Kathmandu: The United Nations has welcomed the adoption of new transitional justice legislation in Nepal, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts towards accountability and reconciliation after its civil war.

The new law, officially titled the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons, Truth, and Reconciliation Commission Act, seeks to ensure truth and accountability for the serious human rights violations committed by all parties during the decade-long conflict in Nepal.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk praised the legislation as a crucial advancement, stating that it brings victims of human rights violations closer to truth, justice, and reparations. He emphasized that 18 years after the end of the conflict, and following several attempts to finalize such legislation, this new law represents a critical phase in Nepal's peace process.

Türk also lauded Nepal as "a regional and global example of a successful peaceful transition towards democratic, constitutional, and federal governance." He highlighted the potential of transitional justice as a tool to break cycles of violence and impunity, as well as an opportunity to address deep-rooted inequalities and discrimination that contributed to the conflict.

The Bill related to transitional justice was recently endorsed by both the House of Representatives (HoR) and the National Assembly (NA) of Nepal. It will now be sent to the President for authentication, after which it will become law.

The UN has expressed its readiness to support Nepal as it moves forward with implementing this important legislation.