Nepalesiske NGO-repræsentanter, herunder menneskeretsforkæmpere, der deltager i forårets samling af FNs Menneskerettighedskommission i Geneve, føler sig forfulgt af den officielle nepalesiske delegation, skriver Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke mandag på sin hjemmeside.
Den nepalesiske delegation, der i år også rummer repræsentanter for Nepals militær og politi, har nøje fulgt NGO-repræsentanternes arbejde i Geneve.
Efter trusler om op til 25 års fængsel og forfølgelse tør ingen af de nepalesiske NGO-repræsentanter vende tilbage til Nepal efter mødet i menneskerettighedskommissionen i Geneve, hedder det.
Her menneskeretsforkæmperen, Govinda Sharma Koiralas, appel til kommissionen:
United Nations Commission On Human Rights 61st Session
Item17(A): Promotion And Protection Of Human Rights
Defenders
Situation of Human Rights Defenders in Nepal
Delivered by Mr. GovindSharma Bandi, Human Rights Lawyers, Nepal
Mr. Chairman,
Excellencies and distinguish delegates,
61st Session of the commission on Human Rights
UN, Geneva
I would like to convey the message of 25 Nepali Human Rights Organisations, who welcome the signing of the MOU relative to international monitoring in Nepal.
However, we are seriously concerned about the systematic and continuous attacks on human rights defenders in Nepal. Since 1 February 2005, threats to human rights defenders have increased significantly, particularly for the lesser known, low-profile defenders working at the local level.
Nepali human rights defenders are suffering from the disastrous consequences of the collapse of the rule of law, the elimination of civic space, and the militarization of the State and of civilian populations. Most human rights activists are facing travel bans imposed by the government, while some prominent defenders have been arrested and detained.
Many human rights defenders fear for their lives and have gone underground or left the country and many others live under threat and surveillance by the security forces. Maoist forces are also responsible for serious abuses against defenders, including torture, abduction and killing.
After February 1st, 2005, at least 44 human rights activists were arrested and detained illegally. Krishna Pahadi, the former President of the Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES), was arrested by members of security forces at HURPES office in Kathmandu on February 9. He remains in detention.
The risk of arrest also applies to the Human Rights defenders who are presently attending 61st session of commission of Human Rights. Their activities are being watched by army and police personnel who comprise Nepali delegation.
According to media reports, they are being blamed as criminals and elements active against the country by senior government officials. By creating this kind of statements Nepali Human Rights defenders who are currently attending the commission are being terrorized.
In this regard, we trust that both sides in the conflict will recognize the important role that national human rights defenders, including the NHRC, must continue to play even as international monitors perform the sensitive and challenging mandate entrusted to them.
We urge the Nepali authorities and the Maoists to guarantee the integrity of all human rights defenders and to ensure that they can carry out their work unhindered. We urge the Nepali authorities to
– Release all human rights defenders,
– Lift state of emergency,
– Lift media restriction
– Bring all perpetrators of violations
against human rights defender to justice.
In addition, the authorities should invite the Special Representative, Ms. Hina Jilani, to visit the country. We urge the Commission to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of human rights defenders who have participated in this session.
18th April 2005
Thank you Mr. Chairperson
Govinda Prasad Sharma Koirala( Govinda Bandi)
Advocate, Supreme Court Of Nepal
Legal Research And Consultency Service
Anamnagar-29, Kathmandu
Tellephone- 00977-1-2002475 (office)
00977-1- 4780310 (residence)
00977-9851061167 (Mobil)
Kilde: www.ms.dk
