KATHMANDU: Survivors of Nepal’s decade-long armed conflict are demanding justice as the government considers amending laws related to transitional justice.
Gathering at Babarmahal today, the survivors expressed their concerns, insisting on being consulted during the amendment process and ensuring that justice is not compromised. Suman Adhikari, the founding chairperson of the Conflict Victims’ Common Platform, emphasized that the government must seek input from the victims themselves to ensure justice prevails. He highlighted the prolonged suffering of victims awaiting justice and urged that no further injustices be inflicted upon them.
The demonstration aimed to draw the government’s attention and compel the authorities to listen to the voices of those affected. Adhikari himself has been vocal about seeking justice for his father, Muktinath Adhikari, who was brutally murdered during the conflict period.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Inquiry on the Disappeared Persons were established by the government to investigate the incidents that occurred during the 10-year armed conflict. However, both commissions have faced challenges and are currently lacking officials. Complaints filed by conflict victims have also been overlooked.
In light of the amendments being considered, the Human Rights and Law Committee of the Federal Parliament is currently conducting discussions. Notably, the Supreme Court had previously directed the government in 2014 to involve conflict victims in the amendment process and comply with international law to ensure justice for all. Regrettably, implementation of this directive has been significantly delayed.
Sabitri Shrestha, a conflict survivor, stressed the importance of justice for all victims and expressed opposition to any provision in the law that would grant amnesty to those responsible for committing heinous crimes during the conflict period.
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