Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein exchanged views on human rights situation in Nepal during a meeting in Geneva on Wednesday. Discussions were also held on the implementation of the constitution to ensure human rights and fundamental freedom in an inclusive manner in Nepal, according to a statement issued by Nepal’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.

During the meeting, Al Hussein said that addressing the rights of the indigenous people, minorities and traditionally disadvantaged groups would ensure more inclusive enjoyment of rights by the people, the statement read. Expressing hope that Nepal could set a good model in transitional justice, he called for enhancing constructive engagement between OHCHR and Nepal.

Minister Mahat, on his part, shared how Nepal is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all the citizens with equality, equity and justice under the wide framework of the constitution, the statement said. “Noting the dynamic nature of the constitution and its capability to address any legitimate concerns of stakeholders, Minister Mahat emphasised on holding democratic elections of all three tiers of the government,” it added. 

Minister Mahat also informed the top UN official that Nepal has scheduled local level elections for May 14. 

Foreign Minister Mahat also held a meeting with his Kazakh counterpart Kairat Abdrakhmanov on Wednesday, according to Nepal’s mission in Geneva. The duo discussed issues related to common interests in international fora, including the UN Human Rights Council and potential cooperation between the two countries.