E-Paper
EU alarmed by provisions of Nepal bill
The EU has expressed alarm over the draft bill of Truth and Reconciliation Commission as some of the provisions are not up to international standards and are against the democratic principles, reports Anirban Roy.
The European Union has expressed alarm over the draft bill of Truth and Reconciliation Commission as some of the provisions are not up to international standards and are against the democratic principles.
British Ambassador to Nepal, Andrew Hall on Wednesday met Ram Chandra Poudel, Nepal’s Minister for Peace and Reconciliation and expressed concern over the proposed truth bill.
Though Hall welcomed the idea of forming a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), he said, “The EU is concerned with some of the provisions in the bill which do not meet international standards and will not advance democratic principles.”
According to the proposed bill, the TRC can recommend amnesty to anybody found guilty of violating human rights or crime against humanity while performing his duty or for any political achievement.
The British Ambassador, who holds the EU Presidency in Nepal, said granting of amnesty to human rights violators, including those guilty of the grave crimes of torture and murder, is incorrect.
“This is not the basis on which lasting peace can be built,” Hall said, adding that the TRC should be established only after extensive discussions among different parties including the victims.
Hall claimed that addressing the past on the basis of truth, justice and reparation would allow Nepal to look forward and build a society where violence is unacceptable and the rule of law is respected.
Later, Poudel assured the British Ambassador that the draft truth bill would be passed only after consultation with all stakeholders and the commission would operate in compliance with the international laws.
