, emergency contacts
• Earplugs (for loud sound), wet wipes, small trash bag
• Keep signs clear, legible, and respectful

For a deeper prep list, read: Quick Checklist (Pack Light, Stay Safe) and Health Safety: If Irritants Are Used on BCANP.

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Know your rights (in brief)

• Peaceful assembly is a democratic right. Follow lawful police instructions, keep exits open, and cooperate with safety stewards.
• If stopped, stay calm and ask if you are free to go. Do not resist.
• Save the legal helpline number in your phone and on paper.
  This is general information—not legal advice. Laws and practices can change by district.

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How you can help today

• Share these 10 points with friends and campus groups.
• Volunteer as a marshal or first-aid lead.
• Report incidents responsibly via our Voice of People form.
• Donate small supplies (water, masks, saline) to the next peaceful action.

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Pull-quote for social

“Our power is in peace. We march with discipline so the message—not the chaos—leads the news.”

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Sources & good practice

• International nonviolent action guidelines
• Protester safety notes from health & human rights groups
• BCANP organizing standards (live document—updated with each action)