Nepal ranks third in human rights violations

The Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) has ranked Nepal 3rd in issue of human rights violations.

A newly released SAARC Human Rights Violators’ Index 2006 released in New Delhi on Wednesday said apart from repression of political parties, violations of the right to life were widespread in Nepal.

About 1,524 persons – 815 persons by the security forces and 709 persons by the Maoists – were killed in 2005.

“Nepal remained the most dangerous place for children in South Asia with extra judicial execution, torture and forcible recruitment,” the report noted.

An estimated 58 children, including 16 girls, were reportedly killed during January - September 2005 alone. Of them, Maoists reportedly killed 46 children, including 11 girls. Over 140 children were reportedly injured by the security forces and the Maoists during 2005, including at least 80 in bomb explosions by Maoists.

ACHR has appreciated the role of judiciary under trying circumstances. “The Supreme Court of Nepal admitted petitions challenging the constitutional validity of ordinances issued by King Gyanendra, thereby, questioning the authority of the despotic ruler,” the report adds.

Half of all the cases of press censorship in the world in 2005 were reported from Nepal and at least two journalists were killed, 425 journalists were arrested, attacked or threatened. Accountability for human rights violations in Nepal remains the key challenge, the report added.

Bangladesh has been ranked No. 1 violator of human rights, followed by Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India at No.7.