KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 4
Rights groups have expressed deep concern about malicious attempts to prevent the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappearances from becoming competitive and high-quality, trapping them in a cycle of party politics for the third time.
"Unwanted political interference in the selection process will once again stymie the transitional justice process and undermine the national desire to complete the remaining responsibilities of the peace process. All stakeholders must be vigilant and aware in this regard," reads the statement issued by the rights group.
It also states that because the credibility and success of the overall transitional justice process are dependent on the selection of officials who are qualified to carry out the profound responsibility of transitional justice, we strongly demand that the Recommendation Committee not compromise on this and conduct the selection process in an independent, impartial, and transparent manner.
According to the statement, the declared and undeclared approval and blessings of certain parties and leaders should not be used to select officials. Office bearers should be chosen based on an independent and objective evaluation of the candidate's background, image, integrity, knowledge, experience, qualifications, abilities, deep commitment to transitional justice, and ongoing commitment.
"We also want to make it clear that the selection process should not be politicised by recommending to the Transitional Justice Commission individuals who have previously raised questions and disputes while carrying out constitutional responsibilities and have been unable to gain legitimacy from the victim community and civil society," reads a statement issued by Sushil Pyakurel, Kanak Mani Dixit, Kundan Aryal, Raju Prasad Chapagain, Charan Parsai, Mandira Sharma, Rajan Kuikel and Suman Adhikari.
"We also want to remind the recommendation committee that failing to do so now would be considered a betrayal of the country. We urge everyone involved to lend their support, cooperation, concern, and awareness in order to make the selection process credible."
