OHCHR asks govt to not to form TRC in haste

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Nepal has expressed concern that a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) might be established before essential, broad-based public consultations can be completed.

Stating that it has confirmed that the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction planning to submit draft legislation to the Cabinet within weeks, OHCHR in a statement Friday said that the timetable would be inadequate consultations.

OHCHR-Nepal Representative Richard Bennett in a letter to the Ministry on Friday said establishment of the commission without broad nationwide consultations with all stakeholders – including victims –would be neither effective nor legitimate.

The UN rights body also urged the Ministry to delay submitting the draft bill and establishing the commission, and amend the 23-point agreement signed by the political parties if necessary to permit the postponement and urged government to design and implement a comprehensive strategy for broad-based national consultations.

"The strategy should be designed with the input of experts and stakeholders such as human rights experts, victims' representatives, community and religious leaders, academics, judges and experts on reconciliation," the statement said.

The OHCHR raised questions about the participants at consultations held by the ministry in Palpa district recently about the conceptual framework of the proposed TRC, including on issues such as its composition, its mandate concerning timeframe and subject matter, the scope of reparations, and the place of victims in the process.

"The work of a truth and reconciliation commission can make an important contribution to creating a culture of peace in Nepal based on justice, reconciliation and reparations. But it must be understood and fully supported by the people of Nepal if it is to be credible and effective. Thus, how that TRC is established and how it works are essential matters that should be rushed," said Bennett, adding, "Full public consultations are essential also if the TRC is to succeed in bringing justice and closure to victims of the conflict and to their families." nepalnews.com ia Jan 04 07