The statement said that the Peace Support Support Working Group (PSWG) cannot assess whether the bill addresses gender issues around disappearances, adding that the opportunity for public scrutiny by Nepali citizens of draft legislation that affects their future should not be bypassed.

"It is of the greatest importance that the work of the Commission of Inquiry on Disappearances is done in a gender sensitive way that supports and recognises the dignity as well as the practical realities of those whose family members have disappeared. It is equally important that a special effort be made to document cases of disappeared women," it added.

The members of the PSWG on UNSCR 1325 urged the government to take measures to address the practical difficulties faced by the family members of those disappeared.

The PSWG on UNSCR 1325 said that it encourages the government to ensure that the mandate and working modalities of the Commission of Inquiry on Disappearances are gender sensitive and comply with applicable international human rights standards. It also urged the government to involve women in all aspects of the establishment of the commission and their participation in other committees foreseen in the 23-point agreement of 23 December 2007.

http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?filename=aFanata0va3qzpca1Pa7ta.axamal&folder=aHaoamW&Name=Home&dtSiteDate=20080319