- National/Political Events
The State of Emergency was lifted on 29 April, - two days before it was set to expire. The UN Secretary-General and other human rights organizations have also welcomed the decision and have urged for the early restoration of civil liberties and multi-party democracy in Nepal.
Immediately after lifting the emergency, the government also announced that no demonstrations and public meetings would be allowed in several places within the Kathmandu valley. This decision came on the eve of planned demonstrations by the political parties to demand for the restoration of full democracy. The curb on the media continues. Security forces arrested dozens of journalists during a rally organized by The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) to protest against the government attempts to curb the press. UN on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day UN also issued a statement condemning the arrests and countrywide harassment of journalists.
In the political front the king seems to be in complete control after assuming absolute power on 1 February. The King during a speech said that he would not "restore" the parliament as demanded by the political parties for he thought it would be an act thoroughly "unconstitutional". The blunt message came as a surprise to the political parties who have been united to fight for democracy. The King however has stated frequently that that he will provide them with a parliament but only after elections, which the political sector wants to avoid because they are afraid of penetrating into the strongholds of the Maoists rebels. Both the king and the political leaders have been meeting political leaders from India to seek support for their own standpoints The Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCC) meanwhile formed during the state of emergency has so far arrested six former Prime Ministers on charges of misappropriation of fund.
The Maoists, during the month launched a strike on private schools in the country during the month. The strike ended after 15 days due to the pressure from civil society but not without a bomb explosion in a school in Rupandehi district. Over 1.5 million students in 8,500 private schools were directly affected by the strike. The Maoist students had demanded that all private schools be nationalized.
Throughout the month Maoists continued their spree of destruction of many government offices, the major one; explosion at a local office of the state-owned Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in Dhangadhi in the far-western Nepal. Maoists also opened fire at passenger buses thereby killing some civilians. In a worst ever incidence in the nine years of conflict, more than 40 passengers of a local bus were killed and 72 injured when a Maoists placed landmine exploded over a bridge at Chitwan district. Three amongst the dead were security personnel. Clashes between the security forces and the Maoists were also reported in Udayapur district where nine security personnel were killed and 17 others were injured in addition to heavy casualty on the Maoists side. Likewise in Kailali district more than 30 security forces lost their lives in a clash with dozens of rebels suspected killed and in Nepalgunj at least six Maoists insurgents and four security personnel were killed in a similar clashes (source: newspapers).
During the month, news of Babu Ram Bhattarai's (Maoists senior leader) split with Prachanda- the Maoist supreme was highlighted by the media. As published in 'Times of India' (Indian Newspaper) the Maoist leader is seeking support of the Indian Marxists following the split. The Indian Embassy has however refuted the claim. The rift within the Maoists may put Nepal in deeper crisis.
Amnesty International in its Annual Report 2005 has portrayed a grim picture of Nepal with rising human rights abuses both by the state and the Maoists in Nepal throughout the year 2004. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Commission of Jurists have called for the restoration of all fundamental rights suspended under the state of emergency.
During the month, a dozen delegates, comprising ambassadors, secretaries and officials from Kathmandu-based diplomatic missions viz USA, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Norway Embassy, Canada, Finland embassies and EU went on an observation visit to the refugee camp in Goldhap, Jhapa. Also included in the team were officials from UNHCR and partner organizations including Country representative of LWF Nepal. Bhutanese refugees appealed to a visiting team of diplomats, to make meaningful efforts to resolve their problems. Refugees also pressed for citizenship and equal rights as a precondition for resettlement in western countries as put forward by the UNHCR. Following the visit, some 8,350 Bhutanese refugees have filed formal applications at the UNHCR to be rehabilitated to a third country-other than Nepal and Bhutan. The UNHCR, had floated three options to break the 14-year-long refugee deadlock. The options include early repatriation to Bhutan, finding modalities to resettle them in third countries and local assimilation. UNHCR meanwhile has also requested the government to allow it to carry out re-registration process for the refugees.
In the development front, the Canadian donor agency CIDA has suspended aid worth US$ 5 million for the Melamchi Drinking Water citing "political developments" in Nepal since 1 February. UK meanwhile has announced that it would provide 40 million sterling pounds worth of development assistance to Nepal in 2005. Nevertheless development activities of many NGOs in rural regions of the country are affected by the conflict. Maoist demands that NGOs be registered in their local government branch while the security forces are also suspicious about the activities.
