Introduction
Throughout 2013, the prolonged political transition to democracy in Nepal marginalized calls for human rights, accountability, and rule of law. Following the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly on May 28, 2012, political bargaining put concern for human rights on the backburner. Institutional reforms to curb torture, guarantee freedom of assembly and expression, and bring security forces under the rule of law have been negated in the absence of an elected parliament.
However, this has not prevented the interim government from attempting to entrench impunity, in its pushing for an ordinance establishing a commission on transitional justice entrusted with power to grant amnesty to perpetrators of human rights violations. Raising voice to demand justice has placed rights defenders, victims, and journalists at risk; a resurgence of attacks against rights defenders working against impunity has been particularly disconcerting.
In spite of the vacuum in political leadership, the Nepali people have continued to demand that impunity for human rights violations committed during the conflict be brought to an end. Notable, in this regard is the ‘Occupy Baluwatar” movement which has gathered every day since December 28, 2012, in front of the Prime Minister’s residence.
On 19 November 2013, the second Constituent Assembly elections were conducted with a record 78% turnout. Newly elected Parliamentarians face the herculean task of developing strong and stable democratic institutions, ensuring that all in Nepal benefit from the protection of the rule of law.