The Withdrawal of OHCHR-Nepal: Agreeing an Alibi for Violation?

On 9th June 2010 the mandate of the UN human rights field mission to Nepal, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal), expires. The Prime Minister MK Nepal has said that a decision will be taken soon, but most observers and media reports suggest that the government is considering three options: no extension to the mandate, the OHCHR-NEPAL moving to a limited advisory role to the NHRC, and thirdly, a three to six month extension with a limited mandate.2 From 2003 civil society fought and won the battle to introduce international monitors in the face of failing national mechanisms and oppressive government. Now opinions in civil society are more divided. ACHR examines a case for a withdrawal of external monotoring.