U.S. EMBASSY URGES END TO FORCED RECRUITMENT

November 20, 2006                               

The U.S. Embassy denounces the continued forced recruitment of Nepalis – including children – into the armed ranks of the Maoists.  Such action violates all human rights norms and directly contravenes the spirit and letter of agreements the insurgents signed with the Government of Nepal.  As the Maoists are poised to enter an interim government, it is strange and troubling that they continue to harass the very people they claim they would serve in office.

We urge the Maoists to end this practice immediately and all other forms of violence, intimidation, and extortion.  All of these flout the rule of law and violate basic human rights.  The Nepali people have lived in fear for 11 years.  It is time to remove this fear and show basic respect for all Nepali citizens and their fundamental rights.