The International Human Rights Day is being marked in Nepal with the slogan “Human Rights for peace.”

The Day marks the approval of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, which was unanimously passed by the UN General Assembly in 1948. Right to life, security, freedom, education, freedom of expression, moral and religious views, work, seeking of refuge and the likes are mentioned in the declaration.

The National Human Rights Commission has appealed to the government to work towards making the present environment for holding peace talks with the Maoist rebels more conducive.

It has also asked the government to make public the names of all those who have been arrested so far and respect their right to approach the court. The Commission has asked the government to make public the names of those killed in clashes. It has asked the government to give compensation to the families of those who were killed despite being innocent.

The Commission has called on the government to arrange for the treatment of those who have been handicapped in conflicts. Similarly the Commission has called on the Maoists to remain committed to their pledge not to attack political workers and development infrastructure. It has asked the Maoists

to make public the names of its cadres who have been killed so far by the security forces.

The Commission has called on the Maoists not to disrupt the running of academic institutions and the supply of food and relief materials in different parts of the country. It has asked the Maoists to treat the schools and health posts as centers of peace and keep them aloof from conflict.