Kathmandu: Chairperson of the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP), Lila Devi Gadtaula, has affirmed her commitment to ensuring justice for conflict victims through dialogue with victims, experts, and stakeholders. In a recent interaction with editors, Gadtaula emphasized the importance of support from all relevant bodies to the Commission, promising to approach the resolution of conflict victims’ issues with sensitivity and responsibility.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Chairperson Gadtaula urged media professionals to report factual, fair, and authorized news, while respecting the privacy and human dignity of victims. She appealed for media support in fostering public mandates in favor of victims through accurate news dissemination.
Gadtaula highlighted that CIEDP is operating transparently and accountably in accordance with existing laws and regulations, and is committed to adhering to national and international practices and precedents on transitional justice. She noted that since the appointment of office bearers, including herself, the Commission has been actively engaging in discussions and reviewing past activities as part of its future planning.
Commission Secretary Khem Raj Gyawali assured that CIEDP’s operations would proceed smoothly once the necessary regulations, schedules, action plans, and operational networks were established. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing psychosocial counseling in addressing the issues faced by conflict victims.
CIEDP Spokesperson Srijana Pokharel revealed that the Commission has received 2,542 complaints to date, with the deadline for complaint registration extended by three months. Pokharel stressed the importance of regular interaction with media personnel and suggested that designating a ‘focal person’ could facilitate easier news dissemination.
The Commission received the highest number of complaints from Lumbini Province and the lowest from Madhes Province, with Bardiya district recording the most complaints at 259, and Rasuwa the fewest at three.