Margo Waterval, Vice-chairperson of the UN Human Rights Committee has urged the Nepal government to initiate investigation and prosecution of the perpetration of human rights violations during the conflict.
Speaking at a “Follow-up Meeting to the Concluding Observations adopted by the UN Human Rights Committee in March 2014” organized in Kathmandu by Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC) on November 4, Waterval stressed that the Nepal government started with implementing the most urgent recommendation of investigating the conflict related cases of human rights violations.
Stating that some provisions of the National Human Rights Act 2012 hindered the independent and effective function of the NHRC, Waterval said that the Act should be amended. She also expressed concern on the unlawful killings in the Tarai region, torture and ill-treatment. Waterval added that the Human Rights Committee’s recommendations are not only for the government but for all the people of Nepal.
Patrick Muztzenberg, Director of the Centre for Civil and Political Rights said that the concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee should not be looked 4-5 years later in the next review after the review of the government report. He urged the NGOs to remind the government, NHRC and media regarding implementing the recommendations through regular discussions.
INSEC Chairperson Subodh Raj Pyakurel said that human rights situation of Nepal has not improved owing to the lack of local elections since last 15 years. He added that the lack of timely attention of the political parties in establishing Truth and Reconciliation Commission and their non-human rights friendly understanding resulted in the increasing impunity.
Dr. Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, Coordinator of the Human Rights Treaty Coordination Centre-International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Committee said that though Nepal is party to 24 international human rights instruments, including 7 big treaties, implementation part has not been effective. He added that there are several challenges despite the unity among the human rights committee. He expressed concern over the enactment of laws regarding transitional justice mechanisms following political appeasement saying that it would grant amnesty to perpetrators.
