A/HRC/10/53 page 17 representative body. It is one third women and has a significant representation of historically marginalized groups, including Madhesis, indigenous peoples and “lower” castes. 66. The transformation in Nepal is profound; a new Government has come to power on the basis of a popular vote and monarchy has been replaced by a republic. However, the challenges to the consolidation of the peace process may be as daunting as those which have been surmounted thus far. OHCHR Nepal has repeatedly stated that a focus on addressing human rights issues that lay at the root of the conflict and are the key to durable peace and development, including impunity, structural inequalities and discrimination, must remain central during the transition period. 67. The population has high expectations of the new Government and the Constituent Assembly. Many provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement have yet to be implemented, including mechanisms for the monitoring of the peace process. Chronic electricity shortages and floods have compounded the problems presented by a slowing economy, deteriorating security, especially in the Terai, slow progress regarding the integration and rehabilitation of Maoist army combatants and the development of the constitution. 68. Recognizing that the Government faces many challenges, OHCHR Nepal urges that priority be given to strengthening public security, the rule of law and accountability, and addressing impunity as well as discrimination with the objective of protecting and promoting the entire range of human rights. Nepal is seen as taking the lead, particularly within South Asia, in committing itself to most of the key international human rights instruments. Now, with the conflict behind it, Nepal has the real possibility to grasp the historic opportunity to prove itself as a leader in implementing its human rights commitments. Above all, the Nepalese people, who have suffered long years of deprivation and denial as a result of the conflict, are entitled to have their human rights respected and fulfilled. 69. An effective national human rights protection system requires strong human rights institutions. OHCHR Nepal encourages the Government to implement the recommendations of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights that include the adoption of legislation that is in full compliance with the Paris Principles and ensuring that the National Human Rights Commission has adequate funding and financial autonomy. OHCHR Nepal welcomes the Government’s 85 per cent increase for the NHRC’s budget in 2008/09, and it encourages the Government to respond promptly to recommendations submitted by the Commission. The Government must also ensure that the other rights-focused national institutions have the requisite support to become independent, credible and effective, with adequate funding, financial autonomy and a clear legal basis. In this regard, priority should be given to the passage of the Law on the National Dalit Commission, following a fully consultative process.