The ICJ today began a five-day high-level mission to Nepal to assess the human rights and rule of law situation in the country.
The ICJ will also discuss with the government, the Maoists, the judiciary and civil society effective means to ensure that human rights is an integral part of Nepal’s emerging peace process.
“I have learned from experience in many countries that addressing current and past human rights violations and the underlying causes of the conflict are essential if the peace process is to be stable and long term”, said Nicholas Howen, ICJ Secretary-General. “During my visit I will explore with Nepalis how they believe the human rights issues could be tackled in a way that works for this country and its people”.
The mission is led by ICJ Secretary-General, Nicholas Howen, accompanied by Susan Appleyard, Programme Officer for Asia-Pacific.
While in Nepal, the mission team will meet with officials of the Nepali Government, and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), the Nepal Army, senior members of the judiciary and bar, non-governmental human rights organisations, the United Nations and the international diplomatic community.
This is Nicholas Howen’s fourth visit to Nepal as the ICJ Secretary-General since 2004.
A press conference will be held at the completion of the mission at 9am on Friday, 3 November at the Annapurna Hotel.
Nepal-Inclusion human rights peace process-web-2006 (full text, PDF)
