Kathmandu, April 27:

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) today welcomed the reinstatement of the House of Representatives and called on the upcoming government and the Maoists to sign a human rights code of conduct as part of confidence-building measures towards peace.

“The reinstatement of parliament is a major step on the long path towards re-establishing democracy in Nepal and ensuring stable democracy,” said Nicholas Howen, secretary general of the ICJ, in a press release. Howen said the 12-point understanding sets out commitments to human rights and the rule of law that should now be put into practice by both the parties.

“The government sho-uld also move to stop human rights violations,” the release said, adding Mao-ists should take the opportunity to resolve conflict through peaceful means.