Conflict-affected victims staged a sit-in today, accusing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons of being victim-unfriendly.
They held a symbolic protest in front of both commission offices, complaining that even after 19 years since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, justice has not been served. They also demanded the resignation of officials of both commissions.
Ram Bhandari, a victim participating in the sit-in called by the “All Conflict-Affected Victims Community,” expressed that they have no trust in the commissions and demanded the resignation of officials of both commissions. He also called for the restructuring of the commissions to ensure genuine representation of real victims.
Bhandari expressed dissatisfaction, saying that despite searching for truth for nearly two decades, they have received no response from the state. He said, “Victims have not been allowed to participate in the justice process. The state forcibly formed the commissions, which we have rejected from the beginning. Today, we are running protest programs across all seven provinces.”
The victims also urged the commission staff to show empathy and coordinate with them. Uddhav Prasad Pudasaini, Secretary of the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons, stated that they are committed to addressing the victims’ voices and moving the work forward. He added that if conflict-affected victims, political parties, and other stakeholders come together, the judicial process would accelerate.