UN urges Nepal on disappeared

Maoist rebels are accused of torture

A United Nations delegation has called on the government of Nepal to take practical steps to reduce political disappearances in the country.

Concluding an eight-day visit, the head of the delegation, Stephen Toope, said hundreds of people had disappeared in Nepal.

He said they vanished often after being accused of supporting Maoist rebels.

Professor Toope said there were reports of the security forces detaining people all over the country with no access to lawyers or family.

The UN delegation urged the government to introduce a complete ban on such detentions, and to allow human rights workers unhindered access to prisoners.

The delegation was sent by the UN's working group on enforced or involuntary disappearances.

According to the UN, there are currently more disappearances in Nepal than anywhere else in the world.