The National Human Rights Commission on Sunday urged the government to take diplomatic initiatives to rescue Nepalis affected by the Russia-Ukraine war and to manage treatment for those who are injured.

In a statement, Tikaram Pokharel, spokesperson for the commission, urged the government to repatriate the bodies of those killed in the war.

The human rights watchdog also called on the government to save the lives of those, including Kritu Bhandari, who have been staging a hunger strike in Kathmandu for 17 days, demanding the rescue of Nepalis.

The commission said a team of the rights body during its field inspection found the health condition of those in hunger strike is deteriorating day by day.

The victims' family members have been protesting in Kathmandu putting forth a 13-point demand including the safe repatriation of the Nepalis serving in the Russian army, compensation and treatment to those who were injured in the war, safe evacuation of five Nepalis who were taken hostage by the Ukrainian army, repatriating the dead bodies of those killed in the war, dignified compensation as fixed by the Russian government, and finding out the whereabouts of those who have gone missing while fighting for the Russian army.

The commission has reminded the government of its responsibility to rescue Nepalis stranded abroad and protect their human rights wherever they are.

Published on: 7 May 2024 | The Kathmandu Post