Dhanusha, 25 March 2024: In a concerted effort to bolster support for conflict victims and strengthen civil society engagement, a two-day interaction programme was held in Lalgadh, Mithila Municipality, Dhanusha District, Madhesh Province.
Coinciding with the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, the event brought together 23 victims from the Madhesh province alongside eight representatives of civil society organisations.
Amidst the backdrop of the Madhesh Province’s unique challenges, characterised by a low concentration of conflict victims and limited civil society initiatives catering to their needs, the programme sought to foster collaboration and advocacy efforts. Notably, the establishment of a foundation dedicated to the welfare of victims of the Madhesh Movement and Armed Conflict signalled progress in interim reparative activities within the province.
During the deliberations, conflict victims lamented the lack of unity among victims, which hampered effective advocacy efforts. In response, a province-level victims’ network comprising nine members was formed, pledging to actively advocate for victims of armed conflict and maintain close ties with civil society organisations for mutual support.
Representatives from the foundation and other civil society entities contributed valuable insights and pledged ongoing support to the victims’ network. Additionally, updates on the national transitional justice process were shared, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of broader developments in the field.
As the programme concluded, participants departed with a renewed sense of unity and purpose, committed to collective action and collaboration to address the challenges faced by conflict victims in the Madhesh Province.
