KATHMANDU – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded with the government to protect the life of the people and safeguard human rights at the time of health crisis like this.
Issuing a press statement today, NHRC Spokesperson Dr Tikaram Pokharel has appealed to the government to address the issues and problems emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic and provide livelihood for the labourers.
The government has been enforcing prohibitory order in the Kathmandu Valley since April 29 to contain the spread of second wave of COVID-19. Other districts have also followed the suit to stem the spread of the deadly infection. Essential services and supplies have been allowed during this period.
The human rights watchdog has urged the government not to mistreat the people, ensure the essential services, monitor the supplies and keep the morale of the frontline workers high.
Expressing concern over the problem faced by people with lower income and labourers, the Commission has called for introducing programmes that would address their livelihood related problems.
The Commission has been monitoring whether the human rights of the people were ensured and people availed of health services at such challenging time. The NHRC said that many people in Kaski, Morang, Jhapa among other districts were dying in lack of oxygen supplies, ICU and ventilator facilities.
The NHRC has also drawn the attention of the government towards vaccination for the children below two years and taking care of the expecting mothers with the routine checkup.
It has also found that the frontline workers especially the health workers were being mistreated by the families and relatives of the deceased patients. Also, the Commission has urged the government to take into account the overcrowding prisons across the country where the risk of spread of COVID-19 was relatively higher.
