Conflict victims will now get justice: Deuba

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has stated that the transitional justice-related bill will ensure that conflict victims would get justice.

Speaking in the House of Representatives during a discussion on the Bill to Amend the Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act on Wednesday, Deuba said the inability to complete the remaining tasks of the peace process had created uncertainty and hindered victims’ right to justice for a long time. “The national consensus that we have reached on this Bill proves that Nepali political parties are capable of resolving this complex issue themselves,” he said. “Nepal’s approach to the peace process could serve as an exemplary model for the world.”

Deuba said that the Bill encompasses all fundamental principles of transitional justice. “It provides for truth-seeking, justice and victim reparation, and ensures that conflict does not occur again. This bill aligns with our existing laws, Supreme Court decisions, and international standards on transitional justice,” Deuba added.

Acknowledging the pain inflicted on Nepali society by conflict-era incidents, Deuba also mentioned that victim families would now receive appropriate reparations. “The events during the armed conflict have caused suffering in Nepali society. Conflict victims have long been seeking justice,” he said. “The lack of proper reparations has caused additional pain to victims and their families. I believe that once this bill is enacted, all conflict victims will feel a sense of justice.”