KATHMANDU, Nov 4: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa has drawn the attention of the international community toward the ongoing crisis in Nepal, saying that the India-imposed economic blockade may result in an unjust and severe humanitarian crisis.
“We are at a very delicate situation resulting from the obstruction of essential supplies at the border points. If the current trend is not checked, the country is likely to experience an unjust and severe humanitarian crisis,” said Thapa.
Delivering Nepal’s statement to the 23rd Session of Universal Periodic Review in Geneva, Switzerland of the human rights records of all UN member states, Thapa said that the continuous obstructions by India at border points under whatever pretext has severely impeded the exercise of rights and freedom that Nepal is entitled to under international law as a land-locked country.
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He said that the obstruction by India has caused a huge setback to Nepal’s economy.
“Lives and livelihoods of the entire population have been adversely affected; schools and hospitals also bear the brunt of the current circumstances, exposing millions of children, elderly and sick persons to greater risk and vulnerabilities; the future of our children is at stake; our regional and international trade have been constrained; our industries are on the verge of collapse; the tourism sector has been hit hard; our economy has suffered a huge setback. This needs to be avoided.”
He further explained that the continuous blockade by India has only added challenges and adversity for Nepal, a least developed country that has emerged from a decade-long armed conflict followed by a protracted political transition and is just taking steps forward on the path of recovery and reconstruction with the support of the international community, in the aftermath of devastating earthquakes.
Talking about the government’s initiatives aimed at resolving the dispute with agitating parties through talks, Thapa said the government has already begun the process of dialogue and is confident of arriving at a mutually acceptable solution soon.
He expressed optimism about Nepal’s political actors’ ability and competence in resolving differences over constitutional issues.
“Like many other democratic constitutions, the Constitution of Nepal is also a living and dynamic document that can be amended in accordance with the needs and aspirations of the people. It is flexible enough to adequately address the new context the nation faces through timely amendment,” he said.
He said that the Nepal government is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights.
