Kathmandu, June 27 – The international community has expressed strong concerns over the repeated arrests and detention of the Tibetan refugees who have been demonstrating in Kathmandu for the last few months.
In a joint statement issued by diplomatic missions in Nepal of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States and France, on behalf of the EU, acting as its local President, said, “We would like to express our strong concern regarding the government of Nepal’s recent detention without charge of three members of the Tibetan community in Nepal: Kalsang Chung, Ngawang Sangmo, and Tashi Dolma.
“We note that none of the three participated in violent actions and that Kalsang Chung is not known to have participated in any protests at all,” they said calling for their immediate release.
They further said they wee very concerned about the ongoing harsh treatment of peaceful protesters during arrest by the Nepali police.
“We understand and respect Nepal’s national security concerns and, certainly, the importance of protecting diplomatic premises. We urge you, however, to ensure the humane treatment of peaceful protesters,” the statement reads.
The use of preventive detention under the Public Security Act (PSA) also raises concern in relation to Nepal’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) not to engage in arbitrary detention.
They have urged Nepal to adhere to international human rights standards as Nepal continues on its path as a democratic nation.
