NHRC, UN raise concern about humanitarian impact of far western bandh

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the United Nations have expressed concern over the humanitarian problems caused by the ongoing bandh in the far-western region.

“While upholding the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of opinion and expression, the NHRC and the UN urge protest organizers and followers to guarantee the freedom of movement for ambulances as well as the transport of essential medical supplies, patients and food within the FWR,” the NHRC and the UN in a joint press statement said.

“Humanitarian access must be guaranteed under all circumstances in all parts of the country”, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of the UN, Robert Piper said.

The NHRC and the UN also expressed concern about the rising tensions which culminated in clashes on 9 May between the police and demonstrators in Nawalparasi leaving several people with serious injuries.

“While recognizing the responsibility of State agencies to maintain rule of law throughout Nepal, they urged the security and law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and use minimum necessary and proportionate force while policing areas in which bandhs and protests are taking place,” the statement read.

The NHRC and the UN also stated that increasing number and intensity of upcoming demonstrations create the risk for more widespread violence and urged the concerned sides to uphold human rights and take necessary practical steps to avoid violence during this period of heightened protests. nepalnews.com