Ombudsman says more students may be experiencing racism than figures suggest

In the first five months since February 2025, nearly 1,800 students have contacted the National Student Ombudsman (NSO). The First Assistant Ombudsman, Sarah Bendall, says almost 1,500 were classified as in-jurisdiction complaints, out of which, matters related to discrimination, racism, gender-based violence and harassment make up 12 per cent. SBS Nepali spoke to Bendall about her role and the nature of complaints received by the NSO. This is the third part of our four-episode series of conversations with the First Assistant Ombudsman.

A representative image of higher education students. Source: AAP / BIANCA DE MARCHI/AAPIMAGE

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LISTEN TO THE FIRST PART OF OUR CONVERSATION WITH BENDALL

Student watchdog says it received nearly 1,500 complaints in the first five months

SBS Nepali

12:43Nepali

LISTEN TO THE SECOND PART OF OUR CONVERSATION WITH BENDALL

Universities need ‘a more proactive approach’ to support students, says new national watchdog

SBS Nepali

14:29Nepali

LISTEN TO THE FOURTH PART OF OUR CONVERSATION WITH BENDALL

Data shows 40 per cent of complaints received by the Ombudsman are from international students

SBS Nepali

19:33Nepali