Kathmandu, November 2:

Twenty-eight human rights activists today urged the eight political parties to hold public discussions on issues related to the peace process, including elections to a Constituent Assembly (CA) and arms management. Such discussions are necessary to make the peace process inclusive and successfully implement the agreements reached following negotiations, they said.

In a press release issued today, they urged the parties concerned to sign the human rights accord and abide by international human rights principles and humanitarian laws. The agreement must address impunity and cases of conflict victims, they said. Meanwhile, Human Rights Home urged the parties involved in the peace process to sign a ceasefire code of conduct.

The statement was signed by former members of the National Human Rights Commission, Sushil Pyakurel and Kapil Shrestha.