EU Presidency declaration on the human rights situation in Nepal

The European Union is increasingly concerned with the deteriorating security and, consequently law and order situation in Nepal and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in that country.

The European Union unreservedly condemns the ongoing insurgency and the increasing outrages and calls on the Maoists to immediately stop the systematic campaign of killings, harassment and destruction. The European Union has noted the recent Maoist call for a halt to the killings of party activists and sabotage of physical infrastructure. The European Union regrets that such attacks continue to take place even after this call was issued.

While the European Union acknowledges the Government of Nepal's right to protect its citizens and institutions within the framework of the Constitution, it notes with deep concern the evidence of human rights violations committed by the Security Forces with impunity. The European Union has taken note of the increasing awareness by the Nepalese authorities of human rights violations by the Security Forces and their commitment to halt such violations. The European Union hopes that the Human Rights Cell set up within the Security Forces will achieve its objectives notably with regard to improving the human rights record of the army. The European Union urges the Government of Nepal to take further immediate action in conformity with its international obligations.

The European Union recognizes the important and valuable work carried out by the National Human Rights Commission, and looks forward to the early publication of recent monitoring reports. The European Union underlines the importance of the Government of Nepal implementing recommendations of the Commission.

The European Union stresses an assertive reform and development agenda underlining the imperative need to tackle poverty, exclusion and discrimination, poor governance including corruption as the root causes of the conflict. Significant reform cannot be carried out in the absence of rule of law in an atmosphere of impunity and fear.

The European Union urges both sides to the conflict to support and facilitate delivery of relief and humanitarian assistance along with food supplies to all parts of Nepal.

The European Union has noted that both sides have called for dialogue and a peaceful solution, and urges the parties to enter into early negotiations, end the violence immediately, and implement a ceasefire as part of the process leading to a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.

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