November 21, 2014
Context: Eighth Anniversary of Comprehensive Peace Agreement
Press Statement
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the government and the then rebels CPN-Maoists which formally ended the 10-year conflict has completed eight years. There has been no significant progress except for the management of Maoist combatants during this period. The peace agreement has been observed as the starting point for establishment of Nepal’s progress and lawful democracy.
During these eight years, the transitional justice mechanisms stipulated in the CPA have not been formed owing to the irresponsibility of the political leaders towards the people. Family of those killed in extra-judicial executions and subjected to enforced disappearances are yet to feel the sense of justice. A situation where those convicted by the independent judiciary are enjoying impunity exists.
The government holds a belief that incidents of conflict should be forgotten as there are provisions of amnesty to those involved in serious violations of human rights in the Commission on Inquiry of Disappeared Persons and Truth and Reconciliation Act. This cannot be taken as justiciable. The “Nepal Conflict Report-2012” published by UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has stated that about 10,000 cases of serious violations of human rights and humanitarian laws had taken place during the conflict. Nepal’s political parties should be aware in time that granting amnesty to those involved in such crimes might draw international laws.
At the completion of eight years of CPA, we call on the Government of Nepal and political parties for full implementation of the CPA, to make necessary provisions for relief and reparation to the victims and amendment of the Commission on Inquiry of Disappeared Persons and Truth and Reconciliation Act in accordance with the January 2, 2014 Supreme Court mandamus and international human rights law.
Subodh Raj Pyakurel
Chairperson