Foreign Missions express concern over VAW

Kathmandu, Oct. 5

Embassies of some European countries, Australia and the United Nations in Nepal have expressed concern over the high prevalence of violence against women in the country.

The UN office and the embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom issued a press statement on Friday to express their concern about the violence against women in Nepal.

“While certain cases may still be under investigation, we remind the government on its obligations under international law to ensure access to justice for victims, stand for the victims’ rights and send a zero-tolerance message to combat gender-based violence,” they said. 

They are particularly concerned about the reported impunity for the perpetrators of sexual violence and violence against women, as also stated by the Special Rapporteur on violence against women during her visit to Nepal in November 2018. 

Cases such as Nirmala Panta and Maya BK demonstrate the challenges victims and their families face in seeking justice, read the statement.

According to the diplomatic and UN missions in Kathmandu, the international standards and Nepal’s obligations under international law, as indicated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, require the Government of Nepal to conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into allegations.

 “In particular, recommendation No. 35 of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women provides guidance to States concerning their due diligence obligations to investigate all crimes, including that of sexual violence perpetrated against women and girls, and to sentence perpetrators, provide reparations to victims and prevent further violence by addressing the gendered causes and impacts of all forms of violence against women,” they said.  

They pointed towards the need for employing a victim-centric approach.

According to them, such an approach places the human rights, interests and needs of the victims at the centre of any and all actions taken in relation to the allegations, not only in investigations, but also by providing victim assistance and protection, with the principles of ‘do no harm,’ confidentiality, safety and non-discrimination.

They also called upon all relevant state authorities to send a clear message of zero tolerance to any forms of gender-based violence by anyone under any circumstances. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 6 October 2019.