“Impunity persisted for perpetrators of human rights abuses during the conflict. The authorities failed to implement court-ordered arrests of military personnel accused of offences involving human rights violations; police refused to file complaints or investigate such cases,” the rights watchdog said in its global human rights report released on Friday. [break]
Nepali government officials, the report added, “actively obstructed accountability mechanisms” and commitments made by political leaders in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
The report referred to indifference of political parties in translating their commitments to human rights in the CPA into practice. They had agreed to address conflict-time human rights issues in the historic agreement but the political leaders have given little attention to implement their commitments and have primarily focused on integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants, it said.
Speaking at the report release program, AI Director Rameshwor Nepal said Maoists have threatened lawyers and human rights defenders who have been demanding action against Maoist leader Agni Sapkota, who is Minister for Information and Communications. Sapkota has been accused of being involved in the killing of one Arjun Lama in 2005.
“Ethnic, religious and gender discrimination went largely unchallenged. Violence against women and girls persisted,” the report added.
The global human rights watchdog has also expressed concern over the protracted delay in passing laws on transitional justice mechanisms, saying there are “notable” shortcomings in the proposed draft bills of such laws.
The government had registered bills on Disappearance Commission and Truth and Reconciliation Commission in parliament in April 2010. But the bills are waiting to be endorsed as parties have shown no urgency for their enactment.
On human rights situation of Tarai where over 100 armed groups are reportedly active, AI has accused security agencies of using excessive force and of even killing people suspected of affiliation with armed groups in “fake” encounters. It further added that the armed groups are also involved in human rights violations.
The report added that Dalits, indigenous peoples, disabled people, religious and sexual minorities suffered social exclusion despite legal recognition of their equal rights.
“Legislative efforts to combat gender inequality did little to curtail discrimination against women in public and private life,” the report said, “Women, particularly Dalit women, faced obstacles in relation to access to justice, asset and property ownership, inheritance, income and employment conditions, and political representation.”
Speaking at the report release program, Robert Godden, Asia Pacific Campaign Coordinator, said political pressure on police, non-compliance with court orders, withdrawal of criminal cases have subverted justice system in Nepal.
He also expressed concern over Nepal´s move of curtailing the rights of Tibetan refugees to peaceful assembly and expression in recent times.
“One-China policy does not override government´s national and international obligation,” Godden said, referring to Nepal government´s foreign policy toward China and moves restricting rights of Tibetan refugees.
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