"With the adoption of the new constitution, Nepal has reached an important point in the peace process. After all the suffering endured by the population during the internal conflict and the immense efforts to bring lasting peace to Nepal, a return to violent confrontation would be disastrous," a statement quoted OHCHR spokesperson Rupert Colville as saying.While calling on all sides to resolve their differences through open and inclusive dialogue, Colville said he is alarmed by the high number of deaths and injuries of protestors, security personnel and bystanders that have occurred during protests. According to reports, at least 41 people have been killed and many injured since August. "We are also concerned about reported attacks against human rights defenders and journalists as well as by vandalism against government buildings during protests," the statement further quoted Colville as saying.
The OHCHR has claimed that the killings of protesters were the result of 'excessive use of force'. "We fully support the call of the National Human Rights Commission for independent investigations into incidents of violence related to the protests. Alleged perpetrators should be prosecuted and sanctioned and the families of the victims compensated," said Colville.
Also, OHCHR has welcomed the recent stay order of the Supreme Court on the excessive use of force in response to protests and urged the Nepalese authorities to ensure that existing national and international standards on the appropriate use of force are fully respected by security forces. Among other things, Colville urged the government to create "a climate where minority or dissenting views or beliefs are respected."
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