Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 65: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the human rights situation in Nepal; if he has had, or will have, discussions with his European counterparts on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18027/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Since the signing of the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Accord, which signalled the end of the civil war, Nepal has undergone political, economic and social transformation as part of its continuing peace-building process. Although there have been difficulties in drafting a new national Constitution, I remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached which guarantees the long term peace and stability of Nepal. With regard to human rights, Nepal underwent its Universal Periodic Review at the Tenth Session of the UN Human Rights Council in January 2011. Ireland actively participated in the process. In response to questions posed, Nepal expressed its intention to address issues related to human rights, including the independent and impartial investigations of allegations of human rights abuses during the war, combating domestic violence and violence against women, the rehabilitation of child soldiers and the continued strengthening of human rights through government policies and programmes.

Ireland also supports the work of the UN human rights mission in Kathmandu which independently monitors and reports on human rights developments in Nepal.

Under the 2007 Interim Constitution of Nepal, the National Human Rights Commission was established as an independent constitutional body with responsibility for protecting and promoting the human rights of the Nepalese people. It supports the development of Nepalese society based on respect for human rights, freedom, equality and social justice with no tolerance for impunity.

Although many challenges remain in Nepal, particularly with respect to human rights, the Nepalese people have unequivocally voiced their desire for peace, security and democracy. Ireland and the international community will continue to support the peace building process in Nepal and its development into an inclusive, democratic society. A society based on these fundamental principles provides the best environment for lasting human rights in Nepal. While European Union Foreign Ministers have not specifically discussed Nepal recently, senior officials regularly discuss and review developments there, including human rights.