Kathmandu, April 24:

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal today said the progress that has been made in human rights front in the last one year must not be taken for granted.

“There is much more which needs to be done, with many challenges lying ahead. OHCHR-Nepal reiterates its commitment to do all it can to assist in strengthening the protection of human rights in support of the peace and electoral process,” OHCHR Representative in Nepal, Lena Sundh, said in a statement here.

The statement said ending of hostilities, signing of peace agreement, drafting of an interim constitution and the formation of the interim government are all major political achievements of the past one year.

“One of the most pressing needs is to address accountability and the right to justice of the many who have suffered violations or abuses at the hands of the State or the CPN-Maoist, both during and after hostilities,” it said adding that probe commission reports such as that of the Rayamajhi Commission have never been made public or their recommendations implemented.

“No meaningful steps have yet been taken to determine the whereabouts and fate of the disappeared; and the perpetrators of serious human rights violations continue to enjoy total impunity,” Sundh said.

The government and political leaders have demonstrated courage and a willingness to address certain critical human rights issues by starting a process of change, the OHCHR said.

The OHCHR has also urged the government to act quickly to appoint new commissioners so that the National Human Rights Commission can function in a full swing.