AFAD recently concluded a series of deeply moving meetings in Nepal with human rights defenders (HRDs) and the families of victims of enforced disappearances (ED). As the country navigates a "second transition" following recent Gen-Z protests, we are here to ensure that emerging political issues do not drown out the calls for transitional justice.

During our mission, we heard from families in Pokhara and beyond who have been waiting for over 20 years for answers. For these families, the pain of disappearance is unique; they live in a state of constant hope and high expectation that remains unfulfilled by the State. We at AFAD emphasize that these families are not mere victims—they are Human Rights Defenders in their own right, leading the struggle for accountability in a fragile sociopolitical climate.

Key takeaways from our mission include:

• The Need for Political Commitment: Despite the criminalization of ED in 2017, there is a stark lack of political will to address past impunity and deliver genuine truth and justice.
• The "Gen-Z" Connection: While the Gen-Z movement has raised vital demands regarding corruption and governance, there is a critical need to link current issues of impunity to the human rights violations of the past to prevent them from recurring.
• A Failing Institutional Framework: Many families and civil society organizations (CSOs) have expressed frustration with transitional justice commissions, which are often viewed as highly politicized and lacking in victim trust.
• Holistic Justice: Justice is more than just reparations. Families are calling for thorough investigations, the prosecution of perpetrators, and the protection of their cultural and psychological rights.

AFAD remains committed to expanding regional solidarity and making the issue of enforced disappearances universal. We urge the Government of Nepal to listen to the conflict victims, reform failing institutions, and ensure that democracy is sustained through the rule of law and human rights.

The struggle for the disappeared is the struggle for the soul of Nepal’s democracy. We will continue to stand with the families until every "where" is answered and justice is finally served. 🕊️