HR situation ‘improved significantly’ in Nepal: Arbour

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, has said that human rights situation in Nepal has "improved significantly" since the declaration of mutual declaration of ceasefire by the government and the Maoists following the success of Jana Andolan II.

Addressing the opening day of the second session of the new enhanced UN Human Rights Council, in Geneva Monday Arbour said on a "cautiously more optimistic note" that significant, positive developments have occurred in Nepal with the reinstatement of the House of Representatives, the naming of a Prime Minister and the installation of a new government.

"The declaration of a mutual ceasefire by the parties to the conflict, and the start of a peace process bring hope to all people in Nepal that a decade of conflict may be ending," she said. "As a result of these political and security developments, the human rights situation improved significantly."

Arbour, however, said progress in Nepal was "fragile". "It is essential that all stakeholders remain committed to the peace process and that they respect human rights."

Arbour was too critical of the government during the absolute rule of King Gyanendra. nepalnews.com pb Sep 20 06