All military assistance to Nepalese Armed Forces should be suspended says Euro-MP

4.00.00pm GMT Thu 24th Feb 2005

Release time:24/02/2005 Embargo: Immediate

The European Parliament was today debating what the European Union should be doing to stop Human Rights abuses in Nepal.

On 1st February King Gyanendra declared a state of emergency, sacking his government and assuming direct powers. This is the latest chapter in a decade-long conflict, which has cost more than 11,000 lives.

Amnesty International has said that since communication links with the outside world have been severed, the risk of further abuse is likely to escalate.

Speaking during the debate Liberal Democrats Human Rights Spokesperson in the European Parliament Liz Lynne said:

"The Nepalese people have suffered a legacy of human rights abuses by both security forces and Maoist rebels, including torture, detention, "disappearances", abductions and unlawful killings.

"The military have shut down the primary source of news; radio news broadcasts. Foreign news channels have been taken off air and local media barred from publishing news, or commentary, without prior government approval. Criticism of the monarchy, the state of emergency and strikes is strictly forbidden, as is coverage of Maoist rebel attacks. The immediate aftermath of the emergency saw telephone lines severed, citing security reasons - some mobile phone services have not yet resumed.

"Approximately 3000 people are currently being held under house arrest, according to the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Senior members of the ousted government, key human rights defenders and prominent student and trade union leaders have recently been arrested, and access to them is restricted. The EU must ensure that anyone detained should be charged and tried under due process of the law if there is evidence against them, or released, and should not be subject to arbitrary house arrest.

"The EU and its member states provide more than 100 million euros per year in assistance. All military assistance and co-operation to the Nepalese Armed Forces should be suspended. Emphasis should continue on strengthening multiparty democracy, conflict mitigation and alleviating poverty and human suffering. A negotiated and democratically-based solution is the only acceptable and sustainable way to end the current conflict."

ENDS