Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of human rights in Nepal.

Human rights are generally well protected under Nepal’s Interim Constitution, although gaps remain in effective implementation. Overall, respect for civil and political rights has improved since the end of the conflict. But as I pointed out to my Nepali counterparts when I visited in May, the proposed Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Nepal should address crimes committed during the conflict in a way that is consistent with Nepal’s obligations under international law. Social and economic rights have also largely been on a positive trend, although discrimination, inequality and insecurity persist for many. Gender based violence remains a significant concern, and the UK will continue to prioritise it in our political and programmatic engagement with Nepal.