The central bank of Nepal has projected 3.2% GDP growth rate this year - less than earlier projection of 4% because of slowdown in export trade and conflict. A survey conducted by Central Bureau of Statistics, meanwhile has stated that poverty in Nepal has decreased from 42% to 31% in the last eight years. Reasons for the decrease: increasing remittances from abroad, increase in wages and in economically active populations. The report notes, however, an increasing gulf between the rich and poor, with 31% of the country's population still living below the poverty line.
2. Program Overview
Development programs continued through the local groups and CBOs in all regions despite strikes organized by the Maoists. Many partner organizations, groups and CBOs completed their general assembly. Partner organizations in the west also gave priority to training programs on health issues and HIV/AIDS during the month. HIV/AIDS activities in Lalitpur, Jhapa and Morang districts were strengthened with training programs on HIV/AIDS. Agro based training programs also continued in all regions. CEAPRED (main implementing partner of agro based training program) organized training programs on vegetable cultivations and also distributed livestock and seeds. Partner organizations during the month gave priority to enrolment of children at the local schools. Education of the children particularly from the west has been hindered much by the frequent strikes called by the Maoists. Partner organizations, groups and CBOs keeping in view the forthcoming monsoon also organized disaster preparedness activities. The micro finance program in the east also progressed well. The groups continued the savings and credit activities smoothly. Many members were able to increase their income by investing the loan to start retail shops, rear livestock and start vegetable trading business.
Refugee camp care and maintenance activities and community development activities continued smoothly in all seven camps. Refugee host support program also progressed well with additional training programs organized for the local communities.
3. Development Programmes (Nepal Development Programme)
3.2. Western Region
The situation in the west has not improved much. The rebels are taking up the issue of registration of I(NGO)s once again. The Maoists, by establishing their check post at Masuriya and Chaumala (along the highway) gave a lot of problem to the passengers travelling along the highway. Dhangadhi-Doti highway was also closed down for 10 days. Mobility of the staff members was therefore hindered to some extent during the month. Political parties meanwhile are beginning to gear their movement by organizing protest programs against the royal move in Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi.
Development partner organizations in Kailali district continued their program through the local CBOs and groups. CSSD (development partner) and 18 groups in the district completed their general assembly in a democratic manner. Likewise, group/cluster meetings and interactions continued throughout the month. CSSD established a community library in Urma VDC with the objective of promoting the rate of literacy in the VDC. After the completion of Children Empowerment Education (CEEP), 72 children (39 girls and 33 boys) were enrolled in local schools by CSSD. Training programs on 'Group Facilitation' was organized for 47 group facilitators and on 'Resource Management' for 15 members (3 female, 12 male) of the CBO.
Health issues were given much priority during the month. CSSD and Yes Nepal (development partners) organized training program on HIV/AIDS/STI for 80 Peer educators. CSSD prepared the draft HIV/AIDS and Gender policies. An interaction of 14 'health teachers' from local schools was organized by CSSD while Yes Nepal organized interaction on health issues with 13 groups. CBOs in Urma completed a maternity house in Urma VDC while a CBO in Labhoji is working towards the completion of similar maternity house in the VDC to promote maternal health.
Under the Freed Kamaiya rehabilitation program, Yes Nepal also completed the public audit of 132 houses constructed for freed Kamaiyas in an effort to rehabilitate them. KPUS (freed Kamaiya partner organization) completed its general assembly in a democratic manner. 30 freed Kamaiya children (13 girls and 17 boys) were provided scholarship by KPUS. A campaign on school enrolment was organized by KPUS, a result of which 146 (70 girls and 76 boys) freed Kamaiya children joined the public schools. 13 new freed Kamaiya groups emerged in this month and several meetings of the groups and clusters were organized to discuss issues related to reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. 6 hand pumps were distributed to freed Kamaiyas families by KPUS to help improve the drinking water supply. KPUS is most likely to receive additional resources from SCF/BASE supported SANDEEP Program for development activities related to freed Kamaiyas.
