KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government to expedite the peace process.

In a press release issued on the 19th anniversary of the comprehensive peace accord, spokesperson Dr Tikaram Pokharel stressed the importance of the government addressing victims’ complaints without delay, implementing the NHRC’s recommendations concerning conflict-era matters, and ensuring that the needs of victims are prioritized as transitional justice comes to a close.

It has been 19 years since the peace process began with the comprehensive peace accord signed between the Government of Nepal and the then CPN (Maoist) on 5 Mangsir 2063 (November 21, 2006).

Although some commitments outlined in the comprehensive peace agreement have been fulfilled, the Commission has found that the victims’ right to timely justice remains unmet, as efforts to deliver justice to those impacted by the conflict have not materialized.

The NHRC noted that victims are worried about the confidentiality of their complaints, suffer further due to delays in justice, were not sufficiently consulted during the establishment of commissions, some have not had access to free treatment, and both the government and political parties have displayed a lack of seriousness towards the needs of those affected by the conflict.

Additionally, there is a concern that their rights may be neglected following the Gen-Z movement. The commission has been diligently investigating, making decisions, and providing recommendations on complaints related to the conflict period.

However, it pointed out that the failure to act on its recommendations against those responsible for human rights violations, along with the lack of reparations for victims, has left conflict-affected individuals and their families feeling that justice remains elusive.