ACTING HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER WELCOMES INVESTIGATIONS INTO REPORTED VIOLATIONS IN NEPAL

25 September 2003



Acting United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Bertrand Ramcharan welcomes investigations carried out by the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal into recently reported violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in the districts of Ramechhap, Siraha and Panchthar by both parties to the conflict in the country.

Mr. Ramcharan calls on the Government of Nepal to act swiftly on the findings of the Commission and to ensure there is no impunity. This should include carrying out with full transparency an investigation that is independent of the Royal Nepalese Army and prosecuting anyone found responsible.

The acting High Commissioner also calls on the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to fully abide by, and publicly declare its commitment to, Common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and to end the targeting of civilians and all military actions that put civilians at risk such as those investigated by the Commission.

Under international law, officers at all levels are responsible for the actions of their subordinates. The acting High Commissioner urges the Royal Nepalese Army and the CPN (Maoist) to send clear instructions that their forces must protect civilians, as well as combatants who have laid down their arms, or who have been captured or wounded.

The acting High Commissioner regrets the breakdown of the ceasefire and the peace talks. The return to conflict makes it even more imperative that both parties sign the draft Human Rights Accord developed by the National Human Rights Commission after consultations with the parties. Respect for the rights set out in this document would help to protect civilians and could build confidence between the parties. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights stands ready to provide technical assistance to help the National Human Rights Commission carry out its role to monitor and verify the implementation of the Human Rights Accord, once it is signed.