Human rights organizations, including INSEC, the Accountability Monitoring Committee, Amnesty International Nepal, JuRI-Nepal, Advocacy Forum-Nepal, and LACC, issued a joint press release on April 27. They called for the appointment of independent and capable officials to the Transitional Justice Commissions through a transparent and reliable selection process, as the commissions have been without officials for a long time. The press release also mentions that these organizations are closely monitoring the selection process.
In the same way, the press release mentions, ‘We reiterate our firm determination that without adopting a transparent and credible selection process, the transitional justice process cannot reach a legitimate conclusion in the absence of capable officials who can independently and seamlessly fulfill the profound, specialized, and multidimensional national responsibility of transitional justice. Additionally, the appointment of officials for the transitional justice mechanism must not once again disappoint the victim communities, civil society, and national and international stakeholders who are awaiting legitimate truth, justice, and reparations. Instead, it should inspire new hope and trust.
The press release also calls for refraining from recommending individuals who have not made substantial contributions to the issue of transitional justice, or those involved in the industry of securing positions based on party affiliation, personal interests, or alliances. It urges all aware citizens, media, victim communities, civil society organizations, and all stakeholders to actively monitor the selection process and conduct constructive and factual public scrutiny of the candidates or applicants for the positions.
Meanwhile, the recommendation committee formed for the appointment of the Chairperson and members of the Commission for the Investigation of Disappeared Persons and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission published a shortlist of 34 individuals on April 27. The Commission for the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission have announced that any objections or feedback regarding the individuals shortlisted for their leadership positions must be submitted by May 3, 2025. Responses should be submitted in writing or electronically to the Secretariat of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, accompanied by supporting evidence.