UN human rights chief welcomes renewed agreement with the Government of Nepal

GENEVA – United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay today welcomed the conclusion of an agreement with the Government of Nepal for a further 12 month extension of the mandate for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)’s country office in Nepal.

OHCHR has monitored and reported on human rights and provided training and technical assistance to state institutions and civil society since it was established in Nepal in 2005. The Comprehensive Peace Accord signed in 2006 also requests OHCHR to monitor the human rights provisions of the peace agreement.

OHCHR acknowledges the end of the conflict in Nepal and the progress Nepal has made in its peaceful political transition. In reflection of the changed circumstances of the country, OHCHR has agreed to the Government’s request to reduce its presence in Nepal through the closure of its field offices outside Kathmandu over the coming months. Under the agreement, OHCHR will continue to enjoy unrestricted freedom of movement and will continue to exercise its mandate throughout the country.

OHCHR also agreed as part of its mandate to continue its cooperation with the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal and other national human rights institutions. OHCHR will also continue to build the capacity of civil society organizations towards strengthening the national human rights protection system in Nepal.

In concluding this agreement, the High Commissioner received assurances from the Government that OHCHR will continue to exercise its mandate independently to monitor and report on the human rights situation in Nepal; to have full access to places of detention and to interview detainees in private; to have access to all sectors of government; and to obtain official documentation as required.

OHCHR looks forward to continued cooperation with the Government of Nepal for the promotion and protection of human rights and the consolidation of peace and democracy in Nepal.

OHCHR County Page – Nepal: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/AsiaRegion/Pages/NPIndex.aspx