Issuing a statement on the occasion of the International Day of the Disappeared, the embassies have stressed the need for setting up an independent and impartial Commission of Inquiry on Disappearances as soon as possible. [break]
"We encourage parliamentarians to prioritize amendment of the draft legislation so that it meets Supreme Court rulings and international standards. This will bring hope to the thousands who are still awaiting justice," the British Embassy said in a statement issued on behalf of the embassies.
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, more than 1300 people went missing during the war. To this day their whereabouts and fate remain unknown.
The embassies have also encouraged the government to meet its commitment before the UN Human Rights Council by ensuring the full application of the rule of law to state and non-state personnel involved in disappearances.
"The government should also ensure that police and court orders are followed through, and that arrest warrants are executed," the embassies further said.
The embassies have also urged the Nepal Army and the UCPN (Maoist) to cooperate fully with the investigations pertaining to disappearances as required by the Comprehensive Peace Accord, saying " their long refusal to do so has prolonged the anguish of relatives, and delayed justice".
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