The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) called on the Nepalese government to uphold a Supreme Court decision rejecting the possibility of amnesty for suspected perpetrators of war crimes and other human rights abuses.
“Nepal’s Supreme Court has once again firmly reasserted the right of the victims of human rights violations to seek justice,” said Sam Zarifi, ICJ’s Asia Director. “This bold and principled decision should finally end the cynical attempts by politicians from all Nepal’s major parties, as well as the military, to legislate impunity and shield themselves from accountability.”
The decision on Thursday by Nepal’s top court said two bodies set up to investigate abuses committed during the country’s civil conflict could not grant amnesty, overturning the power to do so after a mass petition by 234 victims.
“The Government must immediately take all necessary steps to implement the court ruling, including to ensure criminal investigation of FIRs, and address the concerns raised by the victims on the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance,” added Mr Zarifi.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Nepal could violate core principles of international law, says UN rights chief (15 April 2014)
‘Victims don’t forget’ says UN in Nepal (28 April 2013)