Nepal

In 1996, a violent armed conflict started between Maoist insurgents and the Government of Nepal. Nearly 14,000 persons died during the ten year-long civil war that followed. Grave human rights violations, such as arbitrary arrests, abductions, rapes, torture and extrajudicial executions were committed by both sides. The practice of enforced disappearances was particularly widespread, with more than 2,100 cases reported during the conflict. Despite the signature of a peace agreement between the Maoists and the government in November 2006, the authorities have failed to initiate any serious investigations into the crimes perpetrated during the war. As a result, authors of crimes enjoy a de facto immunity, while victims are still denied access to truth, justice and reparations.