Book excerpt: Three years after a historic peace agreement ended a decade-long armed conflict, specifically promising greater respect for human rights and accountability, impunity remains firmly entrenched in Nepal. No member of the security forces or the Maoists has been held to account in civilian courts for grave human rights abuses committed during the conflict; most cases that have been filed are stalled. Human rights violations committed since the end of the conflict also continue to go unpunished: cases against suspects are routinely withdrawn, with the victims offered token amounts of money. Ending impunity for past and continuing violations is essential if Nepal is to continue to move away from violence and more firmly establish the rule of law.