During the 30th Prakash Human Rights Award program on July 31, held by the Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC) for the 32nd Prakash Memorial Day, Deputy Prime Minister Paudel pledged that the government will properly address the justice demands of the conflict victims. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel has emphasized that the government of Nepal will ensure that the justice for conflict victims is uheld.
Recalling the painful conflict experienced by Nepali society, Deputy Prime Minister Paudel expressed that even though it has been almost 20 years since the country emerged from the conflict, the wounds have not yet healed. He added that while the conflict has ended and peace has been established, the scars remain.
He stated that the remaining peace process will be completed to support the victims and that the government is working towards this goal. Paudel said that Nepali society faced unexpected, unnecessary, and unfair conflicts, which will be remembered as a burden for a long time. He added that the government is determined to complete the remaining peace process quickly. Poudel stated that the Human Rights Movement is ongoing and will continue to evolve. Finance Minister Poudel clarified that while the form of the movement may change over time, its essence remains constant.
INSEC awarded this year’s Prakash Human Rights Award to 62-year-old Purnimaya Lama Tamang of Dapcha, Namobuddha Municipality, Kavre, for her efforts in seeking transitional justice. Her husband, Arjun Lama, was abducted by the Maoists on April 29, 2005, and has since disappeared. INSEC established the award in 1993 in memory of its Founder General Secretary, Prakashraj Kafle. The prize money for the award is Rs 50,000.
INSEC founder general secretary Kafle lost his life on 31 July,1992 in a Thai Air accident at Ghoptebhir in Nuwakot. Kafle has made an important contribution to Nepal’s campaign for human rights and social justice. Sushil Pyakurel, Founder Chairman of INSEC and former Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission, recalled the untimely death of Kafle and stated that choosing Purnimaya Lama from the roster of candidates for the Prakash Human Rights Award was the right decision. He emphasized that it was appropriate as she fought with strength and continued her campaign for justice.
He said that Lama’s fight for justice, equality and rule of law is a source of inspiration for everyone. He called for transitional justice to be brought to its logical conclusion. Lily Thapa, a member of the National Human Rights Commission, recalled that it was very difficult while searching for the roster of human rights defenders and expressed her happiness that INSEC has selected an appropriate person for the award.
She highlighted the need to clearly define who qualifies as a human rights worker and urged the government to provide relief and compensation to the victims. She called for the implementation of the National Human Rights Commission’s recommendations for justice, without letting political language hinder progress.
Dr. Usha Jha, a member of the award selection committee, expressed her gratitude for being part of the selection process. She hoped that Poornimaya Lama would receive further support in her fight, noting that her contributions are exemplary for human rights workers. Dr. Jha highlighted that the committee reviewed the names of over 50 candidates for the award. She believed that Lama, who has been fighting for justice for her husband Arjun Bahadur Lama’s killing in Dapcha, Kavre, will encourage other conflict victims to achieve justice.
During the ceremony, Purnimaya Lama expressed that her husband Arjun Lama was abducted by the Maoists on April 29, 2005, and emphasized that action should be taken against those responsible. She also hoped to receive accurate information about Arjun Lama’s current condition.
INSEC Chairman Dr. Kundan Aryal emphasized the need to bring the process of transitional justice to a logical conclusion by ensuring that victims receive justice. At the event hosted by Bijaya Raj Gautam, the Executive Director of INSEC, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel also launched the ‘South Asian Human Rights Journal’ started by INSEC.