KATHMANDU, MAY 8

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has underscored the importance of prioritizing the voices and needs of survivors in addressing issues related to transitional justice.

Speaking at a discussion program on the progress of the Second National Action Plan (2079 BS–2081/82 BS) for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820, Minister Lekhak affirmed that transitional justice remains a top priority for both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the federal government.

'Transitional justice is a profoundly sensitive and significant issue. We have now finalized the necessary legislation. Previously, gaps in the legal framework hindered efforts to address survivors' concerns,' he said. 'Survivors of sexual violence must never be forced into arbitration. The government is firmly committed to ensuring justice for them and addressing their grievances with urgency.'

He added that the recommendation committee is currently in the process of appointing members to two commissions dedicated to transitional justice.

The recently amended Act also includes a provision for establishing a Survivors' Coordination Unit, which aims to ensure that the justice process is viewed through the lens of survivors. He stressed that transitional justice cannot be complete without their active participation.

Minister Lekhak also reiterated Nepal's commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820, which focus on the protection and participation of conflict-affected women at all levels of governance.

'Nepal and its people endured immense hardship during the conflict. We have yet to fully address post-conflict issues. However, these matters will now be addressed with utmost urgency and priority,' he said.

The Minister acknowledged the critical contributions of civil society organizations and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in championing the rights of conflict-affected individuals.

Acting Home Ministry Secretary Jay Narayan Acharya assured that the government would formulate and implement sequential plans and policies to protect the rights of women affected by conflict. He highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts across all three tiers of government.

NHRC Secretary Murari Prasad Kharel urged the Home Ministry to actively support the effective implementation of Resolutions 1325 and 1820. He also affirmed NHRC's continued commitment to the repatriation and rehabilitation of conflict survivors.

Bina Kumari Bhattarai, Deputy Mayor of Thakurbaba Municipality, Bardiya, shared that the local government has prioritized capacity-building for municipal employees and elected representatives, community needs assessments, and targeted programming to address survivors' concerns as part of implementing the UN resolutions.

Gita Rasaili, Chairperson of the Conflict-Hit Women National Network, emphasized the need for meaningful survivor participation in the implementation process. She also expressed concern that, despite policy advances, effective service delivery to target groups remains inadequate.