KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 21

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government to bring the transitional justice process to a conclusion soon.

Expressing concern that conflict survivors have not yet received justice even after 17 years since the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA), the NHRC has called for amendments to transitional laws.

In a press release issued today, spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokharel stated, 'Conflict survivors should receive justice. The NHRC once again draws the government's attention to promptly conclude the transitional justice process by amending the relevant laws. This should be done in accordance with the Commission's earlier recommendations, the Supreme Court's verdict, commitments made during the meeting with the UN Secretary-General, and international standards.'

Today marks 17 years since the formal end of the decade-long armed conflict in Nepal following the CPA between the government of Nepal and the then CPN (Maoist) on Mangsir 5, 2063 BS.

The statement notes that while various tasks, including arms management, the adjustment of the People's Liberation Army, and the promulgation of the constitution from the Constituent Assembly, have been completed since the CPA, the timely delivery of justice to conflict survivors has been hindered by the lack of progress in transitional justice.

Despite the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission on Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons eight years after the CPA, the NHRC emphasizes that these bodies have been unable to provide justice due to insufficient legal arrangements and a lack of political will among parties.