Nepal Passes New Law to Help Victims of 1996-2006 Conflict
On August 15, Nepal’s House of Representatives endorsed the Enforced Disappearances, Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Third Amendment) Act 2024. This new law aims to address human rights violations from the 1996-2006 insurgency.
Key Features of the New Law
The law lists intentional and arbitrary killings as serious human rights violations and reduces sentences for the guilty by 75%. Victims unwilling to reconcile can take their cases to court. Disqualified Maoist combatants, including child soldiers, and families of security personnel who were killed or injured will receive compensation.
Government and Leaders’ Support
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli assured that the necessary commissions would be formed and effective. He emphasized that the law would help Nepal address transitional justice issues quickly. Other leaders, including former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and former guerilla leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also praised the bill.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the support, some victims and activists argue that the bill does not fully address crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons have been inactive for over two years due to a lack of leadership, which will now be addressed with the new law.
Conclusion
The new law is seen as a significant step in concluding the peace process initiated in 2006. However, its effectiveness in delivering justice to all victims remains to be seen.
Doubts Revealed
Nepal -: Nepal is a country located in South Asia, right next to India. It is known for its beautiful mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world.
House of Representatives -: The House of Representatives is a part of the government where elected officials make and pass laws. It’s like a big meeting where important decisions are made for the country.
Enforced Disappearances -: Enforced disappearances happen when people are taken away secretly by the government or other groups, and their families don’t know where they are or what happened to them.
Enquiry -: An enquiry is an official investigation to find out the truth about something, like a crime or a problem.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission -: A Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a group set up to find out the truth about past wrongdoings and help people heal and move forward. They listen to victims and try to make things right.
Amendment -: An amendment is a change or addition to a law or a document. It helps to update or improve the rules.
Insurgency -: An insurgency is a rebellion or fight against the government by a group of people. It often involves violence and conflict.
Human rights violations -: Human rights violations are actions that take away people’s basic rights and freedoms, like the right to live safely and be treated fairly.
Compensation -: Compensation is money or help given to someone who has been hurt or suffered a loss. It is meant to make up for the harm they experienced.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli -: KP Sharma Oli is a political leader in Nepal. He has served as the Prime Minister, which is like the head of the government, making important decisions for the country.
Activists -: Activists are people who work hard to bring about change in society. They often fight for rights, justice, and improvements in their communities.
Crimes against humanity -: Crimes against humanity are very serious crimes that hurt many people, like torture, murder, or slavery. These crimes are considered wrong by the whole world.
