he UN human rights committee has urged Nepal to investigate the gang-rape of a woman during the country’s civil war in a landmark decision that is the first to deal with an individual case of sexual violence during the conflict.
The UNHRC’s decision refers to the case of a woman known as Purna Maya, who was raped in 2004 by Nepalese soldiers. Maya, whose name has been changed to protect her, suffered serious injuries during the attack, including a severe haemorrhage of the uterus, which required its removal by surgery.
While there is little documentation of rape and sexual violence during the conflict between Maoist guerrillas and government forces that raged in Nepal from 1996 to 2006, it is believed such crimes were widespread. Research by Human Rights Watch found that women who were relatives of Maoist suspects, or were believed to be Maoist supporters, were targeted by the security forces. Maoist combatants also attacked women who refused to support their party.