March 26: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government to be sensitive towards public health and to ensure smooth supply of daily essential items.

The NHRC said in a statement that it highly appreciates the government’s efforts to contain the spread of the deadly COVID-19, which has also been detected in Nepal.

The statement issued by NHRC Secretary Bed Bhattarai reminded the government that health issue is one of the fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution and urged the government to fulfill its duty to ensure proper health of its citizens.

The NHRC also urged the general public to fully abide by the government directive to stay indoors during lockdown in order to prevent the spread of the deadly infection. It also warned that anyone violating the government order during such crisis can be subject to punishment in accordance to the prevalent laws.

The NHRC has also urged the government to give special attention to provide daily essentials to people from the backward communities as well as those who are disabled. Women, children and elderly also require special attention during the testing times, NHRC said drawing the attention of the government. Likewise, health workers and their families also need special support, according to the NHRC.