Survivors-centric approach stressed for transitional justice process

Kathmandu, Aug 2: Commitments have been expressed to ensuring meaningful participation of survivors in transitional justice processes, particularly in prosecutions and truth-seeking efforts, with a focus on guaranteeing justice and accountability.     

This assurance was given during a discussion organized on Friday by the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP) with survivors of conflict-era incidents and relevant stakeholders.     

The meeting aimed to support the drafting of rules in line with recent amendments to the Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Act, 2071 BS (2014). A survivor-centric approach was emphasized as central to both truth-finding and justice delivery.     

According to Commission Member and Spokesperson Shrijana Pokhrel, the discussions were attended by former commission officials, former secretaries, families of the disappeared, senior government officials, senior advocates, and other key stakeholders.     

Valuable input was received on several critical areas, including the formation of specialized units within the commission, the inclusion of thematic experts, procedures for investigation, repatriation, truth exploration, psychosocial support, security, and managing confidentiality and practical challenges.     

Spokesperson Pokhrel added that these submissions will be incorporated into the preliminary draft of the rules, which will then be submitted to the government.     

The submissions are expected to serve as a milestone in concluding the transitional justice process with a strong focus on a survivor-centric approach.(RSS)