Human rights situation hasn't improved significantly: AI

Amnesty International said both the government and the Maoists largely failed to implement human rights commitments in the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA), signed in November 2006.

In its annual human rights report 2008 published on Wednesday, it said measures to address impunity for past violations and abuses were grossly inadequate in Nepal last year. Police and public prosecutors continued to fail in their duty to investigate and prosecute cases of human rights abuse.

Vulnerable groups, including women and minorities, remained at risk of human rights abuses, it said.

AI also expressed concern over the lack of implementation of the recommendation made by a commission entitled to investigate the government atrocities in the April 2006 Jana Andolan, even after publicizing the report in August last year.

AI further said government failed to form Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as agreed earlier, that would help improve human rights situation in the country. The Commission of Inquiry to investigate the enforced disappearance set up on July 26 also failed to operate effectively.

AI said abuses by Young Communist League continue while cadres of the Maoist party were also accused of abductions, torture and killings, including the killing of journalist Birendra Sah following his abduction on October 5 in Bara District, as well as seizing land and property and extorting money.

A number of armed groups committed human rights abuses, the report said. Factions of the Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha, an armed Madheshi group which split from the CPN (M) in 2004, were allegedly responsible for unlawful killings, kidnappings and bomb attacks, the report stated.

AI report also said there were a number of reports of torture and rape by police and members of the security forces, some of whom were off-duty at the time. Among those raped were women with mental illness and girls.

AI said, majority of torture victims received no compensation, adding that national laws to regulate torture fell short of international standards, and were inadequately implemented.

At least 29 civilians were reportedly killed by the police or armed police force, many allegedly as a result of excessive use of force. nepalnews.com ia May 28 08