Kathmandu, Feb. 23: General Secretary of Amnesty International Pierre Sane today said that instead of learning from its South Asian neighbours facing decades old insurgency and armed conflicts, Nepal “looks set to repeat” their mistakes. He expressed concern that Nepal is set to take an “increasingly hard line approach, relying on new parliamentary tactics and special powers” rather than dealing the Maoist insurgency issue within the framework of the Constitution.
He also noted that South Asian countries have shown tendency to accrete special powers and legislation to deal with specific problems and exigencies of the time, which he claimed offered “short term solution and quick political fix” but in long run opened door to “undermining of law, its institutions and protection of human rights”. “Several provisions on the bill tabled in the parliament last September for amendment to laws related to internal administration are in breach of Nepal’s obligation international convents,” Sane said. “Special measures may be needed to contend with the threat posed by Maoist ‘People’s War’ the government should refrain from widening the powers to police.”
Sane further said that his organisation was aware about the grave security problems presented by “brutal and ruthless” Maoist insurgents and condemned abuses that have been committed against innocent people. He also called the insurgents to stop deliberate and arbitrary killings, hostage taking and maiming of civilians.
Pierre Sane, on a six-day visit to Nepal, today addressed a talk programme on “Conflict in South Asia” organised by Amnesty International-Nepal and Amnesty International-Nepal Group-32.
Rights activist Dr. Durga Pokharel said that Nepal’s human rights movement is more concentrated on people’s political rights. “Many people’s rights are violated socially and they are often re-victimised by judiciary if they seek legal remedies,” she said.
Krishna Kandel of Amnesty International-Nepal and Samjhana Nepal of Group-32 highlighted students’ role in ensuring human rights in society.