International community urges Nepal government to clarify its plan for transitional justice

Kathmandu / Jan 24: The United Nations in Nepal together with nine foreign embassies on Thursday welcomed Nepal’s efforts to bring the peace process to a conclusion by moving forward with a comprehensive and credible transitional justice process.

A joint statement signed by Embassy of Australia, Embassy of Germany, Delegation of the European Union, Embassy of Finland, Embassy of France, Embassy of Norway, Embassy of Switzerland, Embassy of the United Kingdom, Embassy of the United States of America, and the United Nations in Nepal urged Nepal government to clarify to the public its plans to take the transitional justice process forward in 2019. It noted the looming expiration of the mandates of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission for the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons, as well as the upcoming fourth anniversary of the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that affirmed certain requirements for transitional justice processes.

Stating that the international community supported a number of principles for transitional justice in Nepal, the statement read, “ We support a Nepali-designed, Nepali-led process that is consistent with the 2007 and 2015 judgments of Nepal’s Supreme Court and the country’s obligations under international law.”

The international community, through the statement, also noted that the government must earn the trust of general public in the transitional justice process and keep the needs of victims at heart.

“Without broad public trust in the transitional justice process Nepal will not be able to bring closure to the wounds and grievances that persist from the conflict era, nor be able to complete the peace process,” read the statement, adding, “We encourage the government to engage in broad-based, meaningful consultation with conflict victims, civil society and wider stakeholders and address issues raised before action is taken.”

Saying that the international community is committed to support Nepal in establishing a credible transitional justice process and ensuring the stability and prosperity, the statement read that any solution should have the needs of victims at its heart for the peace process to move forward on a strong foundation.