Nepal

Operating in a legal vacuum

Nepali law on human rights remains riddled with deficiencies, impeding access to justice and reparations. TRIAL International has maintained its lobbying efforts towards the government and raising awareness among the international community.

The many shapes of impunity

The existence of transitional justice mechanisms has caused ordinary courts to refuse to address new conflict-era cases, arguing they were not competent. TRIAL International has had to adapt its strategy, including resorting to the TRC and CIEDP as part of the legal support offered to victims.

Empowering local actors

For the second year, TRIAL International held a year-long training for four lawyers. The program combined group seminars and individualized coaching sessions. Working on real cases under TRIAL’s supervision, participants were able, at the end of their training, to litigate human rights cases in complete autonomy.

Reinforce the rule of law from within

Guaranteeing effective rights for victims

The UN Human Rights Committee has repeatedly found Nepal responsible for human rights violations, yet none of its decisions has ever been fully implemented. With their Real Rights Now campaign, TRIAL International and its partners urged the government to translate UN recommendations into concrete measures.

Victims don’t need words, they need change

Mr. Lakpa Tamang, whose case was brought to justice by TRIAL International, received compensation not from State funds, but by his perpetrators. This unprecedented decision sends the message that criminals alone will face the consequences of their acts.

Tortured child sets national precedent  

What makes TRIAL International’s work unique?

• It is the only NGO to bring new cases to the UN Human Rights Committee (HRC)

• It leads the coalition to enforce HRC decisions

• It is the only NGO to provide year-long training to local actors, using a combination of theory and practice