NEPAL: UN HELPS FIGHTS AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION

The United Nations is stepping up its efforts to help protect the rights of Nepalese women, who are increasingly victims of rape, witch-hunt, dowry, and other forms of gender-based violence as well as deeply entrenched domestic abuse and discrimination.

The UN human rights office in Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal) and National Women's Commission (NWC) has just completed a joint Strategy Development Workshop to address key concerns and identify specific activities for future cooperation.

"The NWC has a vital role to play in the empowerment of women in Nepal and in ensuring women's access to justice in Nepal," OHCHR-Nepal Deputy Representative Jyoti Sanghera said at the conclusion of the workshop yesterday in Kathmandu, the capital.

"OHCHR-Nepal looks forward to a fruitful collaboration with the NWC, together with the NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) and civil society, in these endeavours to strengthen women's rights."

Ms. Sanghera handed over a variety of human rights books, audio-visual materials, and reports published by OHCHR-Nepal to NWC Chairperson Nainakala Thapa, enabling the Commission to establish a human rights resource centre at its headquarters for use by its staff members and civil society partners.

The initiative is part of a series of ongoing collaborative efforts to promote gender justice. In June, OHCHR-Nepal conducted a two-day human rights training with NWC, focusing on human rights indicators.
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NEPAL: UN WELCOMES STEPS TO INVESTIGATE CHURCH BOMBING

NEPAL: UN WELCOMES STEPS TO INVESTIGATE CHURCH BOMBING
New York, May 26 2009 9:00AM
The United Nations has deplored the church bombing in Kathmandu Valley over the weekend which killed two people and wounded eight others, and welcomed steps by Nepalese authorities to investigate the attack.

According to a news release issued by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, the steps include a prompt investigation by Nepal Police of Saturday's attack.

They also include a visit to the site by the (then) Prime Minister-designate, the creation by the Home Ministry of a probe committee to investigate the attack and an investigation by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The world body "condemns unequivocally" the bombing of a place of worship, particularly at a time when the church was known to be filled with people attending Mass, the news release stated.

"The United Nations also welcomes public statements from various quarters, including the Government, civil society and the media, denouncing the bombing and urging full respect for the right of all persons to freedom of worship."
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