London – International Solidarity for Nepal (INSOFN) — a London-based organisation championing the cause of human rights in Nepal—has called upon the Nepali authorities to comply with the Supreme Court rulings and international standards while appointing new commissioners to the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CEIDP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

In a statement issued on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day (December 10), the organisation reminded the Nepali authorities that if they fail to properly address conflict-era crimes against humanity, they might be subject to international sanctions.

The tenure of the Commissioners in both the Commissions ended in February 2019 but the government has failed to appoint new Commissioners so far.

The organisation has called upon Nepali authorities to ensure that victims of gender-based and sexual violence including rape are protected and provided free legal and other assistance ensuring their safety. “We demand that the state provide protection to the victims when the alleged perpetrators are people enjoying power and so-called prestige,” the statement said.

“We also call upon the Government of Nepal to expedite the investigation of rape and murder of Nirmala Pant nearly one and half years ago and other victims of sexual violence against women,” the organisation said.

We have come a long way to internalise human rights as a way of life, but much remains to be done. We call upon the international community to work unitedly to fight with global challenges like climate change, migration, displacement and inequalities. We call upon governments to focus on providing quality education and free or affordable health services to all their citizens. We also call upon the governments to develop a culture of peace and non-violence, the organisation said.

 On the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, the International Solidarity for Nepal (INSOFN) has also congratulated all human rights defenders and called upon youths to stand up for human rights.

A loose network of individuals concerned about the human rights in Nepal, International Solidarity for Nepal (www.insofn.org) monitors human rights development in Nepal and organises community events in the UK and other countries.