HRW asks govt not to use lethal force against pro-Tibet protestors

Human Rights Watch has asked the Nepal government to rescind orders authorizing security forces to use lethal force to suppress protests associated with the Olympic torch's relay up Mount Everest.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Wednesday, HRW urged Prime Minister Koirala to immediately rescind these orders and ensure that authorities uphold the rights to freedom of assembly, expression, and association.

HRW also urged that forces refrain from using unnecessary or excessive force against protesters.

The rights body said the Nepali security forces should abide by the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms, which call upon law enforcement officials to apply nonviolent means before resorting to the use of force and only in proportion to the seriousness of the offense.

It allows lethal force only when it is 'strictly unavoidable in order to protect life'.

"Nepal authorities should be using whatever means necessary to protect basic human rights, not violate them," said Sophie Richardson, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, adding, "With the world watching, this is the moment for Nepal's new government to prove that it aspires and adheres to international standards." nepalnews.com ia May 01 08

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