October 2023 Analysis: Gender and Social Inclusion & Human Rights
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres visited Nepal in October 2023 and urged the country to adopt a transitional justice system that meets international standards and to expedite the peace process. The government took a proactive step by deploying heavy security in Sarlahi during the Durga Visarjan festival, following a riot in September that sparked religious disharmony in Terai-Madhes. It is hoped that the government's measures will be sufficient to prevent further violence, as the politicization of communal issues has the potential to escalate the situation. The presidential pardon to Yog Raj Dhakal was overturned by the Supreme Court setting precedence for other similar cases.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres' recent visit to Nepal emphasized the need for the country's transitional justice system to meet international standards and for the peace process to be expedited. He met with key Nepali leaders and addressed the media, saying, "The United Nations stands ready to support Nepal to develop a process that meets international standards, the Supreme Court's rulings, and the needs of victims—and to put it into practice."
Guterres' visit was seen as an opportunity for Maoist victims of the decade-long insurgency to fight for their agendas and draw attention to their long struggle for justice. Two different organizations, the Conflict Victims Common Platform and the Conflict Victims National Network, had urged Guterres through a letter to the UN Resident Coordinator's Office to press the government to amend the Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act to ensure a victim-centric resolution.
The victims welcomed Guterres' statement that the UN was ready to support Nepal to develop the transitional justice process to meet international standards, the Supreme Court's rulings, and the needs of victims. However, they were disappointed that he did not meet with the victims and civil society, but only with the government representatives.
The incident sparked a continued religious disharmony in Terai-Madhes throughout the month of September, with sabotage and strikes occurring in the region in regards to religious matters. Conflicts have ensued between Muslim and the Hindu communities, causing widespread distress.
The government has been taking proactive measures to curb the dispute, as evidenced by the visit of Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha to Terai and the Home Ministry's mobilization of religious leaders to make a joint appeal. It is hoped that these measures will be sufficient, as the politicization of communal issues has the potential to escalate violence further. Politicians who use communal rhetoric often attract more voters and can create an environment in which violence is more likely to occur.
Timeline of Major Events
| Date | Event |
| Oct 24 | Heavy security personnel deployed in Sarlahi for Durga Bisarjan. |
| Oct 29 | UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres arrived in Kathmandu. He spoke about transitional justice, climate action, Nepal’s graduation from the least developed country, among others. |
| Nov 2 | The Supreme Court annuls the decision to grant presidential pardon to Yog Raj Dhakal. |
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Transitional Justice
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres' recent visit to Nepal emphasized the need for the country's transitional justice system to meet international standards and for the peace process to be expedited. He met with key Nepali leaders and addressed the media, saying, "The United Nations stands ready to support Nepal to develop a process that meets international standards, the Supreme Court's rulings, and the needs of victims—and to put it into practice."
Guterres' visit was seen as an opportunity for Maoist victims of the decade-long insurgency to fight for their agendas and draw attention to their long struggle for justice. Two different organizations, the Conflict Victims Common Platform and the Conflict Victims National Network, had urged Guterres through a letter to the UN Resident Coordinator's Office to press the government to amend the Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act to ensure a victim-centric resolution.
The victims welcomed Guterres' statement that the UN was ready to support Nepal to develop the transitional justice process to meet international standards, the Supreme Court's rulings, and the needs of victims. However, they were disappointed that he did not meet with the victims and civil society, but only with the government representatives.
Communal Riots: Persistent Threat in Madhes
In October, special security arrangements were adopted to ensure the safe submersion of the idol of Durga Mata in Sarlahi during the Dashain festival following the desecration of the idol. In September, a violent clash had erupted between two communities in Sarlahi while returning from a Krishnajanmashtami idol immersion ceremony, leading to the imposition of a two-day curfew in Malangwa, the district headquarters. The curfew intermittently continued throughout the month of September in Malangwa.The incident sparked a continued religious disharmony in Terai-Madhes throughout the month of September, with sabotage and strikes occurring in the region in regards to religious matters. Conflicts have ensued between Muslim and the Hindu communities, causing widespread distress.
The government has been taking proactive measures to curb the dispute, as evidenced by the visit of Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha to Terai and the Home Ministry's mobilization of religious leaders to make a joint appeal. It is hoped that these measures will be sufficient, as the politicization of communal issues has the potential to escalate violence further. Politicians who use communal rhetoric often attract more voters and can create an environment in which violence is more likely to occur.
CESIF Nepal