Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, December 31:

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) urged the government and the Maoists to sign the Human Rights Accord to safeguard human rights at a time when the country is ravaged by insurgency.

The accord, according to NHRC, will help both the warring factions to check human rights violations and ensure civilian rights. The state’s presence in Maoist-affected areas is minimal and protecting human rights in today’s context is very challenging, said Sushil Pyakurel, the NHRC member urging both the parties to sign the accord. “Signing of the accord won’t change their stance and legal status,” he said, pointing out that the agreement can still be reached without having to remove the red corner notice issued on the Maoists. Pyakurel was speaking at a programme organised by the NHRC here today.