Trade union delegation outside Nepalese embassy in Geneva (Photo: ICFTU)


His Majesty Gyanendra
King of Nepal


Your Majesty Gyanendra:


On behalf of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, I am writing to express our deep concerns about the lack of democratic rights, human rights, and labor rights in your country as a result of the declaration of state of emergency on February 1, 2005. We condemn your seizure of executive powers, as this denies all forms of freedoms for the Nepali people and is against all principles of democracy.

It is our understanding that following the dismissal of the Royal Government of Nepal, you issued a decree, which basically suspended all trade union rights and banned meetings of more than five persons. In addition to this decree, we are informed by our counterparts in Nepal that key union leaders and activists are included in the list of more than 1,400 persons currently targeted for arrest or close surveillance. These actions are clearly unacceptable and clearly a violation of all internationally recognized trade union rights.

We are aware of the difficult problems Nepal faces; however, declaration of martial law and forced seizure of power is not the answer resolve these problems. Restoring all democratic and trade union rights is indispensable to put the country back on the path to democracy.

We strongly urge you to release immediately and unconditionally all trade union leaders who have been detained as well as take all necessary measures to protect leaders of the Nepalese trade union from being arrested or put under arrest. More importantly, we strongly urge you to restore unrestricted civilian rule in the country and lift all measures that deny democracy, human rights, and trade union rights. We will continue monitor the situation until full democracy is restored in Nepal.


Sincerely,

Lee Soo-ho
President