Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has reaffirmed the government's dedication to establishing a credible transitional justice system that uncovers the truth and provides reparations to survivors of human rights abuses.

Addressing the National Conference on Sentencing Regime in the Context of Nepal's Transitional Justice Process, the Prime Minister pledged to hold those accountable for grave human rights violations and work toward fostering reconciliation in society. He stressed that the government would adhere to the Comprehensive Peace Accord, the Supreme Court of Nepal's directives, relevant international commitments, and victims' concerns in this pursuit.

The event, organized by Advocacy Forum and the International Commission on Jurists (ICJ), gathered support from various sectors, including survivors, civil society organizations, political parties, and the international community, to ensure the successful conclusion of the transitional justice process.

PM Dahal explained that although the Bill to amend the Enforced Disappearance and Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act of 2014 was tabled in Parliament in July 2022, it couldn't be passed due to the expiration of the parliament's tenure. However, the bill has been reintroduced with some modifications in the new parliament and is currently under consideration in the parliamentary committee.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that the committee would address the concerns raised by stakeholders. If the bill is passed, it will pave the way for a comprehensive and coherent transitional justice strategy that aims to satisfy survivors' rights while achieving lasting peace.

PM Dahal noted that Nepal's new constitution, an outcome of the peace agreement, incorporates nearly all human rights principles from international human rights law. He highlighted the constitution's immediate enforcement of economic, social, and cultural rights as a significant accomplishment stemming from the conflict.

Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha also emphasized the importance of prioritizing justice throughout the transitional justice process, asserting that a sustainable peace is attainable by doing so.

Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, the United Nations resident coordinator of Nepal, stressed the involvement of stakeholders and survivors in the process to ensure its effectiveness.

Santiago A Canton, the secretary general of ICJ, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to address survivors' concerns in the transitional justice process.

Suman Adhikari, a representative from the survivors' community, called upon the Prime Minister and political leaders to give special attention to concluding the process, ensuring justice for survivors.