Conflict Victims Urge Political Parties to Prioritize Transitional Justice Ahead of Upcoming Elections

Kathmandu. As preparations advance for the third federal elections scheduled for Falgun 21, conflict-affected communities have issued a serious call for attention to political parties.

Submitting a memorandum to all parties registered with the Election Commission, the victims demanded the dissolution of the current 'puppet' transitional justice commissions formed through party quotas and urged that human rights issues be prioritized in their election manifestos.

The victims allege that commitments made in the Comprehensive Peace Accord remain stalled due to the inaction of political parties, nearly two decades after the end of the armed conflict. The victim community cautioned parties to stop exploiting their suffering for political gain and to cease actions that encourage impunity. They expressed strong objection, particularly regarding the recent appointments to the commissions, alleging that party cadres were recruited by disregarding the concerns of the victims.

Conflict victims sought commitments in the election manifestos for the full adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. They demanded the immediate ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Convention against Enforced Disappearance. The memorandum also emphasized the implementation of a 'vetting' system to ensure accountability for those involved in serious human rights violations and to prevent convicted individuals from being appointed to public office.

Furthermore, the victims' demand is for the strict implementation of the Supreme Court's orders and the recommendations made by national and international human rights bodies. They pressured parties to introduce a comprehensive compensation package, including education, health, and livelihood support, for victims of incidents such as killings, disappearances, rape, and torture during the conflict period.

Reminding them of the path shown by the 'Genji' movement, the victims also signaled that they would not accept parties in the upcoming elections that lack a clear roadmap for justice and good governance.