National
UPR session: Nepal accepts 148 recommendations
Nepal accepted 148 of 196 recommendations, while putting 30 recommendations under consideration, in the ongoing 23rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) session in Geneva on Friday.Nepal accepted 148 of 196 recommendations, while putting 30 recommendations under consideration, in the ongoing 23rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) session in Geneva on Friday.
The recommendations include amendment to discriminatory citizenship provision, revision to the transitional justice mechanism Act in line with the Supreme Court order, and formation of judicial probe committee to investigate and prosecute excessive use of force and killings in the Tarai unrest, among others.
The Human Rights Council (HRC) has also recommended building broader ownership of marginalised communities over the newly adopted constitution through dialogues and amendments to the constitution.
“This is the only way to win confidence of international community through implementing the recommendations,” said Advocate Dipendra Jha, who is currently in Geneva.
Nepal has put the recommendation of revising the transitional justice mechanism Act under consideration. The council has recommended amending the Act in compliance with the Court ruling “in order to uphold international standards relating to accountability for gross violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law”.
“Nepal should have accepted the recommendations,” said human rights lawyer Govinda Bandi. “The reluctance has only raised a question whether the government is honest about implementing the court order.”
The 30 recommendations, which are put on hold, will be examined no later than 31st session of HRC in March 2016. Nepal has rejected 18 recommendations.