A/HRC/31/9 Constitution, substantive equality was guaranteed and human dignity, identity and opportunity for all promoted, as all forms of discrimination and inequalities were ended and multi-ethnic, multilingual, multicultural and diverse geographical specificities were embraced. 9. Nepal was aiming to create an egalitarian society on the basis of the principles of proportional inclusion and participation. The following had been guaranteed in the Constitution: a proportional electoral system, inclusive representation of marginalized and disadvantaged communities in all State organs, positive discrimination and special provisions with regard to rights of women, Dalits, Madheshis, indigenous peoples, Tharus, Muslims, persons with disabilities and minorities. 10. Through the Constitution, Nepal had ambitiously broadened the scope of fundamental rights by ensuring a wide range of economic, social and cultural rights and a framework for the progressive realization of socioeconomic rights. 11. The new Constitution had been significant in helping to eliminate gender-based discrimination and empower women through enhanced representation. 12. Nepal had established and further strengthened various commissions by making them independent constitutional bodies, including the National Women’s Commission, the National Dalit Commission, the National Inclusion Commission, the Indigenous People and Nationalities Commission, the Madheshi Commission, the Tharu Commission and the National Muslim Commission. 13. The Government was committed to building on the new Constitution to continue to promote and protect human rights with the necessary legal, institutional and administrative mechanisms. 14. The operationalization of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission on Investigation of Disappeared Persons also reflects the country’s commitment to addressing the serious violations of human rights committed during the period of conflict, ending impunity and providing justice to victims, as well as promoting sustainable peace, harmony and reconciliation in society. 15. The free media, an active civil society and the ever-growing awareness of the general public about their rights continued to strengthen the human rights environment in the country. 16. The National Human Rights Commission assumed a central role in the protection and promotion of human rights, having responsibility for independent investigation into all human rights violations and overall monitoring of the human rights situation. 17. In the past four years, after the first review, the country had been able to make significant progress. The rights-based approach had become an important consideration in every aspect of national life. By formulating an action plan on the implementation of recommendations received during 2011 review, Nepal was setting the stage for more effective outcomes for important human rights issues. 18. The major accomplishments, the conclusion of the peace process and the historic political transition in particular, had been nationally driven. Nepal was confident of its ability to resolve any issue of conflict through its own efforts and by peaceful means. It was with that conviction that the new Government was engaged in dialogue with the Madheshbased political parties to win their confidence and resolve the differences within the constitutional framework. The Constitution of Nepal was a living and dynamic document that could be amended in accordance with the needs and aspirations of the people. 19. Nepal was currently in a very delicate situation resulting from the obstruction of essential supplies at the border points, which had adversely affected the lives and livelihood 4