OHCHR calls on security forces to refrain from using lethal force

The Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR-Nepal) has appealed to the security forces to refrain from using lethal force.

The Office issued a statement calling for the refrain following growing number of deaths and injuries due to police firing in Terai unrest.

"The OHCHR-Nepal reiterates its call for urgent measures to be taken to stop the violence and prevent further death and serious injury in the Terai. Today, an OHCHR-Nepal team has again witnessed the serious consequences of the use of lethal force by the security forces during a curfew in Birgunj, Parsa District, which has resulted in life-threatening injury after police fired at a crowd. Sixteen deaths and a high number of serious injuries have been confirmed by OHCHR-Nepal since 19 January, many shot by police. OHCHR is continuing its investigations into the circumstances of the incidents in which they were shot," states a press release issued by the Office.

"While recognising that security forces have a difficult task in ensuring law and order, the imposition of a curfew does not justify the use of live bullets in non-life threatening situations", said Representative of the OHCHR-Nepal Lena Sundh. nepalnews.com sd Feb 04 07