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Nepal's Transitional Justice Process Stalls, Victims Anxious

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, March 22nd 2026 at 21:40 GMT by AFP
      Locale: NEPAL

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) - March 23, 2026 - Nepal's victims of the decade-long Maoist insurgency are expressing escalating anxiety as recent political developments threaten to further stall the country's already languishing transitional justice process. For over 15 years, those impacted by the brutal civil war (1996-2006) have sought accountability for the widespread human rights abuses committed during the conflict, but progress has been frustratingly slow, leading to a growing sense of abandonment.

The ten-year war, which claimed over 16,000 lives and left a legacy of trauma and displacement, ended with a comprehensive peace agreement. A key component of that agreement was the establishment of a process to address the grievances of victims and ensure justice for those responsible for atrocities. However, the implementation of this process has been plagued by political interference, insufficient resources, and persistent legal challenges.

In 2015, Nepal's parliament enacted two crucial laws, creating the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission of Investigation of Disappeared Persons (CIDP). These bodies were tasked with investigating complaints of human rights violations, providing reparations to victims, and recommending legal action against perpetrators. Despite initial optimism, both commissions have struggled to make substantial headway. Reports indicate a backlog of tens of thousands of cases, with limited capacity to investigate and prosecute effectively.

The recent ruling by the Supreme Court has further complicated the situation. The court stipulated that the TRC and CIDP lack the authority to investigate cases that have already been addressed by prior investigations or court rulings. While ostensibly intended to prevent duplication of effort, this decision effectively narrows the scope of the commissions' work, potentially leaving many victims without recourse. Critics argue that this ruling disproportionately benefits alleged perpetrators by shielding them from renewed scrutiny.

Advocates for victims are voicing strong concerns that the current political climate is exacerbating these challenges. Suman Adhikari, a leading advocate, expressed "extreme concern" about the potential impact of recent political developments on transitional justice. There's a growing perception that the current government, led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal--himself a former Maoist rebel leader--is facing internal pressure to weaken the transitional justice process. Accusations are surfacing of deliberate attempts to limit the commissions' mandate and protect individuals implicated in past abuses.

Nepal's political landscape has been notoriously unstable since the end of the insurgency. Successive governments, each with differing priorities, have struggled to address the complex legacy of the conflict. The current coalition government, while attempting to navigate a path towards stability, remains vulnerable to internal divisions and shifting alliances. Bishal Inamdar, a human rights activist, fears the government might entirely abandon the transitional justice process altogether, leaving victims stranded without answers or redress.

The lack of progress has eroded public trust in the justice system and fueled a sense of despair among victims. Durga Sob, whose husband disappeared during the conflict, poignantly captures the frustration felt by many. "We have been waiting for so long," she laments, "We don't know if we will ever get answers or accountability."

The situation extends beyond individual cases of loss and suffering. The failure to address past abuses risks perpetuating a culture of impunity, hindering national reconciliation, and potentially sowing the seeds for future conflict. Many international observers argue that a genuine commitment to transitional justice is essential for Nepal's long-term stability and development.

The lack of robust investigations and prosecutions also sends a dangerous message to potential perpetrators of human rights abuses in other contexts. Without accountability, there is little to deter future violations. Furthermore, the limited reparations provided to victims have been criticized as inadequate to address the full extent of their suffering and loss.

Looking ahead, several key steps are needed to revive Nepal's transitional justice process. These include strengthening the independence and capacity of the TRC and CIDP, ensuring adequate resources for investigations and prosecutions, and enacting comprehensive legal reforms to address impunity. Perhaps most crucially, there needs to be a genuine political commitment from all stakeholders to prioritize the needs of victims and ensure that justice is finally served. Without such commitment, the promise of a peaceful and just Nepal will remain unfulfilled. The international community also has a role to play, providing technical assistance and monitoring the progress of transitional justice efforts.