Conflict victims staged a demonstration at Maitighar on Thursday, demanding the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons through a credible, transparent, and victim-friendly process. Participants in the protest organized by the general conflict victim community demanded that victims must be mandatorily included in the formation of the commissions, arguing that commissions formed without meaningful participation of victims cannot fulfill the objectives of transitional justice.

They urged the government to consult with victims before forming the commissions, to appoint qualified and impartial commissioners, and to bring the long-stalled transitional justice process to a conclusion. Addressing the protest, senior human rights activist Charan Prasai said that by delaying transitional justice for 20 years, the country has become trapped in a cycle of impunity. He accused the state of not listening to the voices of conflict victims and complained that even the Parliamentary Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights has not held dialogue with the victims. He alleged that although the government is busy holding discussions with various groups, it does not appear willing to engage in dialogue with conflict victims.

Stating that the issue of transitional justice should not be delayed any further, he said that any attempt to delay or obstruct the process under any pretext would not be acceptable. Noting that even the new generation of civic activists has started raising the issue of transitional justice, he said there is now no alternative to resolving it.

Surendra Khatri, president of the National Network of Conflict Victims with Disabilities, said that even after two decades since the start of the peace process, victims have not received justice. He demanded that the new government immediately form the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons and appoint commissioners with the participation of victims. He complained that despite repeatedly sending letters and requesting meetings and consultations with the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Law Minister, the government has shown no interest. Although there were expectations that the transitional justice process would gain momentum under new political leadership, he said, the commissions were instead dissolved through an ordinance.

Geeta Rasaili, president of the National Network of Conflict Victim Women, said that although three commissions have been formed in the 20 years since the peace agreement, none of them have been able to work effectively. She said the main reason for the failure of the commissions is that they were formed without consulting the victims. She said that although she has learned the government is preparing to form new commissions, there has been no formal dialogue with the victims. She complained that despite making various efforts and submitting petitions to meet the Prime Minister and Law Minister, there has been no response. She said that commissions formed without the consent and participation of victims cannot resolve the problems of transitional justice.