UN OHCHR calls for release of detainees

Kathmandu, Feb 3 - United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal, (OHCHR-Nepal) on Friday called for the release of all detainees held under the Public Security Act (PSA) for expressing their political opinion in a peaceful manner.

In a letter sent to Home Minister Kamal Thapa on Friday, the representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal, Ian Martin said, "The great majority of these persons appear to have been arrested for exercising their right to freedom of peaceful assembly or expressing their political opinion. I urge that your Ministry undertake an urgent review of all PSA detention cases with a view to ensuring the immediate and unconditional release of those against whom there is no evidence of involvement in violence. "

OHCHR-Nepal is aware of more than 800 people who have been detained under the PSA around the country in the context of protest activities by the alliance of seven political parties and civil society organisations. It requested the Home Ministry to make available the complete list of those currently detained under the PSA and their places of detention.

OHCHR-Nepal also asked what instructions have been given to Chief District Officers regarding the use of their power to order detention under the PSA in the current context, and how such instructions conform to Nepal’s obligations to respect the internationally-guaranteed rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, a statement issued by the OHCHR on Friday said.

OHCHR-Nepal has also written to the leadership of the CPN (Maoist) to call for the immediate release of the Chief District Officer of Palpa, Laxman Kumar Thapa, and of all other civilians taken captive in the attack on Tansen. OHCHR has also urged the rebels that captured members of the security forces be treated fully in accordance with international humanitarian law, the statement said.

It also welcomed the statement by the Spokesperson of the CPN (Maoist) which had stated that his party has no general policy to take physical action targeting any innocent person, political worker or election candidate.It also called on the findings of such investigations and action taken to be made public.

“As the date of the municipal elections approaches, OHCHR-Nepal calls once again on the authorities to respect the right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. OHCHR-Nepal also calls on those advocating boycott of the elections to do so peacefully and with respect for the rights of others, and urges that no coercion should be applied to force people to participate in bandhs or other protest actions,” the statement added.

The authorities are yet to respond to the latest call by the UN OHCHR