Kathmandu, November 8

National Human Rights Commission today drew the attention of the government, protesting parties and international community towards the humanitarian crisis caused by obstruction on the Nepal-India border and its impact on people’s human rights.

NHRC issued its key concerns and urgent appeal regarding humanitarian crisis and its impact on human rights in Nepal and has also sent copies of the document to some international human rights organisations, including UNOHCHR.

NHRC has urged all stakeholders to solve Tarai unrest through talks, saying the ongoing situation has had a negative impact on the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the common people. It has documented the details of the effect of obstructions on the Nepal-India border.

The rights body also urged the agitating Madhes-based parties to change the nature of their ongoing protest respecting civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the larger population and resolve the problems through constructive and meaningful dialogue with the government. “Shortages of petroleum products, medicine, food and other essential goods has crippled life across the country,” NHRC said, adding, “The reason for these prevailing circumstances is the protracted protests in the Tarai.”

The humanitarian crisis of Nepal, NHRC said, has been reflected in recently completed hearing of Universal Periodic Review of Nepal. NHRC also expressed its grave concern about the deteriorating situation of the earthquake victims as the relief and reconstruction efforts have been halted due to ongoing crisis.

NHRC said Nepal and India have ratified core human rights treaties including ICCPR and ICESCR. “Similarly, both countries have contributed to the adoption of number of declarations, principles and resolutions for the protection and promotion of human rights,” NHRC added.

It also recommended that there should be respect and strict adherence of principles of international law, the Charter, the declarations of the United Nations and world conferences and relevant resolutions. It has urged the two countries to commit themselves to their obligations and responsibilities arising from relevant provisions of the international law and human rights instruments to which they are parties.

NHRC called upon the international community to take all necessary measures to end the humanitarian crisis in Nepal. It also called upon relevant parties to hold constructive dialogue and all mandate holders to conduct monitoring and documentation of the adverse impact associated with the present humanitarian crisis of Nepal in the context of ensuring the accountability of those responsible for the human rights violations.

NHRC has requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to discharge his functions in relation to the promotion and protection of human rights, to pay due attention and give urgent consideration to the present humanitarian crisis and its impact on human rights in Nepal. It has also urged the government to cooperate with and assist the Special Rapporteur in his or her tasks, and to provide all necessary information requested by him or her.