Kathmandu, Oct 31:
United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has said that it was his great pleasure to visit, Nepal, which he described as an ‘extraordinary country’.
“What I have seen confirms a simple truth: Nepal is a friend to the world, he said, “and the world must be a better friend to Nepal.”
He also said that the United Nations will never stop fighting to make that a reality, in his address to the joint meeting of both the houses of the federal parliament this afternoon.
On a different note, he said Nepal’s dynamic story of progress continues today, with imminent graduation from Least Developed Country status. “The United Nations is committed to supporting a smooth transition.”
Stating that transitional justice can play a vital role in securing lasting peace, he said the process must help to bring peace to victims, families and communities haunted by questions, and scarred by injustice; and help put the past to rest.
However, by nature, transitional justice is a delicate and complex process. But, we know that transitional justice has the greatest chance of success when it is inclusive, comprehensive, and has victims at its heart.”
Success of the process also lies when it centres on truth and reparations but also justice and when women participate fully. ‘And when all victims of human rights violations can find meaningful redress.’
In this regard, the United Nations Secretary General also welcomed efforts in Nepal to drive progress and find solutions.
He said that the UN stands ready to support Nepal to develop a process that meets international standards, Nepal Supreme Court’s rulings, and the needs of victims – and to put it into practice.
UNSG concerned about the impact of climate change in Nepal
United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the brutal impacts of the climate crisis facing communities in Nepal.
Nepal and other developing countries need far greater international support to aid development, accelerate climate action, and weather the current global storms, he said, adding, “the United Nations stands with them. The world must do the same.”
Addressing the joint meeting of both the houses of the federal parliament this afternoon, he also urged leaders to act on climate without delay – with the biggest emitters leading from the front. The UNSG also called on the member states to make the commitment to release at least 500 billion US dollars a year in affordable long-term finance for sustainable development and climate action.
All countries must put the Acceleration Agenda I have proposed into effect, to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius. And they must make COP28 count, with a strong outcome building on the Global Stocktake.
Stating that developed countries must honour the promise of 100 billion USD a year and double adaptation finance, as a first step to devoting half of climate finance to adaptation, he said the most vulnerable must be at the centre of efforts to build climate resilience.
He also said that all parties must operationalize the landmark Loss and Damage Fund at COP28 this year.
Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS)
