UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Tuesday said he was appalled by the escalating violence in Nepal that has resulted in multiple deaths and the injury of hundreds of mostly young protesters, as well as the widespread destruction of property.

“I plead with security forces to exercise utmost restraint, and avoid further such bloodshed and harm,” he said, adding that violence is not the answer.

“Dialogue is the best and only way to address the concerns of the Nepalese people. It is important that the voices of young people are heard.”

The High Commissioner said protesters have the right to express peacefully their political frustrations and grievances over corruption and a ban on social media platforms.

“I have received concerning reports of unnecessary and disproportionate use of force by the security forces,” said Türk. “I call for urgent, thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into such acts.”

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He reminded protesters that they too must uphold the spirit of peaceful assembly and refrain from violence. “I am disturbed by reports of public buildings, businesses and private residences being attacked and, in some instances, set ablaze. Equally, I am concerned by reports of physical attacks on senior government officials.”

The world has admired Nepal’s emergence from conflict to become a peaceful democracy, Türk said, appealing to all Nepalese stakeholders to find a way forward to continue on that path.

“Together with the United Nations system, my Office stands ready to support dialogue and trust-building measures that can help de-escalate tensions and restore confidence,” the High Commissioner said.