§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Nepal regarding reports of unlawful killings by Government security forces; and if he will make a statement. [71479]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe have consistently made clear to the Nepalese government the need for Nepal to fulfill its international obligations in the field of human rights, and to investigate in a fair and transparent way any allegations of abuses of human rights. We have raised this issue with the Nepalese government at all levels and on numerous occasions. We have also lobbied in conjunction with other EU Member States to ensure the investigation of recent allegations of abuses by security forces in the Chitwan district—an investigation which led to disciplinary action being taken by the Army. We also lobbied for the investigation of recent allegations concerning the fate of the journalist Krishna Sen. We have made clear that continued international support for Nepal is dependent on firm action being taken to maintain human rights and investigate allegations of human rights abuses.