KATHMANDU, Oct 19: The international community in Nepal has sought 'firm commitment' and 'sincerity' on the part of the CPN (Maoist Center) in providing transitional justice to conflict-era victims.
During a meeting between Kathmandu-based ambassadors of almost all countries except India and China and top leaders of Maoist Center on Monday, the envoys urged Maoist Center to demonstrate some 'flexibility' so that the long cry of conflict victims for transitional justice is met.
Reviewing transitional justice
While confirming the meeting, Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara said they were worried about the lack of progress in terms of dispensing transitional justice to conflict victims. “We have had a discussion about the issue with ambassadors of different countries. Although the constitution drafting and implementation process moved smoothly, there has been no progress on transitional justice issues,” he said.
The envoys, according to sources, asked the Maoists how they would ensure 'credible settlement' of transitional justice issues. “But the Maoists did not seem to have clarity on this,” said one source.
This comes in the wake of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission for the Investigation of Enforced Disappearance failing to discharge their duty of providing transitional justice. Their extended terms are expiring within the next four months.
During the meeting held in an informal setting, the envoys appreciated Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal's role in facilitating the army integration process and promulgating a new constitution despite so many differences over its contents.
