Kathmandu: Chairperson of the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP), Leela Devi Gadtaula, has pledged to introduce a new by-law aimed at delivering justice to conflict survivors without further delay. This announcement was made during an interaction organized by the CIEDP on transitional justice with survivors and relevant stakeholders.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Gadtaula emphasized the necessity of consultations for drafting the new by-law, stating, “The Act is available for us. Now is the time to prepare the new by-law being based on the Act.” She added that the Commission would initiate its work by developing an annual action plan.
Sharmila Tripathi, former Chief of Sudurapschim Province and a member of the families of the enforced disappeared persons, called for the Commission to disclose the truthful details of disappeared persons. She expressed that it was time to take action as the survivors have endured significant pain. Tripathi urged the Commission to implement concrete actions rather than merely summoning survivors to share their experiences. She highlighted the difficulties survivors face in securing employment and advocated for a separate reservation system to guarantee job opportunities.
Nepal Bar Association Chairperson Bijaya Prasad Mishra stressed the importance of focusing efforts on addressing the demands of the survivors. Civil society activist Shanta Raj Mulmi advised the Commission to work earnestly to meet the needs of conflict survivors. Human rights activist Subodh Pyakurel emphasized the need for the Commission to operate based on mutual consensus beyond the existing rules and laws.
Members of the families of enforced disappeared persons have suggested the development of an annual work plan to guide the Commission’s actions. To date, 2,542 complaints from families of disappeared persons have been registered with the Commission.