High Commissioner for Human Rights urges respect for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Nepal
02-12-2005 (Kathmandu/Geneva/Paris)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights yesterday expressed serious concern about the possible resumption of full-scale armed conflict in Nepal, as well as about increasing violations of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“A mutual ceasefire between the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and the Government of King Gyanendra and steps towards lasting peace are crucial to bring to an end a period of grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by both the Maoists and the State”, High Commissioner Louise Arbour said. “Secretary-General Kofi Annan has encouraged the CPN (M) to extend its unilateral ceasefire which ends this week, and has urged the declaration of a reciprocal ceasefire by the Government. I add my voice to his call, as I am seriously concerned about the very real possibility that full-scale armed conflict could resume. I also urge the CPN (M) to work with my Office in Nepal to ensure that its cadres respect the welcome commitments to respect for human rights and the rule of law made in the letter of understanding they have signed with the political parties.”
The High Commissioner added that her Office in Nepal had reported its growing concern over measures by the Government that restrict rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly and affect the media, non-governmental organizations, political parties and civil society in general.
“Following the promulgation of a Media Ordinance which is in breach of international human rights standards and remains under challenge in Nepal’s Supreme Court, radio stations have been raided, equipment seized and persons arrested with no apparent legal basis”, she said. “Local administration and the security forces have extended banned areas and obstructed freedom of movement in order to inhibit peaceful demonstrations”.
“I call upon the judiciary to act independently in upholding Nepal’s international human rights obligations, and upon the Government and the security forces to respect the rights to freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly”, the High Commissioner said.
UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura earlier deplored the severe restrictions on press freedom and freedom of expression represented by the new government ordinance issued in Nepal on October 9. This new legislation follows earlier restrictions on press freedom and freedom of expression in Nepal that occurred after the government was dismissed and the state of emergency was declared in February 2005.
Recalling that UNESCO’s mission is to defend freedom of expression and freedom of the press as mainstays of democratic societies, Mr Matsuura appealed on 18 October 2005 to Nepalese authorities to reconsider their action. “At a time when the planning of democratic elections has been announced in Nepal, legislation that justifies censorship and curtails the ability of media professionals to do their job can only appear to be incompatible with a free and open electoral process ,” said the Director-General. “I call upon the Nepalese government to think again about the wisdom of this ordinance. Such reconsideration would be a welcome sign of respect for free, pluralistic and independent media, that are the one of the indispensable conditions for democracy and good governance.”
The High Commissioner added that her Office in Nepal had reported its growing concern over measures by the Government that restrict rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly and affect the media, non-governmental organizations, political parties and civil society in general.
“Following the promulgation of a Media Ordinance which is in breach of international human rights standards and remains under challenge in Nepal’s Supreme Court, radio stations have been raided, equipment seized and persons arrested with no apparent legal basis”, she said. “Local administration and the security forces have extended banned areas and obstructed freedom of movement in order to inhibit peaceful demonstrations”.
“I call upon the judiciary to act independently in upholding Nepal’s international human rights obligations, and upon the Government and the security forces to respect the rights to freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly”, the High Commissioner said.
UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura earlier deplored the severe restrictions on press freedom and freedom of expression represented by the new government ordinance issued in Nepal on October 9. This new legislation follows earlier restrictions on press freedom and freedom of expression in Nepal that occurred after the government was dismissed and the state of emergency was declared in February 2005.
Recalling that UNESCO’s mission is to defend freedom of expression and freedom of the press as mainstays of democratic societies, Mr Matsuura appealed on 18 October 2005 to Nepalese authorities to reconsider their action. “At a time when the planning of democratic elections has been announced in Nepal, legislation that justifies censorship and curtails the ability of media professionals to do their job can only appear to be incompatible with a free and open electoral process ,” said the Director-General. “I call upon the Nepalese government to think again about the wisdom of this ordinance. Such reconsideration would be a welcome sign of respect for free, pluralistic and independent media, that are the one of the indispensable conditions for democracy and good governance.”
Related themes/countries
· Freedom of Expression: News Archives 2005
· Nepal: News Archive 2005
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- UNESCO Office in Kathmandu
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