Amnesty International Day
Political parties and members of the human rights community expressed their commitment to end culture of impunity into ongoing transitional justice process in the country.
Speaking at a program organised by Amnesty International Nepal on 27 May 2016, Former Prime Minister and President of Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba said it is the obligation of State to ensure justice to the victims.
Bamdev Gautam, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Vice-chairperson of CPN-UML said that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will investigate the cases and perpetrators will be penalised for their action accordingly. Gautam added that the TRC also allows space for reconciliation depending on the victim’s choice.
Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Vice-Chairperson of Unified Maoist, urged the human rights community to support the transitional justice process by co-operating with the decisions made by the state.
Mohna Ansari, Spokesperson of National Human Rights Commission, said that the Commission has taken responsibility to ensure the justice process is in line with international human rights standards and asked the political parties if it is ethical to move ahead given the discontentment of the victims with the process.
Prominent civil society activists Daman Nath Dhungana said it is infuriating to see the hypocrisy of politicians who raise concerns and commitment on these issues while in the opposition and how easily they forget their promises when they are in the government.
Others expressed their dissatisfaction over the inaction of political parties despite repeated commitments towards ensuring justice to the victims.
The program was organised to mark the 55th anniversary of Amnesty International. AI Nepal’s Chairperson Surya Bahadur Adhikari chaired the program. Former Chairpersons and Directors also were felicitated in the program.