Kathmandu: Nepal asked to allow UN envoy address torture claims

[struggle4progress]

26-June-2004

Kathmandu, The UN Saturday asked Nepal to allow its special envoy to visit the country and address allegations of torture against both security forces and Maoist guerrillas.

The request coincided with the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

"The number of reports alleging torture and other serious human rights abuses has climbed significantly. Priority steps must be taken to combat the rise of torture throughout the country," the UN office here said in a public appeal.

In 2003, the UN's special envoy to probe torture allegations -- the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture -- had studied 170 reports of alleged torture and ill treatment and submitted 70 "urgent appeals" to Nepal.
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http://www.keralanext.com/news/index.asp?id=40256