The Human Rights and Justice Centre (HRJC) improves access to justice for victims of human rights violations in Nepal such as torture, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and sexual violence. Registered in Nepal since 2017 and based in Kathmandu, it was created with the support of TRIAL International, a Geneva-based NGO specializing in seeking justice for survivors of mass atrocities.

Over a decade of impunity

From 1996 to 2006, Nepal experienced an armed civil conflict opposing the government to the Maoist insurgents. In that period, many human rights abuses were committed by both parties including torture, sexual violence, enforced disappearances, and murder. Over a decade after the conflict ended, it remains extremely difficult for victims to access justice.

Since the end of the conflict, human rights violations, such as arbitrary executions and torture are still prevalent throughout Nepal. Here too, victims are discouraged from seeking justice by the length and complexity of the procedures, the unwillingness of the authorities to take action, and a lack of awareness of existing avenues to justice. Others still fear retaliation if they speak up.

As a result, tens of thousands of Nepalis are still awaiting justice. Only when they can truly uphold their rights will the country build solid and lasting peace.

OUR PARTNERS

The Human Rights and Justice Centre could not exist without the generous support of its institutional partners. It is particularly grateful to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the German Embassy in Nepal and the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. It also extends its gratitude towards the European Union, MISEREOR and Canton of Geneva.

MISSION

Our mission is to create a culture of human rights compliance and accountability in Nepal and act as a catalyst for social change based on the principles of gender equality, substantive equality, and intersectional justice to address human rights violations.