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<\/a>In Kathmandu, we had an opportunity to hear about the participatory process that led to the drafting and promulgation of the new constitution. People of all walks of lives, including women, representatives of various marginalised communities including the community of differently able people, thoroughly participated in the constitution making process. Each of the 308 articles of the new constitution were debated and voted article by article. The voting followed an extensive discussion on all provisions at committee levels, and collection of comments and feedback on the draft from a wide cross-section of the population. Out of the 598 members of the Constituent Assembly, 507 voted in favour, 25 voted against, and 66 abstained. This demonstrates the constitution has had widespread acceptance across Nepal.<\/p>\nWe welcome the human rights provisions and progressive policies, including 33 articles devoted to fundamental rights, which range from the right to education to housing for the poor. It is inspiring to note that the constitution incorporates all human rights standards contained in the 25 international treaties and conventions Nepal is party to ensuring equality, social justice, non-discrimination and the protection of minority rights.<\/p>\n
We note with concern the ongoing violence in some parts of Tarai-Madhes that has led to deaths and injuries of several people. We urge the Nepali authorities to investigate the circumstances involved, provide justice to the victims, and hold those responsible to account.<\/p>\n
We are aware of the longstanding friendly relationship between Indian and Nepali people and the coexistence they have maintained over time. We are concerned the blockade by Indian authorities runs the risk of upsetting this relationship as well which may result in damaging consequences that maybe difficult to repair. We also understand the unofficial blockade violates several treaties between India and Nepal as well as UN Convention on Laws of the Sea. The continued delay in lifting the blockade will be only to the detriment of India. As such, we urge Indian authorities to immediately lift the blockade, and be part of Nepal\u2019s post-conflict transition and development process as expected of any friendly neighbour.<\/p>\n
At this difficult time, we reiterate our commitment to standby the people of Nepal.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Finally, we would like to draw the attention of the international community to the need for an immediate action, both humanitarian and diplomatic, to ease the crisis faced by people of Nepal.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n In particular, we appeal to the Prime Minister of India to take all necessary action to bring this crisis to an immediate end, and ease the suffering of the Nepali people.<\/p>\n Ain o Salish Kendra, Bangladesh
\nBanglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), India
\nBytes for All, Pakistan
\nCommunity Self Reliance Centre (CSRC), Nepal
\nDalit Foundation, India
\nHuman Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Pakistan
\nINFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre (Inform), Srilanka
\nInformal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), Nepal
\nLaw and Society Trust, Srilanka
\nMadaripur Legal Aid Association (MLAA), Bangladesh
\nNational Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), Pakistan
\nOdhikar, Bangladesh
\nPeople\u2019s Watch, India
\nPeoples\u2019 Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), India
\nPotahar Organization for Development Advocacy (PODA), Pakistan
\nSociety for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), Pakistan
\nSouth India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring (SICHREM), India<\/p>\n