A group of insurgency victims on Tuesday called on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to withhold its support for Nepal’s transitional justice commissions and support their demand for the resignation of the newly appointed commissioners.

Writing a letter to Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights—following a meeting with Rory Mungoven, OHCHR’s Asia-Pacific Region chief—the victims expressed disappointment at attempts to persuade them to engage in the “flawed” commissions. The victims claimed Mungoven’s stance disregarded the core principles of victim-centred transitional justice and international human rights norms, betraying the very foundations of justice they seek.

“This has deepened our anguish, re-traumatised our communities, and strengthened our resolve to demand a credible process,” reads their letter. According to the victims present at the meeting, Mungoven suggested that, as the commissions have already been formed, it would be better to engage with the process for the victims’ benefit rather than boycott it altogether.

“We categorically said victims don’t need suggestions as to what they should be doing,” said Ram Bhandari, coordinator of the National Network of the Victims of Serious Violations of Human Rights. The victims suggested that Mungoven stay committed to a principled, rights-based approach to transitional justice, grounded in international norms and Nepal’s Supreme Court rulings—which demand impartiality, independence, and victim participation.

“He [Mungoven] met us after assuring the government and commissions of the OHCHR’s support. It seems he came to persuade victims,” said Suman Adhikari, founding chairperson of the Conflict Victims Common Platform.

Mungoven, however, said he is here for consultations and it is clear the UN’s role is to support a victim-centred approach that meets international standards.

“I have been encouraging the government to help create the right environment, by reaching out to the victims and ensuring their confidence, trust and meaningful participation in the process,” he said in response to a query by the Post. “I hope all the stakeholders can find a way through dialogue to bridge the gap in the interests of truth and justice. At this time of many global crises Nepal can be an example of hope for the region and the world.”

In their letter to Türk, the victims have requested the UN’s human rights agency to refrain from endorsing or promoting engagement with commissions that lack legitimacy, transparency, and victims’ trust. Such support risks entrenching impunity and undermining human rights, they said.

“Instead, we seek your solidarity in advocating for a reset of the TJ process — one that is transparent, inclusive, and victim-led, capable of delivering genuine justice and institutional reform,” according to the letter.

They also urged OHCHR to stand firm on international standards and Supreme Court rulings that require the transitional justice process in Nepal to be impartial, independent and inclusive.

The victims reiterated their demand for the resignation of the newly appointed commissioners, calling their selection illegitimate and one that could jeopardise public trust in the justice process.

“After twenty years of waiting, we refuse to remain silent observers of our marginalisation,” they declared, adding that they are prepared to continue their struggle for truth, justice, and institutional reform. “We are confident that OHCHR, as a global custodian of human rights, will champion our just struggle and uphold the principles of dignity, truth, and accountability.”

A group of victims has been refusing to engage with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons unless they are reconstituted in consultations with concerned stakeholders, adopting an impartial and fair selection process.

Amid their warning of non-cooperation, the government and the major political parties have started engaging the victims’ leaders. On Monday, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak; Agni Kharel, human rights and transitional justice advisor to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli; and Khim Lal Devkota, CPN (Maoist Centre) leader, held a meeting with the victims.

In the meeting, Lekhak urged the victims to take part in the process, assuring them of an environment that accommodates their concerns. He also proposed further dialogue.

Lekhak, Kharel and Devkota are among the transitional justice focal points from their respective parties.

“We said victims have never rejected dialogue and we are always open to it,” said Bhandari, the coordinator of the national network for victims. “We agreed to sit again soon.”