"Some steps have been taken to address impunity, but these measures have been far from adequate," the Nepal unit of the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement late on Thursday.
"Combatting impunity remains one of the greatest human rights challenges," it said.
Nepal's Maoist rebels, who have fought a bloody anti-monarchy battle since 1996 -- a conflict which has killed more than 13,000 people -- and the new multi-party government have committed themselves to a cease-fire as they engage in peace talks.
The talks began soon after the government was set up after King Gyanendra gave in to violent pro-democracy street protests in April, handing power back to political parties, more than a year after he took it.
But in spite of the peace dialogue, OHCHR says the Maoists continue with abductions, ill-treatment, killings and child recruitment. The security forces have also been accused of violations which have been documented.
Such abuses undermine commitments given by the two sides to respect human rights and they must end, it said.
"The peace process offers hope of lasting improvements in respect for human rights," the OHCHR said.
"But to achieve lasting peace and justice, it is essential the parties to the conflict translate their written commitments to human rights into effective, long-lasting action," it added.
No comments:
Post a Comment