Kathmandu, December 24:

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour is all set to visit Nepal in January to assess the country’s political development and human rights situation.

Arbour is expected to arrive in Nepal from Geneva on January 19 for a six-day visit, said a government source. She will meet Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, political leaders, Maoist leaders, representatives of the civil society and human rights organisations amongst others, said the source.

Lena Sundh, representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal is scheduled to meet Koirala on December 26. Sundh will most likely discuss about Arbour’s official visit to the country with Koirala, said the source.

Kieran Dwyer, spokesperson of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (OHCHR- Nepal) confirmed Arbour is indeed “planning an official visit to Nepal.” However, he said that the exact dates of her visit and her itinerary are yet to be confirmed. Details of her visit will be worked out next week, according to him.

At a time when the efforts for the peace process are on, this is “definitely an appropriate time for her to visit,” Dwyer said. The timing is right for her to “meet political leaders and discuss the peace process and human rights situation” in Nepal, he said. Likewise, Arbour’s visit will also be important to discus how best the OHCHR can support the ongoing peace process, he said.

Arbour’s first official visit to Nepal as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights was in January 2005. Arbour, a Canadian national, was appointed United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’ by the UN Secretary General and her appointment was endorsed by the General Assembly effective from July 1, 2004.