A/HRC/16/23 United Nations General Assembly Distr.: General 16 February 2011 Original: English Human Rights Council Sixteenth session Agenda items 2 and 10 Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General Technical assistance and capacity-building Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights situation and the activities of her office, including technical cooperation, in Nepal* Summary The present report is the fifth submitted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights situation and the activities of her Office in Nepal to the Human Rights Council. The report reflects some positive developments since the previous report (A/HRC/13/73), including practical steps to end impunity, such as in relation to discrimination cases. However, some elements of the peace process have stalled due to an extended period of political stalemate, including the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms crucial to progress in ending de facto impunity for serious human rights violations and abuses, and the finalization of a new constitution. While there has been some progress in undertaking the steps necessary to develop an inclusive society, widespread inequality and discrimination, which were root causes of the conflict, persist. With political willingness to implement practical and concerted human rights policies and action, the peace process in Nepal can continue and the prevailing culture of impunity can be overcome. * Late submission. GE.11-10767