International Support for Nepal’s Transitional Justice Efforts: Joint Statement Issued by 9 Countries and EU

In a joint statement released today, 9 countries and European Union expressed their strong support for Nepal’s recent advancements in transitional justice, particularly lauding the passage of the Investigation of Disappeared Persons, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act 2071 (Amendment) Bill by both houses of the Federal Parliament.

The statement, shared by the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, highlighted the critical role of victim participation in the decision-making process as the Government of Nepal proceeds with implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Act. The undersigned nations—comprising the United States, Switzerland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Norway, Japan, Finland, the European Union, Germany, and France—expressed their commitment to exploring potential avenues of support for the Government of Nepal to benefit the victims of past conflicts.

While recognizing that the transitional justice process is still in its early stages, the statement underscored the importance of hearing from the Government of Nepal about specific needs to ensure the effective functioning of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission and the Commission on the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons. The signatories called for unity among all stakeholders to successfully conclude this significant chapter of Nepal’s history.