SEBAC Nepal (partner organization) in Doti district also organized training program for 52 group facilitators. Group interactions were organized in 3 VDCs. The organization was able to facilitate the groups to acquire Rs. 55,000 (USD 774) from APPSP (a development agency) during the month. Though it is becoming increasingly difficult to implement activities in Pokhari, Gajari, Kadamandau and Sanagaun VDCs of Doti district, staff members were able to visit these VDCs to survey the situation of water supply and irrigation facilities and also to organize a training program on semi commercial vegetable production. CEAPRED (partner organization) also organized training programs on semi commercial vegetable production, kitchen gardening and nursery management in Doti and Kailali districts. Likewise, a training program on goat rearing was organized for 10 farmers and 15 goats were distributed to the farmers. 5 'Dhiki' (treadle) pumps were installed to improve irrigation system. Seeds were also distributed to the farmers. During the month app. 29.82 metric tones of vegetables were sold and farmers earned Rs 297,740 (USD 4193) from the sales of vegetables.
Sahakarmi Samaj (partner organization) in Banke district has been working with 3294 Households and 202 groups in 12 VDCs of Banke districts. The organization completed a 'Group strengthening' training program for 176 (102 female and 74 male) participants, and 'Resource management' for 210 (78 female and 123 male) members of the groups and CBO. Staff members of the organization, facilitated meetings of 26 groups during the month and also organized a training program. In addition, family coaching was completed for 81 families and consultations was provided to 20 new groups in the district. An interaction amongst the members of CBO was also organized during the month. A CBO from Khajura VDC in Banke district meanwhile has established a local vegetable market 'Haat' to improve the vegetable trade in the village. CEAPRED has also been helping the farmers from Banke district to grow vegetables so that they can earn additional income by selling them.
LWFN/WRCU staff members have been visiting the partner organizations regularly. In May the WRCU team visited the partner organizations in Kailali, Doti and Banke. The team also visited Khirsen and Kalna, Bhajani VDC -- some of the Maoists affected VDCs to observe the situation.
3.2. Eastern Region
Both the WDAs (partner organizations) implemented the scheduled activities during the month in spite of occasional demands by the Maoists to show budgetary details. Staff meetings and meetings at cluster/group levels were organized throughout May to ensure smooth implementation of planned activities. The CBOs are however facing some problem due to the lack of meeting hall. Therefore groups in Yangsheela VDC have decided to contribute Rs. 150 (USD 2) per group for the construction of a meeting hall. They are also seeking support from the government and non-government agencies for the construction.
Groups and CBOs have been managing the savings and credit activities very well. Disadvantaged members are given priority while disbursing the GEEP fund and the groups' savings. Most of the members have used the loan to start group cultivation and fish farming. Some of the members have made good profit by investing the loan to rear livestock and start petty retail shops. With increasing popularity of the program, the number of members in 9 VDCs of Jhapa district has reached 2,580, compared to the targeted 2,500. 516 groups have been formed and so far and 78 centers have been established. Due to the demands from members, loan disbursement amount has been revised to Rs. 8000 (USD 112) for the first loan, and 11,000 (USD 154), 13000 (USD 183), 14000 (USD 197) and Rs. 15000 (USD 211) for additional consecutive loans thereafter. Access to loan at lower interest rate has enabled the members to start micro enterprises without being burdened with higher rate of interest.
Training programs on 'Group management' and 'Book keeping' were organized for 119 groups from Jhapa and Morang districts. 4 month long training program on 'General Education' was also completed in 33 centers of Jhapa and Morang during the month. 626 participants (mostly women) have become literate after attending the classes. A CBO in Yangsheela VDC has been supporting the local schools with furniture. Children Empowerment Education Program (CEEP) programs were completed and enrolment of 712 children (408 female, 304 male) in local schools is in the process.
23 CBO members of Keroun and Yangsheela VDCs participated in the 5-day long training program on 'Project Cycle Management'. A group in Yangsheela VDC in coordination with the local health post distributed 200 'Vitamin A' capsules to 200 disadvantaged children during the month. It is observed that after the completion of 'Reproductive Health Training', there has been a rapid increase in the number of women visiting the local health post for regular checkups.
Agro related training programs such as 'Nursery management', 'Livestock rearing' was organized throughout the month. 25 piglets and 25 goats were distributed to 50 farmers while insecticide /pesticide/vegetable seeds provided to 8 groups from Keroun VDC. Drinking water facilities were constructed for 4 groups while 24-swallow tube wells were installed to provide irrigation facilities to 25 families from disadvantaged communities.
