UN Special Rapporteur Schutter in Nepal to assess situation of Nepal’s poverty and human rights

UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights Olivier De Schutter arrived in Kathmandu today to assess the situation of Nepal’s poverty and human rights.

Talking to Radio Nepal’s Chief Editor Janardhan Bista, Mr. Schutter said his visit would be an opportunity for Nepal to assess the situation of poverty and take some effective initiations to that end.

During his visit, Schutter will hold policy round-tables and meetings with representatives of the federal and local government officials, civil society and communities to assess progress towards poverty and human rights.

He also appreciated the Nepal government’s commitment to reduce poverty with some form of social protection by 2024.

He refutes the argument that some people believe the social protection and relief distribution to the poor and marginalized people can be nonproductive and doesn’t have positive impact on long run.

Mr. Schuuter also says he has proposed to the UN to adopt new social protection fund to help countries like Nepal in the time of crisis.

At the end of his visit, Schutter will share his preliminary conclusions and recommendations at a news conference on the 9th of December.

The final report of the special rapporteur will be presented to Nepal government and the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in June 2022.