A Deeper Justice: Economic and Social Justice as Transitional Justice in Nepal

Nepal's April 2008 election was a climactic end to a 12-year conflict. As the country transitions to peace, efforts are underway to ensure that perpetrators of killings, abductions and torture are held accountable. As valid as this goal might be, transitional justice mechanisms should not continue to neglect economic and social justice issues. This article begins by explaining economic and social injustice as both a root and a product of Nepal's conflict, and demonstrates the deep commitment reflected in Nepal's peace agreement to addressing this injustice. This is juxtaposed with international and local transitional justice efforts that concentrate overwhelmingly on civil and political rights. After addressing the possibility of relegating economic and social justice to the development and postconflict reconstruction fields, the article suggests ways in which Nepal's transitional justice efforts might pursue such justice.