UN body expresses concern over politics-related violence in Nepal

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Wednesday expressed its concerns over violence in Nepal arising from political differences.

"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," said OHCHR spokesperson Rupert Colville in a press statement on Wednesday.

The World UN Human Rights body's statement has come at a time when over 41 persons including police personnel lost their lives since August during violent clashes in the Southern plains of Nepal bordering India.

The violence in Terai region of Nepal has continued even after the Himalayan country adopted a much-awaited new constitution three days ago. The constitution was adopted with an overwhelming majority of the Nepal's Constituent Assembly even though the Madheshi fringe parties were against it.

OHCHR Spokesperson Colville also called 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.

"We are also concerned about reported attacks against human rights defenders and journalists as well as by vandalism against government buildings during protests," Colville said.

The UN body also said that the OHCHR fully supports 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.

The OHCHR also welcomed a recent stay order of Nepal's Supreme Court on the excessive use of force in response to protests.

"We urge the Nepalese authorities to ensure that existing national and international standards on the appropriate use of force are fully respected by security forces," the statement issued by OHCHR said.

Noting that the rights to freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly are essential elements in the promotion of democracy, Colville also urged the Government of Nepal to create " a climate where minority or dissenting views or beliefs are respected."

Colville also stressed those leaders of protesting groups have a responsibility to ensure that demonstrations are peaceful and that their supporters do not carry sticks, guns or other weapons and refrain from attacks against government buildings and property.

The Madheshi parties, who are in minority in the Nepal's Parliament, have been launching protests before constitution promulgation. Endi