27 April 2024, Nepalgunj, Lumbini Province: An interaction programme on April 27, 2024, brought together conflict victims from Dang, Banke, and Bardiya districts with civil society organizations (CSOs) and stakeholders to discuss transitional justice and victims’ right to reparation.
Organised by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and Advocacy Forum-Nepal (AF), the programme saw participation from 48 individuals. Advocate Basanta Gautam, Senior Province Coordinator of Lumbini Province, facilitated the event.
Dr. Mandira Sharma, Senior International Legal Advisor, and Advocate Kashiram Dhungana, National Legal Advisor of ICJ, presented comprehensive information on national laws related to enforced disappearances. They also shed light on advocacy efforts and strategies undertaken by CSOs and conflict victims nationwide to achieve justice for victims.
Participants expressed concern about the government’s move to appoint the Transitional Justice (TJ) Commissioner Appointment Recommendation Committee before amending the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Act. They voiced their agreement with the ongoing national movement led by conflict victim leaders on this issue.
The event also served as a platform to share a recent Supreme Court judgement recognizing the right of wives of the victims of the enforced disappearances to social security benefits and other facilities available to spouses of the victims of murder and extrajudicial killings.
Additionally, the programme aimed to connect wives of the disappeared with existing conflict victim networks in the province. Leaders of victim groups from respective districts were invited to facilitate this connection.
