Nepal: UN welcomes steps to investigate church bombing

The United Nations has deplored the church bombing in Kathmandu Valley over the weekend which killed two people and wounded eight others, and welcomed steps by Nepalese authorities to investigate the attack.

According to a news release issued by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, the steps include a prompt investigation by Nepal Police of Saturday’s attack.

They also include a visit to the site by the (then) Prime Minister-designate, the creation by the Home Ministry of a probe committee to investigate the attack and an investigation by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The world body “condemns unequivocally” the bombing of a place of worship, particularly at a time when the church was known to be filled with people attending Mass, the news release stated.

“The United Nations also welcomes public statements from various quarters, including the Government, civil society and the media, denouncing the bombing and urging full respect for the right of all persons to freedom of worship.”