Maoist child exploitation claim

Maoists strive to win hearts and minds

A UN human rights envoy in Nepal has expressed concern over the presence of children at Maoist rallies.

The envoy said in a report that he was worried about the number of young people transported to Maoist gatherings against their wishes.

The rebels have denied the allegations, as well as earlier claims that they forced school children to attend a Kathmandu political conference.

The army and police have also been accused of serious rights abuses.

Forcible recruitment

The report by the UN human rights envoy David Johnson said that his office had raised its concern over the treatment of children with the Maoist leaders.

The army has been accused of "excessive force"

He stressed that children should only attend rallies with the consent of their guardians.

The UN statement comes four days after a Maoist student wing conference in Kathmandu, in which the rebels were accused by several children's groups of forcing thousands of students from across the country to attend.

Maoist leaders have denied the latest allegations, but in the past they have been accused of forcibly recruiting children into their armed ranks.

Mr Johnson also criticised measures taken to try to quell mass demonstrations against the monarchy organised by opposition parties and Maoist rebels in April.

He said they had used "excessive force" during the protests, causing deaths and injuries to groups of demonstrators which included women and children.

"Our Nepal staff themselves witnessed police using baton charges into crowds, including peaceful assemblies, often aimed at the head and causing serious injury," Mr Johnson said.

Thirteen thousand people have died in Nepal's conflict since the Maoists began their insurgency more than 10 years ago.

A ceasefire has been in place since April which has been followed by peace talks with the government.