OHCHR and NHRC organise workshop on transitional justice

OHCHR-Nepal's Far-Western Regional Office in association with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) conducted a workshop on transitional justice Monday with organisations which represent traditionally marginalised groups in the region.

According to an OHCHR statement, the International Centre for Transitional Justice and the Kanchanpur district Conflict Victim's Association, formed by Advocacy Forum, contributed their expertise.

The participants included representatives of those most affected by the conflict but were largely excluded from any consultation on how the state should properly address the consequences of the conflict.

Participants were given an opportunity to share their experiences, identify the cause and consequences of the conflict and to explore possible responses in the post-conflict period. As such, the organisations were given the tools to make a meaningful contribution to a national process on transitional justice and to have their voices heard prior to the establishment of any mechanisms, such as a Commission on Disappearances or a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), OHCHR said.

Participants agreed to explore within their organisations ways to broaden the consultation process at the local level, and to meet again in a week's time to discuss possible initiatives. nepalnews.com ia Oct 20 08