Nepal's transitional justice on path of reconciliation: FM Gyawali

Kathmandu, Oct. 3: Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has said that each conflict situation was unique and demanded context-specific solution.

“As there is no universal model for conflict resolution, there is no single model for addressing the issues of peace and justice,” he said while addressing the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit the other day in New York, USA.

According to him, the main thrust of Nepal’s peace process has been to achieve reconciliation by healing the wounds of the conflict.

“We believe that as long as the parties to the conflict choose to address accountability issues through a functioning national justice system and seek accommodation through reconciliation, it would be unnecessary to suggest for recourse to international justice system,” said Gyawali.

“Nepal has allowed independent transitional justice process take its course as per the laws. We are now well on the path of reconciliation by ensuring social justice, nurturing inclusive society, and delivering good governance,” he added.

He said that Mandela taught the world about the strength of unity, power of discipline, influence of humility and result of diligence.

Gyawali stated that the South African freedom fighter also taught the importance of reconciliation, forgiveness and compassion, even by forgiving those who had taken his everything away.

“Mandela is indeed an epitome of struggle, freedom, human dignity and democracy. His ideals will continue to inspire humanity,” he said.

The Foreign Minister recalled that Nepal has been a member of the UN Special Committee against apartheid since its inception and as a vice chair for 25 years.

Nepal shares the vicissitudes of Africa’s revolutionary past. Our history is illustrated by long struggles against aggression of imperialists; authoritarian regimes; socio-economic and political oppression; and the most recent peace process, he said.

According to him, Nepali people have demonstrated exemplary resilience in pursuit of peace. Political forces exhibited wisdom and chose path of peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogues and accommodation, the ideals embraced by Mandela.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 4 September 2018.