HUMAN RIGHTS NEWS PORTAL
9 May 2016
Impunity not Acceptable
We have serious concern over the nine-point agreement signed between the CPN-UML and UCPN-M on May 5, 2016. The agreed points are contrary to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Supreme Court Verdict on January 2, 2015 which stated that there could be no amnesties for the perpetrators of serious crimes.
In point number three of the agreement, the parties have decided to initiate the process of amending the laws along with concrete work plan within 15 days to work on transitional justice as per the spirit of the Comprehensive Peace Accord.
This will affect the work of Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons and also distress the conflict victims who have been waiting to get justice for a long time.
It is mentioned in point number seven that they have decided to initiate the process to withdraw or give clemency on the cases filed during the armed conflict period and due to political reasons. Granting clemency on serious human rights violations, violations of humanitarian law, war crimes, extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances and rape cases can never be acceptable.
Likewise, in point number five of the agreement, the political parties have decided to register the ownership of lands dealt on the basis of household documents during the conflict time. If the point is implemented, the displaced during the armed conflict will have the risk of losing their lands.
We oppose any such agreement that promotes human rights violations and abuses from any political parties and group. There is no alternative to eliminate the prevailing impunity for the construction of a civilized society.
We request the government to take the initiative to unveil the truth of incidents pertaining to armed conflict and take legal action against those involved in crimes.
Subodh Raj Pyakurel
