A/HRC/4/84 page 8 20. Finally, the office in Guatemala of OHCHR signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Public Ministry, with the aim of strengthening the institution’s capacity to investigate violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Under the agreement, the office in Guatemala will train the prosecutors in investigation and prosecution techniques, and will monitor the human rights situation as concerns the institution’s activities. A manual on the investigation of human rights violations will also be drawn up for the Public Ministry, as will a plan on how to deal with the institution’s current problems and weaknesses in relation to criminal investigation. 21. In Nepal in November 2006, the Seven-Party Alliance and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) reached a Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights welcomed the agreement as a crucial step towards ending the conflict in Nepal and strengthening respect for human rights. She stressed that ending impunity remains one of the biggest human rights challenges for Nepal and welcomed the announcement that a high-level truth and reconciliation commission would be formed.3 22. The High Commissioner noted that a truth and reconciliation commission can be an important mechanism to address accountability for past human rights violations, and to tackle the underlying causes of the conflict. It can also help to heal wounds and social divisions, as well as to recognize the rights of victims to justice and reparation. It is essential that the commission be independent and impartial, and be established only after widespread public consultation as to its mandate and the composition of commissioners. At the same time, it is important that there also be prosecutions for serious human rights violations in order to restore community trust in the rule of law and prevent abuses in the future.4 23. The High Commissioner also reiterated her commitment to support Nepalis in all aspects of human rights promotion and protection. The parties have asked that OHCHR continue to monitor the human rights situation across the country and recommitted the Office to this task.5 24. In November 2006, the President of Sri Lanka established a Commission of Inquiry into extrajudicial killings and disappearances. The High Commissioner for Human Rights welcomed the establishment of the Commission, expressing hope that it will see the perpetrators of serious human rights violations brought to justice, and underlined the significance of this initiative in addressing impunity for human rights violations related to the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka. 3 See “United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights welcomes agreement”, 11 November 2006, at http://nepal.ohchr.org/resources/Documents/English/pressreleases/ NOV2006/2006_11_11_HC_PressRelease_E.pdf . 4 See ibid. 5 See ibid.