UN rights body raises concern over appointments to Nepal Human Right Commission

In December, the Oli government introduced an ordinance to alter the appointment process to the commission. And no parliamentary hearing was conducted as the house had already been dissolved by then.  Based on the changed procedures, the government recommended 38 names for constitutional bodies, including for Nepal's National Human Rights Commission.

Now, the United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) sought clarification from the country’s rights body regarding its autonomy and independence.

Under the 1993 Paris Agreement, Human rights bodies must have autonomy and independence guaranteed by the constitution besides adequate competence, resources, and powers to investigate as well as pluralism.

Earlier, three other human rights organizations had also raised their concern over these appointments. The recent clarification sought by the OHCHR came following the matter was taken to it by four human rights organizations.

Govinda Bandi, a human rights lawyer, speaking to the Kathmandu Post, said, “It is unfortunate that questions have been raised over the impartiality of the constitutional commission that has the mandate to hold the government accountable on human rights issues.”

“The understanding at the international level that democratic institutions are being brought under the government’s shadow will have a long-term implication,” he added.

Significantly, soon after the Oli government introduced the ordinance enacting changes in the appointment procedures, the tussle between Oli and its rival Dahal reached its peak leading to the dissolution of the lower house.

However, the house was later reinstated by the country’s apex court.