Nepal - May 2025

On 14 May 2025, the government appointed 10 officials to lead the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons, aimed at addressing human rights abuses committed during the 1996-2006 armed conflict. Despite being established nearly a decade ago, the bodies were without leadership for the past two years. The government’s passage of the transitional justice law in 2024 allowed for new leadership appointments to be made. However, rights groups and victims have criticized the selection process for being politically influenced and lacking transparency, with no public consultation. Conflict victims have urged the government to correct the flawed process or risk undermining the justice effort altogether. Although no direct response to these concerns have been given, officials have expressed that they are committed to ensuring justice for victims and urged citizens to trust in the process and commissioners.

Sources: International IDEA, The Kathmandu Post (1), The Kathmandu Post (2), Human Rights Watch, The Kathmandu Post (3)