/// Press Releases \\\

18 Years After the Peace Agreement: Conflict Victims Still Await Justice 

Despite the 18-year-old Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed between the Government of Nepal and the Maoists on November 21, 2006, aiming to conclude a decade-long armed conflict, thousands of victims remain without justice and compensation. Our deep concern persists regarding the ongoing lack of attention from political parties and the government toward addressing transitional justice.

The primary objective of the transitional justice system is to uncover cases of human rights violations and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Families affected by the loss, disappearance, or injury of their loved ones have a fundamental right to seek the truth. Yet, progress in identifying and prosecuting those responsible has been slow, leaving victims without the justice, compensation, and societal healing they need. This includes bringing them within the legal framework, collating information about the victims, facilitating justice and compensation, and fostering societal reconciliation.

We bring to attention that United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed a joint session of the Parliament on October 31, emphasizing the imperative of justice for Nepal’s conflict victims. It’s crucial to complete the transitional justice process in line with international human rights laws and Supreme Court directives.

We urge the political parties and the government to demonstrate a sincere commitment to the pursuit of justice and compensation. Furthermore, we call for the swift passing of the pending Transitional Justice Bill in Parliament as a crucial step toward addressing these long-standing grievances.

Dr. Kundan Aryal

Chairperson