KATHMANDU, May 1: Conflict victims from across Nepal have strongly condemned the recent recommendation process for the appointment of commissioners to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappearances (CIEDP), calling it untrustworthy, non-transparent, politically manipulated, and exclusionary. They have demanded the immediate formation of a new, independent recommendation committee and the adoption of a credible, consultative public selection process that centers on the needs and rights of victims.
At a time when the transitional justice process remains stalled nearly two decades after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) in 2006, conflict victims say the government has once again failed to act in good faith. On April 28, the existing recommendation committee published a short list of candidates for both commissions, sparking outrage among victims’ groups, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders.
“The process was conducted in secrecy, with no transparency or meaningful consultation with victims—the very stakeholders for whom the commissions were established,” reads a joint statement issued by a nationwide coalition of conflict victims' networks. “This latest attempt has deepened our pain, dishonored our decades-long struggle for truth and justice, and signaled that political interests continue to override genuine transitional justice.”
Conflict victims demand correction in TJ bodies' officials sele...
The victims alleged that the selection process was marred by favoritism, lack of public scrutiny, and political bargaining. Many shortlisted candidates, they claimed, lack experience, expertise, and a proven commitment to transitional justice, while several credible individuals chose not to apply due to concerns over the integrity of the process.“The inclusion of the same individual in the shortlist for both commissions reflects a culture of opportunism and casts doubt on the integrity of the committee,” the statement added.
The victims' groups further questioned the legal validity and procedural fairness of the recommendation committee, stating that the process lacked legitimacy from the outset. They accused the political leadership of attempting to form weak, ineffective commissions by sidelining competent and independent individuals in favor of loyalists.
They also criticized the National Human Rights Commission for remaining silent in the face of political interference and failing to play its constitutional role in safeguarding the rights of victims.
Citing the absence of a transparent and participatory approach, the victims warned that they may be compelled to form a citizen-led truth-seeking initiative if the government continues to ignore their demands. “We will not accept any process that treats us as mere service recipients while excluding us from decision-making,” said a joint appeal issued by the conflict victims. “We urge the government and major political parties to listen to our voices and form a new, autonomous recommendation committee that works transparently, consultatively, and independently.”
The statement called for a transitional justice process that is gender-sensitive, inclusive of persons with disabilities, and anchored in the principles of truth, justice, reparation, and non-repetition.
