EU and nine countries welcome TRC Bill authentication

Kathmandu, August 29 — Nine countries and the European Union (EU) have welcomed the endorsement of the Investigation of Disappeared Persons, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act 2071 (Amendment) Bill, commonly known as the Transitional Justice Bill.

They commended the passage of bill in a joint statement after President Ram Chandra Paudel authenticated the bill today in accordance with Article 113 (2) of the Constitution.

The USA, Switzerland, Australia, the UK, Norway, Japan, Finland, the EU, Germany, and France expressed their approval. The statement was shared on the US Embassy in Nepal’s Facebook page today.

"The undersigned welcome the Investigation of Disappeared Persons, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act 2071 (Amendment) Bill passed with consensus by both houses of the Federal Parliament of Nepal," the statement reads.

"As the Government outlines a path forward, the undersigned will explore possible mechanisms for support to the Government of Nepal for the benefit of the victims. The continued participation of the victims in decision-making processes will aid the effective implementation of the TRC Act," the statement continues.

"While we are in the early stages of the process, in order to assess possible future actions, the undersigned look forward to hearing from the Government of Nepal about specific needs to support effective delivery by the Truth & Reconciliation Commission and the Commission on the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons. Now is the time for all stakeholders to band together in support of bringing this segment of Nepal’s history to a successful conclusion," the joint statement concludes.