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Nepal: UN human rights official concerned about increased violence

7 May 2010 – The United Nations human rights representative in Nepal today voiced concern about the rising violence and intimidation in the South Asian nation, which is in the midst of an extended strike, or bandh, organized by the Maoists amid a political stand-off with the Government.

“As the bandh continues and tensions escalate, OHCHR [Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights] monitors on the ground are urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint,” Richard Bennett, OHCHR’s Representative in Nepal, told reporters in the capital, Kathmandu.

“I appeal to all parties to demonstrate the same degree of peaceful conduct and restraint as observed during the earlier days of the bandh,” said Mr. Bennett.

The strike, which started on Sunday following peaceful May Day protests, has increased tensions between demonstrators and the local population. It is the latest development in the peace process in Nepal, which endured a decade-long civil war that ended with the signing of a peace accord between the Government and the Maoists in 2006.

OHCHR has 21 monitoring teams across the country to observe, as well as liaise with national and local human rights defenders, security forces and demonstration organizers. If required, the teams also attempt to prevent violent incidents.

Monitors have reported heightened frustrations in Kathmandu, and violence in the central, western, mid-western and eastern regions. There are also increased reports of the use of weapons, such as laathis, or sticks, and metal bars. Curfews have been imposed in at least three districts.

Mr. Bennett said that at least 50 people were injured in an incident yesterday in the southern municipality of Birgunj when security forces used excessive force against demonstrators.

“I would like to emphasize the positive role that the security forces can play in further defusing tensions and helping to prevent confrontations,” Mr. Bennett said, stressing the need to respond proportionally.

He added that security forces in Kathmandu “have been acting in a professional manner.”

While he said he was encouraged by the ability of the protest organizers to make essential items such as food available in the capital city, he urged them to ensure that children are not used for political purposes following reports of some minors enforcing the bandh.

On Wednesday, Karin Landgren, the Secretary-General’s Representative in Nepal, told the Security Council that the country is at a “delicate and critical moment,” as negotiators work to resolve the current stand-off between Maoist supporters and the Government, primarily over Maoist demands for a national unity government.

The Council is expected to take a decision soon on the extension of the UN Mission in Nepal (UNMIN), which was set up to assist the country’s peace process. The Mission’s current mandate is due to expire on 15 May.