3.3. Central Region
CEAPRED (implementing partner of agro-based livelihood program) continued organized training programs on vegetable production and compost/farm yard manure. Poultry and livestock were distributed to the livestock rearing groups. CEAPRED will be distributing saplings of orange, lemon and sweet oranges in the forthcoming month as per the demand of the farmers. Likewise exposure visit for the farmers from Lalitpur district will also be organized.
DEPROSC (implementing partner) in Ramechhap district launched a school enrolment campaign during the month with the objective of promoting the rate of literacy in the district. In the forthcoming month, DEPROSC will try to procure school uniforms and stationary items for the children who have enrolled in the schools. Through 'Bal Bikash Bhawan' (BBB) program other activities aiming for overall growth of the children were also organized. A five-day long training program on 'HIV/AIDS' was organized at Manthali VDC for 37 participates from the district. The savings and credit groups were able to formulate rules and regulations related to meetings and, loan disbursement and collection to mange their group savings. Training programs on 'Veterinary' and 'Group Management' were also organized by DEPROSC during the month.
4. Relief and Rehabilitation
4.1. Bhutanese Refugee Project (BRP)
The refugee care and maintenance program continued smoothly during the month. Schools, community buildings, and health centers were repaired as per the plan and construction materials were procured without any problem. As per UNHCR's plan to identify most vulnerable families, that require assistance in repairing shelter, the camp management committee has been working on developing the list. However, they have not been able to finalize the list since the refugees have demanded that all refugees need assistance in repair of shelter. Therefore there was some delay in beginning the maintenance activities of the shelter. But finally, repair activities were initiated for the most vulnerable ones. During the period, total of 751 huts were renovated of which 392 huts were in deplorable conditions. In addition LWF Nepal is also planning to render masonry trainining to selected refugees particularly from Goldhap camp to construct RCC poles for their shelters. The damaged portion of the wooden bridge over Deuwonia river (on the way to Goldhap camp) was also repaired during the month.
BRWF (refugee partner organization) has been implementing community development activities in all the refugee camps. 16 'Women In Business classes' are running smoothly in 7 camps. The participants have been able to open 12-15 small retail shops in the camp from their groups' savings. Community Sewing Centre managed by BRWF is also running well. Training program on repairing kerosene stoves was organized in six refuge camps during the month. A 5-day long training program on 'Social Animation' was organized for Social Animators. 250 social groups are actively working in the refugee camps to reduce social problems. BRAVVE (another refugee organization) also organized various skill building training programs for the refugees. Children's forum meanwhile continued various activities in the camps to decrease child abuse and create awareness about rights of children.
4.2. Refugee Affected Rehabilitation Project (RARP)
Refugee Host Communities Support Project with support from NCA/DCA has been running well despite disturbances created by the conflict situation. Empowerment Education Program (EEP) classes were organized for 200 women while 'Women in Business' classes were organized for 300 participants. Training programs for the facilitators was also organized for 25 participants. Additional agreements have been signed to organize vocational skill training programs such as wiring, plumbing, making handicrafts, photography, making bamboo furniture and so on. Training programs will also be organized for differently able people. A total of 202 people from 15-host community VDCs are currently benefiting from the training programs. Participants of such training programs are trained to compete in national level CTEVT examination, which provides accredited degrees in vocational skills.
Farmers in the host communities meanwhile have been able to produce good quality vegetables in bulk and earn additional income from the sales, after participating in the training programs organized by LWF Nepal last year. Hybrid/improved seeds were also provided to the farmers from highly disadvantaged communities.
4.3. Disaster Preparedness
A two daylong orientation on disaster preparedness was organized by SEBAC Nepal (implementing partner) in Doti district. 15 staff members attended the orientation. Likewise, two day long coaching on earthquake safety design and construction was organized for staff members of YES Nepal, CSSD and SEBAC Nepal (partner organizations in the west). District level disaster management training programs were organized in Doti, Kailali (west) and Jhapa (east) districts. A district level disaster preparedness network was established in Doti district during the month. Yes Nepal initiated; construction of check dams at Dhansinghpur and Lalbojhi in Kailali districts are also near completion. Trainees of Community Based Disaster Preparedness program organized last year in Jhapa district in the east initiated an orientation to create awareness about disaster preparedness and thereafter organized the local communities to collect food grains and construct granary for dry season.
