The resident and humanitarian coordinator of the UN system in Kathmandu, Matthew Kahane, has said the United Nations welcomes any efforts towards protection of human rights and reduction of violence.

The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of UN System in Nepal, Matthew Kahane addressing the United Nations 60th anniversary function, Monday, Oct 24 2005.

Talking to reporters after a function organised in Kathmandu Monday to mark the 60th anniversary of the UN, Kahane, however, refused to comment on whether the world body will pressurize the government to reciprocate.

Responding to a question on the recently promulgated media ordinance in Nepal, Kahane endorsed the concern expressed by the Director General of the UNESCO that the amendments to existing legislation introduced by the ordinance, promulgated on October 9, infringe upon international standards related to freedom of expression. “That is UN’s authentic view,” he added.

Kahane, however, refused to comment on the municipal polls announced by the government. Major opposition parties have said they will boycott the municipal polls slated on February 8, next year.

Earlier, addressing the function, Kahane lauded the role of the UN system in Nepal for strengthening and enhancing the capacities of governance institutions, civil society and the private sector.

Stating that conflict has been escalating in Nepal since 1996, adding to the suffering of a people already buried by poverty, hunger and disease, Kahane said, “Currently the UN system in Nepal is present in all 75 districts in the country striving to reach the country’s poor and disadvantaged population; women, Dalits, indigenous people, children, the elderly and those with disabilities.”

“Since 1955 Nepal has contributed consistently to the UN, serving on the boards that govern the UN’s developmental and humanitarian work, including the Economic and Social Council, the commission on Human Rights, the UNDP/UNFPA Executive Board, the UNICEF Executive Board and the commission on sustainable development,” he added

He also highlighted the contribution of Royal Nepalese Army in the UN peacekeeping missions around the world and said, “The UN looks forward to Nepal’s continued active contribution to the common efforts of its member states, and remains willing and ready to share its expertise and experience in peacemaking, should it be asked to do so.”

Nepal has so far deployed over 50,000 soldiers under various UN peacekeeping missions over the last six decades.

The United Nations was founded sixty years ago at a time when the world was in turmoil, national economies were destroyed, epidemics ran out of control and millions of refugees were homeless.

In his message on the occasion, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said, “The United Nations must reflect this new age, and respond to its challenges including, first and foremost, the knowledge that hundreds of millions of people are left defenseless against hunger, disease and environmental degradation, even though the world has the means to rescue them.”