UN concerned over rights violations in Nepal

The United Nations has expressed concern over violations of 'humanitarian' law in Nepal.

The United Nations has expressed concern over violations of "humanitarian" law in Nepal, which have "deepened a great deal" in the past two months.

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An upcoming report by the UN Human Rights representative in Nepal, Ian Martin, says Maoist rebels are increasingly targeting cities while government forces are dropping mortar bombs in civilian areas.

It also accuses Maoists of targeting civilian buildings and using improvised explosive devices, which pose serious risk to civilians.

The report, to be submitted to the newly-established Human Rights Council, rejects the Maoists' contention that they are not recruiting minors for the People's Liberation Army, and said that the human rights office in Nepal continues to interview many children who had been in their ranks.

According to Martin, the use of helicopters by security forces to fire and drop mortar bombs in Maoist areas are actions that could not distinguish, as required by international law, between civilians and legitimate targets.

The human rights office is also investigating allegations that a number of captured Maoists were killed by the Royal Nepalese Army.