Amnesty International (AI) and International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) have said that the partial truce announced by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) in the Kathmandu Valley may provide some space for peaceful political activity, but it does not go far enough to ensure the protection of human rights.
Issuing a statement on Monday, Maoist supreme Prachanda has said, his party had taken the decision “to cease all of its military activities” in the capital valley until further notice ahead of the general strike called by the seven-party alliance slated for April 6-9.
The joint statement issued by the AI and ICJ said that the temporary commitment by the CPN (Maoist) should be followed by both sides declaring an indefinite, nationwide ceasefire to allow for progress toward a negotiated settlement to the decade-long conflict.
“What is urgently needed now is some consistent demonstration by the Maoist leadership and cadres across the country that they are fully committed to respecting their obligations under international humanitarian law,” the statement quoted Purna Sen, Director of the Asia-Pacific Programme at Amnesty International as saying.
The statement further said, any cessation of hostilities would help to create a more conducive environment for the protection of human rights for the people of Nepal, but must be accompanied by efforts to address past crimes and prevent future abuses.
Stating that in January and February 2006, the government arbitrarily arrested hundreds of political party and civil society activists in an effort to suppress dissent, the statement further said many political activists and human rights defenders in Nepal say they fear a renewed crackdown on civil liberties in the coming days.
“The security forces’ response to the upcoming political demonstrations will provide the international community with a clear indication of the government’s commitment to upholding human rights,” said Gerald Staberock, ICJ’s Director of Global Security and Rule of Law.
“The government must demonstrate its respect for freedom of expression and assembly, which are essential at this time of intense debate about the country’s political future,” Gerald added. nepalnews.com pb Apr 04 06