FM Rana seeks support for Nepal’s UN bids

Kathmandu, Feb. 25

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has held sideline discussions with her counterparts and ministers from various countries at the 58^th High-Level Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council ongoing in Geneva of Switzerland.

During these meetings, Dr. Rana highlighted Nepal’s candidacy for key UN positions, including membership in the Human Rights Council for the term 2027-2029, the Economic and Social Council for 2029-2031, and as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for 2037-2038.

She urged the international community to support Nepal’s bids for these roles, informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

Dr. Rana also shared details about Nepal’s upcoming 'Sagarmatha Sambaad' dialogue, scheduled for May this year, which will focus on climate change, the Himalayas, and the future of humanity. She invited global leaders and ministers to participate in this significant event.

Likewise, she emphasised Nepal’s upcoming transition from a Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026 and sought continued international support for the country’s development during this critical phase.

Earlier, on Monday, Dr. Rana had addressed the 58^th session of the UN Human Rights Council, announcing Nepal’s candidacy for the Human Rights Council membership for 2027-2029. She highlighted Nepal’s commitment to human rights protection and promotion, despite limited resources, and called for support from member states.

Dr. Rana underscored Nepal’s constitutional guarantees for civil liberties, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. She also noted Nepal’s progress in gender equality, with one-third representation of women in federal and provincial parliaments and 40 per cent in local governments, as well as its commitment to protecting minority rights.

According to the MoFA, global leaders and ministers at the session praised Nepal’s role in human rights protection and its exemplary peace process model. Nepal’s National Human Rights Commission, which has maintained in ‘A Grade’ status since its establishment, was also commended by international representatives.

Dr. Rana reiterated Nepal’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting human rights, emphasising the country’s democratic values, rule of law, and independent judiciary. She also highlighted Nepal’s efforts to address transitional justice and complete the remaining tasks of the peace process.

Similarly, earlier on Monday, Dr. Rana met with Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik. On the occasion, she expressed gratitude for Norway’s support in Nepal’s peace process and socio-economic development. She also sought Norway’s assistance in addressing climate change impacts and advocating for climate justice on international platforms.

Dr. Rana also held talks with Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyz Republic, Edil Baisalov, which focused on shared agenda like climate change and mountain-related issues. She also met with Philippines’ Deputy Foreign Minister, Charles Jose, discussing bilateral relations and mutual interests, particularly in climate change initiatives.  

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 February 2025.