Nepal Endorses Landmark Transitional Justice Bill

Nepal's Parliament endorsed a significant bill amending legislation on enforced disappearances during the 1996-2006 civil war. This move, supported across party lines, aims to conclude a long-standing peace process. Endorsements from the US, EU, and Switzerland underscore the bill’s importance. The bill now awaits final certification to become law.

Nepal's Parliament has taken a historic step by endorsing a bill aimed at amending contentious legislation related to enforced disappearances during the country's 1996-2006 civil war. The bill, tabled by Minister Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, was passed by voice vote after extensive deliberations.

The Transitional Justice Bill seeks to modify the Commission for Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons and Truth and Reconciliation (Third Amendment) Act. Major human rights violations occurred during the decade-long conflict, including extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and torture. The United Nations has documented numerous cases of enforced disappearances by state forces.

Lawmakers across party lines, including representatives from the ruling CPN-UML, Nepali Congress, and CPN (Maoist Centre), have praised the bill as a milestone in concluding the peace process initiated in 2006. International endorsements from the US, EU, and Switzerland highlight the bill's significance as it heads to the National Assembly and President for final approval.

(With inputs from agencies.)