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Follow Rule Of Law For Protests And For Law and Order
By KTM Metro Reporter in Kathmandu
April 30, 2010: the UN News Center has posted a news on its website on April 29, 2010 stating to follow the rule of law respecting the fundamental rights of all in Nepal before the Maoists’ protests.
“I urge the Government of Nepal to ensure that fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are fully respected and protected,” said Richard Bennett, the Representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal).
“Equally, the organizers of the protest programs must ensure that the demonstrators behave calmly and respect the rights of others, including the general public,” Mr. Bennett added in the news.
OHCHR pointed out that the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are central to the principles of democracy, pluralism and respect for human rights: the very foundations of the country’s peace process.
The Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-Maoist) has announced the protests. So, it needs to ensure that demonstrators do not engage in any form of provocation, confrontation or hostile behavior, including wielding batons and other weapons that could cause bodily harm. The UCPN-Maoist has a special responsibility to ensure that children are not put in any harm way, OHCHR noted.
At the same time, the OHCHR has called on the security and law enforcement agencies to uphold human rights and respect international standards for law enforcement.
“OHCHR stresses the need for significant steps to be taken by all political parties to address the country’s political problems consistent with the spirit of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and to take every possible measure to avoid the possibility of violence and human rights violations.”
OHCHR will be monitoring the demonstrations in the Kathmandu valley and elsewhere, and it has been meeting with leaders to obtain their commitment to the adherence to the peaceful means of protests by the Maoists and the respect for human rights in enforcing the rule of law by the State agencies.
