Methodology

Human Rights Watch conducted the original research into the 62 cases highlighted in this report in October 2007 with the assistance of Advocacy Forum. Advocacy Forum provides legal assistance to many of the victims in these cases and has continued to monitor cases, visit police stations and courts, review files, and conduct interviews with victims and their families. Lawyers and staff based in the respective districts have met with the victims many times. They conducted dozens of interviews with families in Baglung, Banke, Dhading, Kanchanpur, Kaski, Kavre, Morang, Tanahun, and Udayapur districts in September 2009. Interviews were conducted with the full consent of the interviewees and as far as possible in private. Interviewees were informed of the purpose of the interviews and provided information on a voluntary basis. At no time did the interviewers offer or promise compensation.

Human Rights Watch sought the views of the Nepal Army by sending a letter by mail, fax, and email to Jag. Brigadier General Nirendra Prasad Aryal on August 3, 2009, seeking information about the outcome of internal army investigations into the cases. (See Appendix II). The head of the army’s Human Rights Directorate had promised to provide such information during a meeting at army headquarters with Human Rights Watch in September 2008. Human Rights Watch sent the fax again on August 6, and a staff member confirmed delivery. At this writing, we have received no reply.