KATHMANDU, Jan 24: At a time when the tenure of two transitional justice mechanisms is expiring in two weeks, Kathmandu-based diplomatic missions including the United Nations have urged the government to clarify to the public regarding its plans to take the transitional justice process forward in 2019.
In a press release on Thursday, Kathmandu-based diplomatic missions of Australia, Germany, European Union, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, and United Nations said "Noting the looming expiration of the mandates of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission for the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons, as well as the upcoming fourth anniversary of the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that affirmed certain requirements for transitional justice processes, we encourage the government to clarify to the public its plans to take the transitional justice process forward in 2019."
Saying that they support a number of principles for transitional justice in Nepal, the diplomatic missions stated "We support a Nepali-designed, Nepali-led process that is consistent with the 2007 and 2015 judgements of Nepal’s Supreme Court and the country’s obligations under international law."
Reviewing transitional justice
The international community have also stressed on the broad public trust in the transitional justice process. "Nepal will not be able to bring closure to the wounds and grievances that persist from the conflict era, nor be able to complete the peace process," the release said.
The international community also urged the government to engage in broad-based, meaningful consultation with conflict victims, civil society and wider stakeholders that allows space and time to discuss and address issues raised before action is taken, and helps shape a course of further action that reflects the will of the people.
"These members of the international community are also united in the view that any solution should have the needs of victims at its heart," the release said.
The diplomatic missions, in their release, are of the view that only the peace process move forward on a strong foundation if the needs of the victims are properly addressed.
"Supporting Nepal in establishing a credible transitional justice process and ensuring the stability and prosperity of Nepal remain priorities for the international community. We are committed to working with the Government of Nepal and all other stakeholders to advance a transitional justice process that engenders broad public confidence," the release stated.
The undersigned members of the international community have welcomed the government's efforts to move forward with a comprehensive and credible transitional justice process that can bring Nepal’s peace process to a conclusion.
