Kathmandu, July 19 -- During an accreditation review last year, Nepal's efforts in drafting a new law to enhance the National Human Rights Commission's effectiveness and independence was a primary factor that helped with the retention of the body's global "A" status.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions' subcommittee on accreditation (SCA) acknowledged the efforts to draft legislation to improve and enhance the commission's effectiveness and independence, which aligns with the Paris Principles. During the review in October last year, the constitutional human rights watchdog cited a bill to this effect.

However, eight months down the line, the government has yet to finalise the bill. Officials have no idea when the b...