Right Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Khadga Prasad Oli, Honorable chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Chairpersons and Commissioners of Constitutional bodies Excellences, Distinguished Guests and Delegates, Ladies and gentlemen, Namaste,
This year's Human Rights Day marks the 50th anniversary of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, these important commitments are as relevant today as when they were adopted. It is crucial to raise awareness of these rights and I thank the National Human Rights Commission for taking this initiative to remind us all of our commitments.
Since 2006 when the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed, Nepal has achieved many of the peace process goals, setting the country on the path to deeper democratization. The successful CA elections in 2013 and the recent promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal on 20 September 2015 are key milestones in this process.
The establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission on Investigation of Disappeared Persons is also a long-awaited and crucial opportunity to clarify the historical record about the conflict, as well as support national reconciliation and accountability processes. Victims of human rights violations, including victims of sexual violence, must be in the center of the Transitional Justice process and the demands of conflict victims for justice need to be heard and effectively addressed.
With the current protests and the tragic deaths of both civilians and police we are reminded of the need to strengthen efforts to ensure the inclusion of all groups of the population in the democratic process of the country. I want to take this opportunity to urge all parties to abstain from violence and seek resolution of differences through inclusive and peaceful dialogue. The National Human Rights Commission has a key role in ensuring that all human rights are safeguarded and we look to your leadership.
NHRC has come long way since its establishment in May 2000. In the last 15 years NHRC has made more than 700 recommendations to the Government, on human rights violations cases as well as on policy matters. NHRC has also shown its growth as an institution with strengthened substantive capacities. Challenges, however, are not absent, NHRC’s recommendations are yet to be fully implemented, and a number of staff positions are yet to be filled.
National human rights institutions are important bedrocks in national human rights protection system. Ensuring their ability to undertake their tasks is a vital part of good governance. This November, during the Universal Periodic Review of Nepal, the Human Rights Council provided key recommendations on the NHRC. We count on the government to enact relevant legislation in conformity with the UPR recommendations.
As we are gathered here to mark the international human rights day, it is also the concluding day of the 16 days activism against violence against women. In Nepal, there has been significant progress in addressing gender inequality and the empowerment of women. However, many challenges remain to realizing the fulfillment of the rights of women. As long as women rights and rights of Dalits, indigenous, ethnic and endangered communities, Madheshi, Muslim, Sikh, people with disabilities, victims of armed groups and armed conflict and persons with different gender identities and sexual orientation are at risk, peace, security and sustainable development is not possible. For the new United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to have a meaningful, positive impact, actions must be taken to empower women and girls and all groups of society to exercise their fundamental human rights.
The United Nations partnership with NHRC goes back to its establishment. The important work of the commission and increasingly positive role it has been playing in the country encourages our continued appreciation, support and collaboration. We look forward to continuing the journey together towards our joined goal of full enjoyment of all people of fundamental human rights dignity and equality.
Thank you.