Nepal reiterates its commitment to human rights

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 27: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba met with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, in Geneva on Wednesday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 58th High-Level Session of the UN Human Rights Council, where Dr. Rana is leading the Nepali delegation. 

Despite limited resources, Nepal has played an exemplary and pioneering role in the protection and promotion of human rights, Dr. Rana said during the meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement. 

She emphasised that Nepal remains committed to safeguarding and advancing human rights, with the current constitution enshrining fundamental rights, including civil liberties, as well as political, economic, social and cultural rights. 

According to the statement, Dr. Rana reiterated Nepal's full commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary. 

She also informed the High Commissioner about Nepal's progress in drafting transitional justice laws to address remaining tasks in the peace process, reaffirming the government's commitment to concluding transitional justice promptly. The meeting was attended by Krishna Prasad Dhakal, Chief of the UN Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ram Prasad Subedi, Nepal's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva; and Rajendra Thapa, Chief of the Human Rights and International Treaties Division at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

On the same day, Minister Dr. Rana held bilateral talks with Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno. 

During the meeting, Dr. Rana expressed gratitude to Spain for its assistance during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the earthquake, and urged for its support in Nepal's transition to a developing country by 2026 and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

She also appealed for Spain's backing in Nepal's advocacy for climate justice on international platforms, given the disproportionate impact of climate change on the country. "Dr. Rana sought Spain's support for Nepal's candidacies for membership in the UN Human Rights Council (2027-2029), 

the Economic and Social Council (2029-2031), and as a non-permanent member of the Security Council (2037-2038)," read the statement. 

She also invited Spain to participate in the upcoming Sagarmatha Dialogue, scheduled for May, which will focus on climate change, the Himalayas, and the future of humanity. Dr. Rana further requested Spain to consider establishing its embassy in Nepal.

Earlier on Wednesday, Dr. Rana held bilateral talks with Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár. The MoFA said that the discussions focused on strengthening Nepal-Slovakia relations, Nepal's candidacies at the UN, and the impact of climate change, a key issue Nepal has been advocating globally. 

Dr. Rana also received a courtesy call from Enrique Javier Ochoa Martínez, Mexico's Undersecretary for International Relations and Human Rights. They discussed various aspects of Nepal-Mexico relations and potential areas of cooperation in the future.