14 April 2014 – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights today voiced grave concern at a bill presented to the Nepalese Parliament which could lead to amnesties for serious human rights violations, saying it would weaken the foundation for a genuine peace in the country.
Under the bill, which is aimed at creating a truth and reconciliation commission and a commission on disappearances, these two bodies will be granted the powers to recommend amnesties, including for serious human rights violations, or to excuse perpetrators of such violations from prosecution.
“While I welcome steps taken by the Government of Nepal to take the transitional justice process forward, I am extremely concerned by its new attempt to introduce amnesties for serious human rights violations,” Navi Pillay said in a news release.
“Such amnesties not only violate core principles under international law but would also weaken the foundation for a genuine and lasting peace in Nepal,” she added.
The High Commissioner stressed that the people of Nepal have the right to know the truth about what happened during the decade-long, internal armed conflict which affected their country, through a genuine truth process.
“This process should be victim-centred, depoliticised and should respect the right to a remedy and accountability through criminal prosecution,” she stated.
Remaining
Under the bill, which is aimed at creating a truth and reconciliation commission and a commission on disappearances, these two bodies will be granted the powers to recommend amnesties, including for serious human rights violations, or to excuse perpetrators of such violations from prosecution.
“While I welcome steps taken by the Government of Nepal to take the transitional justice process forward, I am extremely concerned by its new attempt to introduce amnesties for serious human rights violations,” Navi Pillay said in a news release.
“Such amnesties not only violate core principles under international law but would also weaken the foundation for a genuine and lasting peace in Nepal,” she added.
The High Commissioner stressed that the people of Nepal have the right to know the truth about what happened during the decade-long, internal armed conflict which affected their country, through a genuine truth process.
“This process should be victim-centred, depoliticised and should respect the right to a remedy and accountability through criminal prosecution,” she stated.
Remaining
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