§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their response to Amnesty International's latest report on extra-judicial executions and human rights violations by the Nepalese security forces and the communist party of Nepal (Maoists). [HL1823]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe are concerned about all reports of violations of human rights in Nepal, including reports of extra judicial executions by both the Maoists and the Nepalese Security Forces. We consistently raise human rights at the highest levels with the Nepalese Government and remind them of their need to fulfil their international obligations and to investigate in a fair and transparent80WA way any allegations of human rights abuse. Maoist efforts to seek control of the country through violent. non-democratic means has resulted in misery for the Nepalese people and we continue to condemn their actions. The admission, on 11 March, by the Nepalese authorities that extra-judicial killings took place in August 2003 at. Ramechhap, and the announcement of trials for these offences, is a positive development, and a welcome first step in addressing impunity in Nepal.
The UK is aiming to strengthen both state and non-state of human rights mechanisms in Nepal and supports a range of programmes in Nepal aimed at improving the human rights situation. A substantial proportion of UK assistance has gone towards training in human rights awareness within the Royal Nepalese Army.