A/HRC/13/73 European Union working group to three districts of the eastern region in May 2009. Much is still to be achieved, particularly in the development of an effective safe house mechanism for human rights defenders at risk. Although the key donors have committed funds to supporting the development of a comprehensive framework, key civil society organisations have been unable to develop a joint proposal on this issue. 65. At the conclusion of her visit to Nepal in March 2009 the High Commissioner stated that the Government should take concrete steps to ensure the security of human rights defenders, including journalists, who are the first line in the defence of the human rights. The notable lack of progress on this issue requires the urgent attention of the Government. V. Challenges and opportunities 66. The Government continues to provide assurances that it is committed to upholding its human rights obligations, including the commitments agreed to in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. OHCHR welcomes the Government’s renewed commitment to human rights. 67. At the same time, OHCHR notes that, despite repeated human rights commitments made by the Government over the past four years, only a minimal number of measures have been taken to implement recommendations made by OHCHR, the National Human Rights Commission, treaty bodies (including recommendations regarding individual cases) and by the special procedures mandate holders. 68. For the past three years, successive reports submitted to the Human Rights Council by OHCHR have included recommendations with regard to impunity and transitional justice mechanisms; social inclusion; national institutions and human rights defenders; civil liberties, including freedom of expression and assembly; law and order and reform of the security forces, as well as specific recommendations to political parties, in particular to UCPN-M, regarding human rights abuses committed both during and after the conflict and the use of violence for political purposes. 69. While the Government has taken some steps to improve public security, particularly in the Tarai, very little progress has been noted regarding the reform of security forces and the Government has taken no significant measures to address the issue of impunity. Moreover, the absence of Government measures to strengthen national human rights institutions and to protect human rights defenders continues to have a negative effect on human rights protection at both national and local levels. 70. A great deal remains to be accomplished if Nepal is to reach a satisfactory level of human rights implementation and ensure a solid foundation for long-term peace. The Government and all relevant partners need to identify the steps which must be accomplished to reach this level of implementation, including within the framework of the national human rights plan of action. The identification of these steps will help to clarify the areas that require additional support. OHCHR stands ready to assist the Government in this process. VI. Conclusions 71. Nepal has reached several major milestones in the past three years, including the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the declaration of a republic, and the holding of Constituent Assembly elections, while political actors have maintained dialogue across party lines and displayed flexibility on some key issues. Although the report raises substantial human rights concerns, Nepal retains all of the elements 15