Commitment, Opportunism and Post-Conflict Reparations in the Aftermath of Mass Violence: The Case of Nepal

• In Event: Reckoning with State Crimes in South Asia

Abstract

Victims occupy a central place in transitional justice processes. Existing research emphasizes the importance of transitional justice mechanisms for rebuilding societies in the aftermath of civil war. Less work has been done on understanding the role of former rival parties in the transitional justice process. This research argues that ex-rival parties play a critical role in transitional justice processes. By signing peace agreements, warring parties put themselves at risk of being held accountable for war crimes. How do these parties behave if peace agreements are not immediately followed by transition to a democratic regime? Can erstwhile rivals emerge as spoilers of the transitional justice process?
The civil war in Nepal (1996-2006), which was rooted in the substantial inequalities in society, provides a perfect test case to evaluate the fairness of transitional justice processes. Compensation that was provided by the government during and particularly in the aftermath of the war should reflect the need to right past injustices in society and the need for fairness and transparency in the treatment of victims in the aftermath of civil war.

Author

• Dr. Prakash Adhikari, Central Michigan University