Dhangadhi, March 21:

The representative of the UN Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal, Lena Sundh, today said that Nepal’s “political parties are yet to win people’s hearts”.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the fifth regional office of the OHCHR here and 42nd International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Sundh said: “Nepalis have not trusted the political parties after Jana Andolan-II and I feel that delay in the current peace process is largely because of the parties.” Clarifying that her remarks should not be interpreted as criticisms of the parties, she said: “I do not mean to criticise the parties. People have not trusted them as much as they deserve. Parties are not ignorant of this fact and they are trying to reform themselves.”

Stating that racial discrimination was an obstacle to sustainable peace in Nepal, she said the Nepalis themselves, not the United Nations, should end it (racial discrimination). “Agitation programmes are being launched demanding formulation of stern laws for ending racial discrimination, but I feel it takes some time for making laws,” she added. Saying that impunity had not ended in the country, she said her office “prioritises end to impunity and discrimination, and the establishment of rule of law”.