The National Human Rights Commission has expressed serious concern over the dissatisfaction expressed by conflict victims regarding the formation process of the two transitional justice commissions recently constituted by the Government of Nepal after a two-year vacancy. In a press release issued on May 22, the commission affirmed its continued commitment to ensuring justice for conflict victims, while emphasizing the need to conclude the transitional justice process promptly with due respect to the concerns and sentiments of the victims. The commission has stated that transitional justice can only be achieved through the victims’ acceptance, trust, and cooperation. The statement emphasizes that disputes and disagreements can be resolved through dialogue and discussion, and it is essential to assure conflict victims that justice will be ensured.
The commission has underscored the necessity for all relevant stakeholders to seriously reflect on the failures of previous efforts to conclude transitional justice, ensuring that such outcomes are not repeated. Furthermore, the commission reaffirmed its firm position that transitional justice must prioritize the victims’ satisfaction.
Therefore, the commission has called for the adoption of international transitional justice practices with an understanding that transitional justice is not merely a judicial process of legal adjudication but must fundamentally prioritize the satisfaction of the victims. In the press release, the Deputy Secretary and Spokesperson of the Commission Dr. Tikaram Pokharel, urged all the stakeholders to reflect on preventing future conflicts and to actively engage with the conflict-affected communities by gaining their trust.