UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the new constitution of Nepal and urged the political leaders to act in the broad national interest with continued flexibility and inclusivity.

 “A peaceful and democratic Nepal is what the people of Nepal seek and deserve,” Ban’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric quoted him as saying on Tuesday.

Dujarric also conveyed Ban’s concern over recent violence and stressed on the importance of dialogue and non-violence.

John Kirby, spokesperson of the US Department of State, also issued a statement, congratulating the people of Nepal on their steadfast commitment to democracy.

“The promulgation of the constitution is an important milestone in Nepal’s democratic journey,” said Kirby, adding that the government must continue efforts to accommodate the views of all Nepalis and ensure that the constitution embraces measures consistent with globally accepted norms and principles, including gender equality, religious freedom, and the right to citizenship.

The statement also conveyed the US government’s readiness to assist the people and the government of Nepal as they continue along this democratic path and to rebuild from the April earthquake.

German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier also  welcomed the new constitution in Nepal. “This is an important step towards reconciliation and further democracy. Nepal is entering a new chapter in its history and is now a country with democratic constitution,” he said in a statement. Germany has said that the constitution has laid the foundation of democracy and the rule of law.

“Germany trusts the Nepalese government focuses all efforts on the acceleration of the reconstruction of public facilities and housing which were destroyed by the earthquake,” the statement said.

France also welcomed the adoption of a new constitution. “This is a key step toward continuing national reconciliation, restoring political stability and returning to the path of development,” read a statement by the French Embassy.

“Pakistan’s President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister  Muhammad Nawaz Sharif also lauded the historic event which they termed as a major milestone in Nepal’s democratic development,” said a statement issued by the Pakistani Embassy.

While describing the development as an important step forward in the peace process, Pakistan’s leadership has expressed hope that the new constitution would usher in an era of stability, sustained economic growth, progress and prosperity in Nepal.

National rights body welcomes statute

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has hailed the new constitution as a historic document prepared by the people’s representatives which has laid a foundation for democracy and human rights. In a statement, the national rights body on Tuesday expressed its confidence that the newly promulgated constitution would ensure freedom and equality.

The NHRC has also expressed serious concerns over infringement of human rights of the people in Tarai in the ongoing protest. A total of 41 persons, 10 security personnel and 31 protesters, have been killed in the clashes since Madhes-centric parties launched their protest on August 25 “We are concerned over violation of fundamental issues of the human rights as the livelihood of people, their employment, education, health, security and mobility have been severely hit due to the ongoing shutdown and agitations,” read the statement. The NHRC reiterated its appeal to the government and the agitating parties to sort out the differences through dialogue.