Wednesday, November 15, 2006

OHCHR-Nepal will continue to monitor human rights situation

The Head of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal), Lena Sundh on Wednesday reiterated that the OHCHR-Nepal would do the utmost to support the parties’ endeavours in the peace process and would continue to monitor the human rights situation in Nepal as requested by the political parties.

The newly-appointed head of the OHCHR-Nepal who arrived in Kathmandu on Monday, in a press meet today said, “I am pleased to be here in Nepal and lead a dedicated team.”

An expert in conflict management and peacekeeping with a 30-year-long international career, Sundh was appointed the head of the OHCHR-Nepal on October 18.

Sundh speaking today at her first press conference within the capacity of the head of the OHCHR-Nepal, said, “I assure that OHCHR-Nepal will continue its work in different districts of Nepal to monitor human rights situation. Our human rights officials in five development regions will continuously monitor the human rights situation across the country through capacity building and technical assistance.”

Sundh also stressed that all the parties must abide by the November 8 agreement and the OHCHR-Nepal will continuously monitor the implementation after the comprehensive peace agreement is signed by the government and the Maoists.

Emphasising on the establishment of rule of law, Sundh said, “The rule of law is the foundation and nobody can be above the law. The impunity must end. Ending impunity remains one of the biggest human rights challenges for Nepal.”
Sundh termed the formation of the high-level truth and reconciliation commission a positive step and underscored that the commission must be independent, credible and strong. Sundh also pointed out that the National Human Rights Commission in Nepal must be strong, impartial and independent.

Stating that the voices of dalits, janjatis, women and other marginalised people must be addressed, Sundh said that during the transitional phase, it is necessary that their human rights must be guaranteed.

"When the peace process begins, installing the parliament and the government is not the ultimate aim but is the beginning", said Sundh, adding, "By respecting the human rights of the people of Nepal, parties can establish conducive environment for CA elections."

Mainwhile The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested the Maoists not to violate the agreement with the Seven Party Alliance (SPA).A complaint had been filed at the Commission which said that the Maoists forcefully transferred the registration of the land belonging to Madan Mandal Khatwe of Simara-5 in Sarlahi to that of Akalesh Mandal two weeks ago, the Commission said.
A group of Maoists led by Thaga Mahara Chamar, chief of the 'people's government', also severely tortured the landowner, the Commission cited the complaint.The Commission has also requested the Maoists to stop such incidents and return the land to the landowner.

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