Interim Government Expresses its Commitment
Chairman of the interim Government Khilaraj Regmi expressed his commitment to take effective action to end impunity in Nepal. He made this commitment in a meeting with Amnesty International (AI) Nepal at his office on 2 May, 2013.
A delegation led by the Chairperson of Amnesty International Nepal Shambhu Thakur submitted two separate memorandums highlighting existing impunity in Nepal and abuses of the Nepalese migrant workers. Chairman Regmi appreciated the concern of AI Nepal and added – ‘we are doing something on this direction and result will come out soon’.
He further elaborated that he has already directed the line ministries regarding the issue. ‘The situation of country is very difficult so people are unable to see the immediate change’, Chairman Regmi said ‘but it will happen gradually, no one can change the situation overnight’.
Regarding the problem of migrant workers Chairman said that he is aware about the problem of migrant workers and added – ‘Government is ready to do something for awareness program to migrant workers.’ He also said that Government is paying attention on the election and organization like AI should help regarding the issue.
The delegation expressed the organizations’ concerns over the rising impunity with the Chairman Regmi. ‘Nepal has a terrible legacy of grave human rights violations, including thousands of enforced disappearances. After the decade-long internal conflict, not one of those responsible has been brought to account. Hence, impunity prevails here’ AI Nepal said.
The delegation also submitted another memorandum highlighting some key issues related to migrant workers’ rights. It stated that- Recruitment agencies continued to traffic migrant workers for exploitation and forced labour and to charge fees above government-imposed limits, compelling workers to take large loans at high interest rates. Recruiters deceived many migrants on terms and conditions of work. Recruitment agencies that violated Nepalese law were rarely punished. Redress and compensation mechanisms were poorly promoted, centralized and difficult to access.
AI Nepal’s delegation was comprises of Advisors Krishna Kandel, Vice Chairperson Surya Bahadur Adhikari, Treasurer Pratap Poudel, National Executive Committee Members Kumar Ghimire and Prabin Agrawal, Officers from AI National Secretariat Bhola Bhattarai and Indira Kharel and Office Manager Shradha Thapa.