Speaking at the program organized by the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) to discuss progress on National Report of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Tucknott said, “I would like to hear what concrete steps the government is taking to end impunity?” Tucknott said speaking on behalf of the European Union, Norway and Switzerland.[break]
He said the international community is deeply concerned about recent reports that the government is poised to seek withdrawal of criminal cases against the Maoists, including very serious cases related to the killings of Arjun Lama and Maina Sunar, currently sub judice in courts.
“In our view this is based on a mistaken and distorted interpretation of the CPA. We urge the government to ensure that police investigations and criminal cases are allowed to proceed without political interference,” he said.
Various stakeholders were invited at the program to discuss the progress on UPR as committed by Nepal in January in Geneva. Nepal had presented National report on UPR in Geneva on January 25 and 26.
Altogether 191 questions were asked to Nepal regarding the UPR during the meeting held in Geneva. Nepal had committed to address 36 issues. However, only 15 commitments have been implemented so far.
“We were pleased to see in January, in Geneva, a strong government commitment to combating impunity. We therefore encourage the government to accept the UPR recommendations on impunity which are now “under consideration,” Tuncknott added.
He said that frequent changes in government, a political culture that does not value the protection of human rights, and weak governance are among the major factors affecting the human rights situation in the present-day Nepal.
“While there has been some limited progress on human rights in recent years, major challenges remain, especially in combating impunity, building national institutions, and the delivery of timely justice in line with international standards,” he opined.
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