Nepal
In 2005, after a decade long Maoist rebellion against the governing monarchy, Nepal held historic elections which finally succeeded in putting the country on the road to democratic governance and peace. The decade long violent conflict left over 12,000 people dead and 100,000 people displaced.
Now, as the country engages in constitutional reform and reconciliation it is more important than ever that civil society and the government work together to secure a lasting peace.
Key challenges facing Nepal
Rebuilding trust between political parties
The ongoing peace process in Nepal has reached a critical moment. The ceasefire between the ‘People's Army' of the CPN (Maoists) and the Nepalese Army is holding. However, the situation is becoming increasingly fragile in the wake of disputes over the control and leadership of the Nepalese Army between the CPN (Maoists) and the President supported by other political parties of the parliament. This led to the leader of the CPN (Maoists) resigning as Prime Minister in May of this year.
To what extent the current dispute may jeopardise further progress towards finalising a new constitution of Nepal remains to be seen. The debate is between various forms of federalism and a centralised state, and how to incorporate the aspirations of Nepal's multi-ethnic/multi-lingual society.
Security
Outside of the capital, Kathmandu, establishing security for the population and the rule of law also is a key issue for peacebuilding, despite a recently reported decrease in the activities of armed groups in the Terai region.
Strengthening particiation
Strengthening public services and facilitating participation in the planning and benefits of development projects is essential if people are to perceive a ‘peace dividend' from the cease-fire and political peacebuilding. This is also a critical component to ensuring that the population of Nepal progress to achieving their universal human rights.
Human rights
Nepal continues to be not only one of the poorest countries in Asia and the world, but also one of the countries where rights, particularly for women and children, remain a distant aspiration. Dealing with rights violations by parties to the conflict (post-conflict justice) as yet remains unaddressed, despite commitments made by all parties signing the comprehensive peace agreement.
The work of the National Human Rights Commission and a variety of NGOs is addressing some of these issues; however sustainable progress is intrinsically tied to the constitutional reform process and establishment of efficient and effective state institutions.
RTC in Nepal
RTC has been working in Nepal since September 2009, building partnerships with local organisations and developing a clear understanding of how RTC can support them in their work.
The rights of former child soldiers in Nepal
In Nepal, the rights of former child soldiers to be supported and repatriated with their families and communities are enshrined in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). However not all children have been included - there were some 1200 who fled the armed forces and groups before the fighting ended. This group is currently unrecognized by the CPA and overlooked in terms of the support they so desperately need. Many are homeless, have fear of returning to their communities, and many have mental health issues from their experiences as combatants.
In partnership with Child Workers in Nepal (CWIN), RTC is working to influence government policy and supporting practical responses for addressing the challenges that this group face to their effective reunification, reintegration and long-term development.
RTC is supporting CWIN in the design, analysis and documentation of research, providing training in dialogue skills, reconciliation and psycho-social counseling specific to conflict related trauma for CWIN and other organisations and groups involved in this work.
Transformative Mediation: empowering local communities to respond to conflict
In partnership with CWIN and an international partner, The Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation (ISCT) we will assess the use of a transformative mediation approach to empowering local communities to better understand and respond to conflict. The project focuses onworking with local peacebuilders to develop their skills and knowledge of conflict transformation - ensuring that they have the tools they need to prevent conflict and build peace.
RTC is currently fundraising for both of these projects, if you would like to help please contact rebecca@respond.org
Our partners
Child Workers In Nepal (CWIN) - Nepal
Child Workers In Nepal (CWIN - Nepal) is a pioneer child rights organisation in Nepal working for the advocacy, protection and promotion of the rights of the child.
The Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation (ISCT) supports and provides a forum for the work of academics and practitioners in the conflict intervention field who approach conflict from a transformative view.