Pay heed to UN secy-general's wise counsel on transitional justice 

Visiting United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Gutterres has made a compelling and timely call for Nepal to ensure that its transitional justice (TJ) process meets international standards, adheres to the Supreme Court's rulings, and addresses the needs of the victims. His statement that this process should ultimately lead to peace for victims’ families and affected communities is both resonant and imperative. However, it is essential to underscore that true and lasting peace can only be achieved through justice – a term that should not be diluted or misunderstood. In this critical juncture of Nepal's history, we must all pay heed to the UN secretary-general's wise counsel. Nepal's transitional justice process has been a long and tumultuous journey since the end of the armed conflict in 2006. The nation has grappled with the dual challenge of holding perpetrators accountable and providing closure and reparations to the victims of the conflict. This process has already been drawn out for more than 17 years, which not only raises concerns about the passage of time but also the impact on the nation's reputation as a defender of fundamental human rights. The recent positive developments in the parliamentary sub-committee's meeting leading to an agreement on the bill's report are commendable. However, they should be seen as the start rather than the conclusion of the journey.

The TJ process serves as a vital avenue to address the atrocities, human rights violations, and deep scars that have marred our society for decades. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's readiness to finalize the Transitional Justice Bill and the endorsement of the bill by the parliamentary sub-committee are indeed steps in the right direction. However, this must not lead us to underestimate the pressing need to urgently resolve the remaining issues and advance this process without further delay. The unresolved matters concerning the definition of human rights violations, specifically arbitrary and capricious killings and non-combat killings, need to be addressed. Additionally, concerns related to sentence reduction and consent for reconciliation in cases of human rights violations require careful deliberation and consensus-building. The involvement of the main opposition leader, CPN-UML chairman KP Sharma Oli, in advancing this legislation holds the key to bipartisan cooperation, a crucial factor for the smooth progression of the TJ process. The cautious stance of the UML towards the TJ Bill necessitates open dialogue and negotiation to reach a mutually agreeable solution. The importance of political collaboration cannot be overruled, as it is vital to ensure that the transitional justice process aligns with the values of justice, truth, and reconciliation that our nation aspires to uphold.

In this pivotal moment, it is incumbent upon our leaders to rise above partisan interests and prioritize the nation's interests. The successful resolution of the transitional justice process will not only bring relief to the victims and their families but also bolster Nepal's standing in the international arena. Any further delay in this process will only tarnish our image and raise doubts about our commitment to justice and human rights. The government's initiative in introducing the TJ Bill and the ongoing discussions are commendable, but time is of the essence. The victims of the conflict and the international community are closely monitoring our actions. Nepal must demonstrate its dedication to justice and ensure that the transitional justice process reaches its final stage of resolution promptly. As a newspaper, we urge the government, political parties, and stakeholders to prioritize the resolution of the transitional justice process and work collaboratively to address the remaining concerns. The time to act is now, and our nation's reputation, and the hopes of the victims, rest on decisive and timely action. UN Secretary-General Gutterres' counsel should not be taken lightly; it should be seen as an opportunity for Nepal to reclaim its commitment to justice and human rights, and to pave the way for a more just and peaceful future. It is a call we must heed for the sake of our nation and the people.

 
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