EU Troika urged to impose sanctions
and extend restrictive measures on Nepal

New Delhi: In a brief report (http://www.achrweb.org/briefingpapers/Nepal-BP-11_05.htm) released today, Asian Centre for Human Rights urged the delegation of the European Union Troika, which is visiting Nepal from today, to develop a “Common EU Position and Regulation to impose sanctions against the King Gyanendra and his administration including a visa ban and a freeze on assets of the members of the Royal family, government ministers, senior members of the Royal Nepal Army, state-owned economic enterprises, and on beneficiaries of the government’s economic policy and members of their families”.

“The failure of the limited sanctions imposed by EU, United States and India requires further sanctions and extension of restrictive measures akin to the ones taken against Myanmar” – stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights

Human rights violations will further intensify if the political parties and the Maoists reach an agreement to have formal dialogue. The security forces have been using extreme violence especially against women protestors including biting, poking batons at the sensitive organs and molestation during arrest as well as while under police detention.

The justice system has been completely mutilated. Asian Centre for Human Rights recorded as many as 15 cases of re-arrest involving 27 persons during 30 April – 22 September 2005. On 22 September 2005 at 8.40 pm, the police re-arrested Krishna KC, former vice-president of the Maoist-affiliated All Nepal National Independent Students’ Union (Revolutionary) from the Supreme Court premises three-and-a-half hours after the apex court ordered his release citing lack of sufficient ground to prolong his detention.

The ACHR also urged the EU Troika to hold formal consultations with India and the United States to address the impending escalation of human rights violations including monitoring of cease-fire agreements by international monitors. “The  monitoring of cease-fire by international observers will only strengthen the democratic forces of Nepal who have been virtually squeezed by the RNA and the Maoists” – stated Mr Chakma.