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. Although in 2006 the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement officially ended the war, the decade long violent conflict had already left over 15,000 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. RTC's current work in Nepal is motivated by the continued need for democratisation, and increased participation and dialogue, especially between youth and the political elite. This engagement is necessary in order to anchor peace throughout Nepalese society in the long term.
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. Since the leader of the CPN (Maoists) resigned as Prime Minister in May 2010, Nepal has faced seven months of uncertainty. The situation is hopefully now improving with new Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai having been elected in August 2011, who garnered the support of the Maoists in Parliament.
With the final deadline for the new constitution drawing ever closer having been extended four times already, it remains to be seen to what extent the ongoing disputes will jeopardise its completion. The debate is between various forms of federalism or a centralised state, and how to incorporate the aspirations of Nepal's multi-ethnic/multi-lingual society.
Strengthening participation
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.
Developments in 2011
Three months after another extension to the constitution deadline, November saw Nepali political parties renew their devotion to the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which formally ended the Nepalese People's War, by signing a 7-point agreement which includes a number of commitments to keep the peace process moving. The main commitments agreed are:
- 6,500 of the 19,600 former Maoist combatants are to integrated into the Nepalese army, with the remainders offered other ways of reintegrating into civilian life, including some of the largest cash-payouts of any post-conflict reintegration strategy
- The dismantling of the Maoists Youth Communist League
- Formation of the Trust and Reconciliation Committee and the Commission to Investigate Forced Disappearances
- Releasing property seized during the conflict
- Formation of a National Consensus Government
While the agreement indicates a rejuvenated hope for peace in Nepal, it has taken a number of years to reach this point alone and there is still much work to be done. There have already been protests by members of he People's Liberation Army (PLA) who see its dispersal through the integration of former Maoist combatants into the Nepalese army as dishonourable, a betrayal, and as abandoning the path to democracy. There are also concerns about the vagueness of some of the agreements, creating room for difference of interpretation that could lead to more disagreements further down the line.
On the whole this new agreement is a step in the right direct, though actually seeing the agreements being implemented will be the true sign for hope.
More information on RTC's current projects in Nepal.
