Kathmandu, September 23

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights today expressed its deep concerns about the protracted violence in Nepal amidst various protests related to the new constitution and urged all parties to engage in a meaningful, inclusive and open dialogue.

“With the promulgation of the new constitution, Nepal has reached an important point in the peace process. After all the suffering endured by the citizens during the internal conflict and immense efforts to bring lasting peace in the country, a return to violent confrontation would be disastrous,” OHCHR spokesperson Rupert Colville said.

He urged all sides to resolve their differences through open and inclusive dialogue.

Colville said he was alarmed by the high number of deaths and injuries of protesters, security personnel as well as bystanders during protests.” We are also concerned about reported attacks against human rights defenders and journalists,” Colville said.

The UN rights body also said it would support the call of the National Human Rights Commission for independent investigations into incidents of violence. It welcomed the Supreme Court’s recent stay order on excessive use of force in response to protests and urged the Nepali authorities to ensure that existing national and international standards on the appropriate use of force were fully respected by the security forces.

Noting that the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly are essential elements in the promotion of democracy, Colville urged the government to create “a climate where minority or dissenting views or beliefs are respected.”