Nepal yesterday apprised the Human Rights Council in Geneva of setting up a transitional justice mechanism in line with international standards‚ incorporating the provisions enshrined in the national statute and past agreements among the parties.

Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations Shankar Bairagi strongly defended Nepal at the 22nd Session of the Human Rights Council‚ saying a transitional justice mechanism would help completing the peace process and would lay a concrete foundation for lasting peace. 

“The establishment of a Transitional Justice Mechanism in line with the international standards and provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Accord and Interim Constitution of Nepal to suit the specific needs of the country is an important step in completing the peace process‚” Bairagi told the session.

He further said an ordinance bill for the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is going to be resubmitted soon after necessary revisions and assent of the President‚ according to the statement issued by the Permanent Mission of Nepal in Geneva.

Responding to questions raised on Nepal’s human rights track record‚ prevailing violence against rights’ defenders and on alleged protection of perpetrators during the General Segment‚ the envoy told the council about the government’s sincere efforts towards concluding the peace process. He also said the technical aspect of the peace process has been completed with the integration of the Maoist combatants into the national army. 

Bairagi further said a new Constituent Assembly under a neutral‚ non-partisan government would bring the peace process to its logical conclusion. “We need continued and constructive support from the international community at a time when we are undergoing a democratic transition of historic proportion‚” he added.

Reiterating Nepal’s unflinching commitment to democracy‚ human rights‚ rule of law and inclusive development‚ he said the country has mainstreamed a rights-based approach in such development processes. The envoy told the council that gender equality remains the top priority and effective legal and institutional measures are being taken to end gender-based violence‚ including domestic violence. 

“Nepal respects and safeguards the rights of human rights-defenders‚ journalists and women rights activists‚” Bairagi said.

Published on : 2 March 2013 | The Himalayan Times