Kathmandu, December 26

Former lawmakers have stressed on quick delivery of transitional justice, saying it was essential for effective implementation of the constitution and successful conclusion of the peace process.

Speaking at an interaction ‘Peace Process and Implementation of the Constitution’ organised by the Development Committee of the Parliament here today, ex-lawmakers concluded that peace process would not conclude without providing justice to conflict victims.

Former lawmaker Rewati Raman Bhandari, who played a key role in formulation of civil and criminal code said,”Peace process is not yet over.” Justice must be done to the families of those killed and forcefully disappeared during the conflict for successful conclusion of the peace process, he added.

Bhandari also said that the newly elected Parliament must formulate necessary laws related for the implementation of citizens’ fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution. “Serious homework should be done to implement fundamental rights related to education, health care, employment and residence,” he said. Bhandari also said that the ruling parties had lost moral ground to remain in the government after sending the National Assembly Election Ordinance to the president.

Ex-lawmaker Radheshyam Adhikari said transitional justice was not only a matter of national politics. “The transitional justice process has drawn international attention as the country is signatory to many international conventions and treaties on human rights,” he said and added the Parliament can not start its business until newly-elected lawmakers take oath of office.

“The National Assembly Election Ordinance must be endorsed for formation of the new government and for the Parliament to take shape,” he added.

Another former lawmaker Ram Narayan Bidari said terms of Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons must be extended to provide justice to conflict victims.