Kathmandu, August 15
Victims of serious human rights violations during Nepal’s armed conflict have expressed their support for the recent passage of the amendment bill to the Investigation of Disappeared Persons, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Act 2071 BS in the House of Representatives. This legislative step, which was unanimously approved on Wednesday, is seen as a significant milestone towards addressing the decades-old conflict that led to widespread human rights abuses.
Various networks representing conflict-era victims have hailed the passage as a “historic achievement” after years of advocacy for justice, truth, and reparations. These groups have long been raising the voices of grassroots victim communities, urging authorities to provide clarity and reparation for the atrocities suffered during the armed conflict.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday evening, Ram Bhandari, Chairperson of the International Network of Victims and Survivor of Serious Human Rights Abuse, and Devi Khadka, coordinator of the National Organisation of Wartime Rape Victims, welcomed the amendment bill but also laid out three important demands for the government moving forward.
The first demand calls for the selection of commission officials to be conducted with the consent and involvement of victims. This is seen as critical to ensuring that the commission operates with legitimacy and trust.
Secondly, the victims stressed the need for mandatory psychosocial counselling for victims and their families during the truth-seeking and excavation processes. The statement emphasised the sensitivity of this responsibility, urging the government to make appropriate arrangements in advance. Additionally, the victims called for international assistance where necessary.
“The management and operation of the reparation fund must involve victim participation and adopt victim-centred methods,” the statement added. While international community support was recognised as important, Bhandari and Khadka insisted that the fund should be operated under the leadership of Nepalis and the Nepali government.
The third key demand highlights the importance of ensuring victim participation in the commission’s various units. Furthermore, the network urged that reparation efforts be treated as a right for the majority of conflict-era victims and implemented through social security and welfare programs. The victims also emphasised that all reparations should be conducted with the coordination of local governments, involving victims in collaboration with the federal and provincial governments.
The passage of the TRC amendment bill has been a long-anticipated development, as the victims seek closure and justice after years of delay. However, the success of the implementation will largely depend on the government’s willingness to accommodate these demands and ensure the active involvement of victims in the reconciliation and reparation processes.
