NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION There can be no argument that the preservation of human rights cannot be effectively achieved so long as a conducive environment of cooperation with the security agencies is not created. As the security forces are presently being mobilized under the command of the Royal Nepalese Army, it is but natural that the majority of the cases relating to human rights abuses are directed towards the army. Though the prevalent laws empower the civil administration with the authority to mobilise the security forces, in practice, however, such is not the case. Owing to the army’s own style of functioning and the difficulty in gaining access to information, the Commission has felt that it has not been able to obtain the expected cooperation from the army. Realizing this, the Commission has conducted interaction meetings with the senior level officers of the security agencies of all the five development regions of the country with a view to disseminate information about the activities of the Commission and also to inform about human rights and international humanitarian laws. It is hoped that this would, to a great extent, help in creating an environment of cooperation in the Commission’s activities. The Commission was engaged in efforts to exchange cooperation by maintaining harmonious relations with the army, police and HMG agencies. The regular interaction programmes with the senior level officials of government bodies has helped in creating a mutually conducive environment for cooperation. The establishment of human rights cells in these bodies has been favourable in maintaining regular contacts with the Commission. This has provided huge support to the activities of the Commission. 7.1.6. Increase in the Commission’s Capacity Various trainings on the protection and promotion of human rights for the staff of the Commission conducted by international human rights organizations as well as the Skill enhancement project conducted at the Commission have been concluded.The Commission has also received consultancy services from international consultants. These measures are expected to bring significant improvements in the performance of the protection and preservation of human rights as well as enhance the capability of the Commission. The Commission has achieved significant progress in the enhancement of its capability as a result of its experiences for the preservation of human rights, trainings, expert consultancy and capacity enhancement programmes. The successful holding of the eighth conference of the Asia-Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institution, monitoring and investigation of human rights in the remote areas of the country during situations of internal conflict, extension of physical resources and technology, enhancement of human resources are some examples of the capability augmentation measures undertaken by the Commission. Despite all the problems and challenges, the Commission is striving to fulfill its statutory obligations in the protection and promotion of human rights. Due to support from various quarters, the Commission has been able to accomplish its objectives to a considerable extent. 7.1.7. Relations with NGOs engaged in the field of human rights The Commission has, during the project period, initiated steps in expanding and consolidating relations with the various NGOs engaged in the field of human rights. The Commission has 72