Informal Service Sector Center (INSEC) issued a Press release on 4 September stating that the Investigation of Disappeared Persons, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, which was passed with a majority in the House of Representatives on 14 August 2024, in the National Assembly on 22 August 2024, and authenticated by the President on 29 August 2024, has renewed hope for transitional justice in Nepal, which has been stalled for 18 years.
The press release signed by INSEC Chairperson Dr. Kundan Aryal mentions that, due to the lack of serious groundwork by both the ruling and opposition parties over the past 18 years, the issue of transitional justice has remained in limbo. With the passing of the Transitional Justice Bill, it is stated that continuous monitoring is necessary for its successful implementation. Additionally, there are still some important tasks to complete to progress through the lengthy judicial process. Given the ‘understandings’ that have made the bill broadly acceptable among political parties, it is crucial to ensure that no perpetrators or groups benefit from the process. Continued oversight and monitoring are necessary to achieve this. The statement further mentions that ‘In the coming days, we will continue to closely study and communicate on issues such as the formation of the commission, the selection of commissioners, procedures, and the expected economic and administrative support from the government.’ Additiinally, the context of addressing transitional justice, it is essential to appoint universally accepted experts in human rights, national law, and international law to handle the 63,000 complaints in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the 3,000 complaints in the Disappearance Commission. Therefore, it is necessary to select officials who have reflected on the horrors and suffering of the conflict period.
The press release points out that the selection of Commission officials based solely on their proximity to political parties, despite their lack of expertise and inability to fulfill their responsibilities, is a significant reason for the prolonged transitional justice process.” Moreover, the press release emphasizes that the families of disappeared persons have the right to know about the circumstances of their loved ones. Similarly, the families of those killed, individuals with disabilities, those who were sexually abused, and displaced people have the right to understand why the crime happened to them.