NHRC Commissioner recommends probe into Terai incident during 2nd cycle of Nepal UPR
On the occasion of 31st Session of Human Rights Council related to the second cycle of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Nepal in Geneva on March 16, 2016, Hon. Commissioner of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal, Ms. Mohna Ansari raised the issue ‘excessive use of force by the state’ during recent protest in Terai that caused death of 41 people, and left hundreds of others injured in Terai region alone. She also re-emphasized to accept recommendations for proper investigation and prosecution on excessive use of force.
Below is the full texts of her speech delivered in the second cycle of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Nepal:
His Excellency and Distinguished delegates,
Thanks to Government of Nepal for accepting majority recommendations on UPR. The level of basic human right is still a scarce. Common people of the society are severely deprived from quality and regular supplies of necessary goods and services are still challenging. Feeling of insecurity and threat posed is common. Whatever the reason, the ESC rights of the earthquake survivors and people in general are curtailed.
Many rights have provisioned as fundamental in the constitution but majority of them are confined by law, is ironic. The current provision in the new constitution is widely viewed that may curtail women rights to transfer their nationality to their children.
Political issues and differences are still on the ground.
Recently 55 people, including security personnel were killed during the political protest in Tarai due to the dissatisfaction with new Constitution. Findings of NHRC show that these killings and injuries were due to the access use of force. Thus, I would like to re-emphasize to accept recommendations for proper investigation and prosecution on excessive use of force. That can ensure justice to the victims.
State of impunity has created multiple hurdles for the justice. No one should be above the law. NHRC believes that full implementation of its recommendations; observation and comments of the UN human rights bodies will be instrumental to drag the situation towards positive direction.
Recommendations on UPR should be implemented in due course of time by the Government. Issues of the conflict victims and transitional justice have to be addressed seriously in time. The Government should ratify the Rome Statute of ICC, OPT CAT, Convention on Enforced Disappearance and Migrant Workers without any reservation and further delay. Ratification of the ICC and guarantee of transparency and good governance by the state will ensure and enhance the culture of human rights in Nepal.
Thank you!
Mohna Ansari
Commissioner
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Nepal
