Kathmandu, April 29

Conflict victims and civil society members today staged a demonstration at Maitighar Mandala, demanding amendment to the Transitional Justice Act.

The agitating conflict victims have demanded that the act be amended in line with the verdicts issued by the Supreme Court at different times. They have also urged the government to equip the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons with necessary resources — human and financial.

The Supreme Court has ruled that there should not be amnesty for grave human rights violations such as extra-judicial killing, enforced disappearance, torture, rape and other acts of sexual violence; the statute of limitations for grave offences must be removed; cases recommended by the TRC and the CIEDP must be prosecuted; torture and enforced disappearance must be criminalised through enactment of laws; cases before the court cannot be transferred to the TRC or the CIEDP; dignified and respectable reparation for victims; and no reconciliation without the consent of victims.

The conflict victims also demanded that the members and chairpersons of both transitional justice bodies be appointed only after amending the act.

The government has formed a five-member committee led by former chief justice Om Prakash Mishra to recommend members and chairpersons of both the transitional justice body.

Moreover, the victims have demanded their meaningful representation in both the transitional justice bodies.

Lamenting the prolonged transitional justice process in Nepal, civil society members and other participants said this would promote impunity in the country. The conflict victims further informed that they would continue the protest until their demands were met.