HRW raps govts, political parties
Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) World Report 2012 has said the government and political parties in Nepal have failed to establish accountability for abuses during the decade-long conflict.
It says Nepal’s political and peace process stalled in 2011, owing to instability and weak governance. “The parties instead further weakened an already dysfunctional justice system by ignoring court orders and appointing people allegedly guilty of serious rights violations to senior government positions,” the report says. According to Brad Adams, the Asia director of HRW, no government since 2006 has shown the will to tackle issues related to the peace process and human rights. “Neither the previous government nor the new Maoist-led government kept their promises to ensure justice for tens of thousands of insurgency victims,” he said in the report.
The report stated no one from the security forces or among the Maoists has been held responsible for abuses during the conflict, and the security forces or political parties have protected many of the accused.
“After being elected the new prime minister of the country on August 28 last year, Baburam Bhattarai immediately struck a deal with coalition parties calling for the withdrawal of criminal cases against people affiliated to the Maoist party and the Madhesi, Janajati, Tharuhat, Dalit, and Pichhadabarga movements, and declaring a general amnesty, which could include serious crimes and human rights abuses,” the report reads. “The proposed withdrawals and amnesties are prohibited under international laws and standards.”
The report also talks about the long-promised draft bills to establish the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission on Enforced Disappearances, that have still not materialised. Talking about a positive development, the report said the government agreement to an integration and rehabilitation package for former CPN-M combatants was praiseworthy.
“The refusal to extend the mandate of the UN human rights field office is a major step backward and calls into question the commitment of the main political parties in the government and opposition to protect the rights of the Nepalis,” Adams said. “Nepalis know firsthand what the army and Maoists are capable of. The government should reverse this decision and show the Nepali people that they welcome the additional safeguards a UN presence offers.”
The report also raises concern over the issues of discrimination against the Dalits throughout the country and increased cases of killing and abduction, especially in the Tarai region.
In the 676-page report, the HRW assessed progress on human rights in the past year in more than 90 countries, including popular uprisings in the Arab world.
Posted on: 2012-01-24 08:55
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