The peace process and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Nepal : with case studies of Liberia, Sierra Leone and South Africa

  • Sunil Thapa

Western Sydney University thesis: Doctoral thesis

Abstract

Nepal is a small country in size that lies between India and China. This small country experienced a Maoist insurgency, known as the People's War that started in 1996 and ended in 2006. Different social, political and individual factors caused this war that saw massive human rights violations from both the rebels and the government. Between 15000 and 16000 Nepalese were killed, made homeless/displaced and disabled, abducted and/or disappeared; and thousands of properties were stolen or destroyed (Dhruba, 2005; Gyawali, 2009; Hada, 2001; Himalayan Times, 2005; Shakya, 2006; Thapa, 2004). The Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) ended the People's War in 2006; however, the peace process has not been completed. Nor have the massive human rights violations, causes and effects of the war been addressed. In 2015, 10 years after the CPA, a Nepali Truth and Reconciliation Commission was formed. The aim of this commission was to deliver justice to those who had experienced human rights violations during the insurgency and to create an atmosphere of reconciliation in Nepali society (Kantipur, 2015). This thesis examines the causes of the People's War in Nepal. It then presents case studies of the processes and outcomes of TRCs in Liberia, Sierra Leone and South Africa. These TRCs completed their functions in facilitating peace and delivering justice by providing the suggestions and recommendations. The special case studies provide significant guidance to the TRC of Nepal and suggest important recommendations such as reconciliation, rehabilitation and reparation procedures to complete the peace process (TRC, 1995, 2004, 2009).
Date of Award2017
Original languageEnglish

Keywords

  • Nepal. Truth and Reconciliation Commission
  • human rights
  • postwar reconstruction
  • Nepal
  • history
  • Civil War
  • 1996-2006

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