A/HRC/10/53 page 3 I. INTRODUCTION 1. This is the third report of the High Commissioner to the Human Rights Council since the establishment of the OHCHR country office in Nepal; my predecessor as High Commissioner submitted the first such report in January 2007 (A/HRC/4/97), and a second one in February 2008 (A/HRC/7/68). The present report contains an analysis of the human rights situation in Nepal and reports on the activities of OHCHR in the country during 2008. 2. Significant progress was made in 2008 in advancing the peace process, including the holding of Constituent Assembly elections, and formation of a democratically elected Government, one that is more broadly representative of the Nepalese population than any that has preceded it. The Government has made commitments to address the root causes and consequences of the conflict, including structural discrimination and inequality. It has also committed itself to implementing transitional-justice measures and tackling impunity for past and continuing violations. Nevertheless, some significant challenges still lie ahead, if these objectives are to be attained. II. MANDATE AND ACTIVITIES OF THE OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN NEPAL, INCLUDING COOPERATION WITH OTHER UNITED NATIONS ENTITIES 3. The mandate of the office (OHCHR Nepal) is set out in the 2005 agreement between the Government of Nepal and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. It was renewed in June 2007 for a further two years, and allows OHCHR Nepal to apply a comprehensive approach in responding to human rights challenges. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 22 November 2006 endorses OHCHR Nepal’s task of monitoring the implementation of its human rights provisions. Monitoring and capacity-building activities of the Office have been increasingly interwoven to adjust to developments and strengthen impact. Technical assistance was extended to the Government through analysis of legislation and policies, training, consultations and reports on cases or thematic issues. I would like to commend the authorities and other relevant stakeholders for the broad cooperation my Office has been enjoying over the years. 4. In 2008, OHCHR Nepal changed the structure of its programmes and activities in response to the positive evolution of the peace process, and increasingly focused on three areas considered to be of primary importance in sustainably improving human rights protection in Nepal: strengthening national human rights institutions and civil society with a focus on the transfer of skills; impunity, rule of law and accountability; and discrimination and economic, social and cultural rights. OHCHR Nepal focused particularly on collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission and on building the capacity of human rights defenders and other members of civil society to promote and protect human rights. OHCHR Nepal also continued investigations into serious and emblematic human rights violations in collaboration with national partners, and supported victims in their search for justice and remedial action. OHCHR Nepal worked closely with the security forces, providing advice and training to address particular human rights concerns. Legal advice continued to be provided on draft legislation to ensure its compliance with international human rights law.