| Nepal
Alert first began work in Nepal in 2002 when, in partnership with
the Institute of Human Rights Communication, we organised a consultation
on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security
to discuss its implications for Nepali women.
Since then we have met with
a range of actors in the country to discuss ways of establishing more sustainable peace. Our key areas of focus at the moment are:
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Friends for Peace Resource Centre – Established to provide technical expertise to the peace negotiations, the centre is run by expert staff and has built up a library of conflict and peacebuilding materials. It enables local analysis of the issues, helping to lay the foundations for peace. |
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Helping business address conflict – The influence of the private sector on violent conflict can be hugely beneficial. We have been working with the business community, including the National Business Initiative for Peace, to support their efforts to create a stable and sustainable peace. |
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Rethinking development aid – Large amounts of aid are often invested in development and humanitarian projects without considering the impact this may have on a regional conflict. We've been working to ensure that international aid doesn't inadvertently
feed conflict but, instead, works towards mitigating it. |
The conflict context
The Maoist insurgency that began in 1996 in Nepal is the result of a number of complex and interrelated factors.These include a history of uneven development in the rural areas combined with unequal access to
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resources and social services, heightened expectations amongst much of the population after democratisation in 1990, endemic corruption throughout the political classes and the inability of successive governments to address poverty, particularly in remote areas outside the capital, Kathmandu.
Peace talks between the government and the Maoists in 2001 and 2003 resulted in a serious escalation of the conflict. The failure of these talks was in part due to lack of preparation by conflicting parties and facilitators as well as limited knowledge of the processes involved in negotiating a sustainable settlement and a lack of external support.
On 1st February 2005, King Gyanendra sacked Prime Minister Deuba for failing to create an environment conducive to elections, replaced the government with his own Council of Ministers under his authority and declared a state of emergency, suspending fundamental freedoms.
Frustration with the King’s autocratic rule and the ongoing violence came to a head in April 2006, when large numbers of Nepali citizens took to the streets as part of the People’s Movement, as many of those previously excluded from political decision-making processes lost their fear and demanded to be heard. Drawing support from across the political spectrum, including the Maoists, the movement succeeded in suspending the King’s rule. A cease-fire has been agreed between government and Maoist forces, an interim government has been put in place, and a committee has drawn up an interim constitution designed to guide a process that will lead to the election of a Constituent Assembly, which will in turn draw up a permanent constitution for Nepal.
The cease-fire and current political negotiations signal a new phase in the potential resolution of Nepal’s conflict. Expectations are high that the stakeholders will find a positive way forward. However, the situation remains fluid and fragile. Many of the issues underpinning and sustaining the conflict remain unaddressed and agreeing a political framework that meets the needs of all will take time, imagination, and patience. |
For more information, Mais Yacoub
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Last Updated: November 2006 |
