Contemporary history shows blanket amnesty has failed
François Zimeray, French Ambassador for Human Rights, was in Kathmandu on a four-day (January 9-12) visit. One of the major objectives of his visit was “to place human rights at the heart of dialogue between the two countries”, especially when Nepal is undergoing a historic transition to stable peace and democracy. As a French human rights ambassador, he has visited several countries under post-conflict transition, including Iraq and the current visit to Nepal, he said, was his 88th in the last four years. Post’s Kamal Raj Sigdel spoke with Zimeray about the purpose of his visit and his overall impression. Excerpts:
What is the major agenda of your visit?
This is my 88th visit in the world in the last four years as a French government’s ambassador for human rights. I am here to encourage the actors engaged in promoting human rights. I am here to support the activities of the French Embassy and other organisations and also to dialogue with them.
I met people from all these categories, discussed issues, and expressed sensitivity of the international community on certain human rights issues. The ongoing peace process in Nepal is a very difficult process. I have seen many post-conflict transitions in the world. It is always a matter of dilemma — what should prevail: peace or justice? The answer is that justice needs serenity and appeasement to be done and peace needs justice to be consolidated. Both should go together following due process of truth and reconciliation.
Reconciliation requires pardon, but who could grant pardon? It is the victims. This is an important message I shared with my colleague, the government representatives and other leaders I met with.
You met the government officials and rights defenders. What is your overall impression?
I appreciate the freedom of expression in your country and the vibrant civil society, especially the human rights defenders. But the country needs to do more on ending impunity, among other things.
What was your major concern when you met different leaders and officials?
I am concerned about the fact that impunity [continues] in the security forces. It’s very important that the violations of human rights should be punished, whoever is the perpetrator.
Did you find the leadership committed to addressing the concerns?
They said they are committed to upholding human rights. I encourage them to go ahead. Here, I also see the role of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
I also said that if there is any case of human rights violations involving security forces, it should not be investigated by the same security force. It has to be investigated by an independent authority. We also mentioned the questions of blanket amnesty.
What’s your suggestion on that issue?
I said blanket amnesty should not be a carpet amnesty [laughter]. It is very important to say that if amnesty is granted without truth, I am skeptical if this tool lasts. I can give you very concrete examples in contemporary history in the world where the blanket amnesty has totally failed. Look at Chili, Cambodia and Argentina. All these three countries issued amnesty laws. But later, they scrapped the laws and started judging the rights violations.
Everyone is sensitive and interested to know what is happening in Nepal. I am not against pardon or amnesty. We in France also had amnesty. But what is important is it has to pass through truth and reconciliation process. Amnesty cannot be imposed on the victims. Victims don’t want revenge; they want to know what happened.
What could be the possible implication of Nepal choosing blanket amnesty?
It will disappoint the international community. Such a move will harm the image of the country. The international community may not see Nepal through the same eyes thereafter. It may not affect in the short-term. But in the mid-term, who knows? It will not be without consequences.
Unlike other Western countries, France had so far been silent on human rights issues. Why was it so?
France was active all the time on promoting human rights, including in Nepal. We were not so vocal earlier, as we were giving priority to a more discreet diplomacy. France contributes about 17 percent of the EU funding which indicates our engagement in Nepal’s development, including on the promotion of human rights, an EU priority.
Yesterday you said that the French Embassy would be turned into House for Human Rights. What does that mean?
This means that all the French missions abroad would now be playing active role in promoting human rights. The French Embassy in Kathmandu will also be developed as a House for Human Rights. This was decided in Paris recently. The first prize on human rights awarded to Shyam Kumari Sah by French Embassy in Kathmandu should give a very important message of my visit.
Posted on: 2012-01-17 09:03
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All of them discussed the issue. The result was the same...and we have committed to continue discussions on the issue till midnight.
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