By IANS
Kathmandu : Despite the restoration of democracy in Nepal after the fall of King Gyanendra’s absolute government and an end to the violent communist insurgency, not a single human rights violator has been brought to justice, a senior UN official said.
UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kyung-wha Kang, who had come to Nepal Wednesday to assess the current rights situation in Nepal ahead of a crucial election in April, said at the end of her visit that impunity remained unchecked in Nepal, endangering the peace process.
“Not one perpetrator of past or ongoing human rights violations has been convicted as a result of a criminal investigation.
“The consolidation of the peace process will continue to be at risk without political will on the part of the authorities to end this culture of impunity,” she said.
The envoy reminded the seven-party government that it had agreed to establish a commission on disappearances and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to bring out the truth and ensure that the violations of the past were not repeated.
“These commissions must be set up in accordance with international standards if they are to guarantee the rights of victims and their relatives to truth, justice and reparations,” she said.
Pointing out that ongoing impunity as well as a security vacuum due to weak law enforcement and criminal justice had led to an increase in violent actions, including killings and abductions by armed groups, the UN envoy said her office was especially concerned about the increasing number of explosions at political rallies, some of which occurred during her visit.
“These acts of violence only serve the interests of those seeking to disrupt the peace process and will make more difficult the holding of free and fair elections,” she warned. “The holding of the election on April 10 is essential for the consolidation of peace.”
Kyung-wha also said that the security vacuum in the Terai plains had led to sectarian violence.
Though perpetrators could be identified, victims had no confidence in the justice system after having experienced violence and displacement on multiple occasions, she said.
Caste-based, gender-based and ethnicity-based discrimination also remained rampant, she said.
“Discrimination in all its forms must be addressed systematically and with determination or it will continue to place the peace process at risk.
“It is clear that the government needs to do more to effectively address these long standing human rights abuses,” the envoy added.