U.S. Statement at the UPR of Nepal
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Nepal
37th Session
Geneva, January 21, 2021
As delivered by Meryn Schneiderhan
The United States welcomes the Nepalese delegation.
We recommend Nepal:
- Register and verify all Tibetan, Bhutanese, and other refugees followed by issuance of identity documents with the formal right to work and access services.
- Resume implementation of the “Gentleman’s Agreement”, provide access and safe passage through its territory for Tibetan New-Arrivals, and implement any legal agreements with China consistent with the principle of non-refoulement.
- Reform the Electronic Transactions Act to eliminate the criminalization of speech.
The United States applauds the Government of Nepal‘s hosting of refugees; however, we are concerned by pending agreements that put them at risk of forced returns. We commend the appointment of new transitional justice commissioners; however, are concerned the process was politicized, failed to meaningfully consult victims, and more than 60,000 complaints have not been thoroughly investigated.