The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal has said that members of the security forces found to be responsible for using or ordering excessive force during the April movement of the country be held accountable for their actions.

Office in-charge of the Office of the United Nation’s High Commissioners for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal, David Johnson, speaking at a press conference organised to release the report on human rights abuses during the People?s Movement-II in Kathmandu, Thursday. nepalnews.com/rh

Office in-charge of the Office of the United Nation’s High Commissioners for Human…
A report entitled “The April Protests Democratic Rights and the Excessive Use of Force” released by the OHCHR said, all three branches of the security forces, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Nepal Army (then known as Royal Nepalese Army) were responsible for the deaths and serious injury of demonstrators and other civilians through the excessive use of force during the April movement of the country.

The report further said, “Internal sanctions and criminal prosecutions particularly in case of killings and serious injury, will be important to send a strong message that abusive and excessive use of force and human rights violations will not be tolerated.”

Stating that the high level commission formed to probe the atrocities committed to suppress the April movement has important role to play to make the people responsible for rights violations accountable, the OHCHR informed that it has submitted its report to the commission.

Expressing grave concern over the growing use of children in rallies and demonstrations, Office-in-Charge of OHCHR in Nepal, David Johnson has said that the office has recently raised its concerns with the Maoist leadership regarding the transporting of children in rallies and demonstrations, often without consent of their guardians.

Johnson further added that they received assurance from Maoist leadership for not recruiting children as soldiers and not to use them for political purpose.

He further expressed optimism that the ongoing peace process between Maoists and the would succeed and it will help for the protection and promotion of human rights in the country.

Stating that the restoration of democratic rights, which resulted from the April movement has created hope of an end to the conflict and to the human rights violations suffered by Nepalis throughout the country, Johnson said, “Respect for the rights to freedom of expression, of association and assembly must be a key aspect of the peace process.”

The report came at a time when the high level commission formed to probe the atrocities committed to suppress the pro democracy movement of the country is preparing its final report about the April movement after interrogating people responsible for suppressing the people’s movement.

The report further said, “During the April protests, OHCHR-Nepal staffs themselves witnessed police using lathi (long baton) charges into crowds, including peaceful assemblies, often aimed at the head causing serious injury. They also witnessed police fire teargas directly at crowds and the negligent use of rubber bullets, and documented the inappropriate use of live ammunition, all constituted improper and excessive use of force,” adding, “Children and young people, as well as medical workers trying to treat the injured were among those targeted.”

The report recommended the government and security forces to ensure their obligation and duties specifically addressing restrictions on the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of movement, review of Public Security Act, strengthening the Nepal Police, addressing the chain of command issues, accountability, compensation and redress, strict control over live ammunitions, access for medical services during demonstrations, training for security forces in policing during public demonstrations and protection of children.

The report also presented fifteen case studies of allegations of excessive use of force during the April movement and also presented recommendations to the government and security forces for the protection and promotion of human rights during such movement as well.