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UN Human Rights Official Concerned About Increased Violence
By KTM Metro Reporter in Kathmandu
May 8, 2010: the news item posted on the UN website on May 7, 2010 has stated that the United Nations human rights representative in Nepal today voiced concern about the rising violence and intimidation in Nepal in the midst of an extended shutdown held by the Maoists amid a political stand-off with the Government.
“As the bandh (shutdown) continues and tensions escalate, OHCHR [Office of 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 the reporters in 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.
OHCHR has 21 monitoring teams across the country to watch as well as liaise with national and local human rights defenders, security forces and demonstration organizers. 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 (batons), and metal bars. Curfews have been imposed in at least three districts.
“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.”
On May 7, 2010, the central committee meeting of the Nepali Congress (NC) has decided to ask the government to shut down the outposts of the OHCHR in Nepal.
