Kathmandu, June 19

Amnesty International in Nepal has expressed solidarity with the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations and victims’ groups in Nepal who have been raising their voices for justice to Ganga Maya Adhikari and other victims of the crimes committed by both the state and non-state actors during the armed conflict.

Issuing a press statement today, AI said it was deeply troubled by the lack of response and visible actions on the part of the Government of Nepal even as it had already been 21 days since Ganga Maya Adhikari launched hunger strike.

AI said it remained cognisant of the unfortunate death of Nanda Prasad Adhikari, husband of Ganga Maya Adhikari, on 22 September 2014 after 329 days of the hunger strike occasioned by the Government’s blatant disregard for calls to justice.

It has reminded the government of its obligation under both national and international laws to conduct effective investigation including by arresting the alleged perpetrators, and promptly deliver justice to all those including Ganga Maya who claimed of injustice done unto them.

“It is very unfortunate that victims of crimes such as Ganga Maya Adhikari is compelled to take the extreme choice of hunger strike as the only resort to remind the authorities of their lawful duty to take legal action against those involved in the killing of her son,” said Rajan Prasad Kuikel, chair of Amnesty International in Nepal.

“Amnesty International in Nepal is aware of the ongoing dialogue between the prime minister and National Human Rights Commission chair towards finding a way out for saving the life of Ganga Maya Adhikari, whose health is reported to have seriously deteriorated. While welcoming this, we urge for concrete actions by the authorities towards paving the way for justice to Ganga Maya Adhikari and the rest of the victims of the conflict-era human rights violations including through implementing the Supreme Court’s decisions requiring a credible transitional justice process,” said Kuikel.