LWF Nepal in collaboration with Save the Children US, OXFAM, Action Aid and Nepal Red Cross organized a 4 daylong orientation on Sphere project. All together 31 participants from different organizations (GO, NGO, INGO and private sector) attended the workshop. LWF Nepal also organized a training program on school earthquake safety awareness for 37 schoolteachers in Kathmandu.
Risk management program in the refugee host communities is also running well with support from DCA. During the month, LWF Nepal organized a 3-day long training program on risk management for 20 members (female 1 and male 19) of Disaster Management Committee and CBOs from host communities. Likewise, a 4 day long 'First Aid' training program was also organized in Jhapa for 31 participants. (female 15 and male 16). School level quiz competition was organized by Janasewa DMC from Lakhanpur VDC to create awareness on issues related to risk management. Likewise, Arjundhara DMC at Damak organized art and essay competion on issues related to "Disaster and environment".
A journalist was hired to assess the situation of the IDPS in Surkhet and Nepalgunj. As per the report, most of the IDPs were forced to leave their home after the Maoists asked them to join them. Most of the young ones chose to leave for India in search of work while the elderly ones moved to Surkhet to save their lives. With no relief program by the government the living condition of the IDPs is of course very miserable. Some I(NGO)s have provided them with plastic sheets to make their huts and some utensil and food grains. But this of course is not adequate. Most of them are suffering from hunger, lack of employment and other basic facilities. It is estimated that 200,000 people including 40,00 children have been displaced due to conflict. (Newspapers). LWFN in collaboration of few local NGOs is in the process of starting some need based humanitarian activities with the IDPs with support from NCA. Close collaboration is being maintained in this regard with UN OCHA, Kathmundu.
4.4. Gender Sensitive HIV/AIDS
STEP Nepal (implementing partner of Gender Sensitive HIV/AIDS program in Lalitpur district) organized a daylong workshop on HIV/AIDS for 25 teachers (10 female and 15 male) from local schools. A daylong HIV/AIDS awareness-training program was also organized in the district in collaboration with the district level network for 25 transport workers (20 male, 5 female). Transport workers are considered a section of the population with risk behavior and hence vulnerable to getting infected with HIV/AIDS. IEC materials collected from various agencies were distributed to the peer educators during the month and refresher-training programs were organized for them. The peer educators referred three men to the local STI/VCT clinic during the month.
SADG (partner organization) in Jhapa district organized training programs on HIV/AIDS at Santinagar, Budhabare and Urlabari VDCs of Jhapa and Morang districts for 67 peer educators. These peer educators in turn organized an interaction program for 132 participants (68 female and 64 male). The peer educators in several VDCs also organized networking meetings on HIV/AIDS for effective coordination of HIV/AIDS related activities. AMDA (implementing partner in refugee camps) meanwhile organized 2 day -- long training programs for the peer educators in Beldangi II and Goldhap refugee camps.
5. Advocacy/Networking Partners
DWO and NNDSWO (advocacy partner organizations) continued their advocacy programs through the national radio and television. DWO during the month broadcasted case studies of Dalits who have been able to achieve higher social status in the society. DWO has also been working towards strengthening of the listener's club. In May, DWO was able to collect feed back from 6 listeners' club. NNDSWO meanwhile broadcasted social messages related to inter-caste marriage through the national television during the month. The objective is to reduce stigma and discrimination attached to a marriage between a so-called higher caste and a Dalit. Production of another TV message on discrimination faced by 'Badi' (female sex workers by profession) women will be completed next month. The objective is to promote citizenship rights of Badi women (mostly Dalits). NNDSWO in the west meanwhile has been running 29 legal awareness centers in 6 districts of the far-western region. Participants of the training program in Kanchanpur district are beginning to raise their voice against 'Haliya system' (a type of bonded labour). 2 cases on caste discrimination and 2 cases on Haliya system were filed at the District Court during the month. District level public hearing programs were completed in 3 Districts (Darchula, Baitadi and Kanchanpur). 15 groups of Haliyas were supported with SEED fund in an effort to uplift their economic standard. Draft policy on 'Advocacy' and 'Code of Conduct' was also completed by NNDSWO during the month.
FEDO (advocacy partner) conducted a 3 daylong program on 'Gender' and 'Rights of Dalit Women' at Tikathali and Chhampi VDCs in Lalitpur district. Non-Dalits were also present during the program. FEDO also published 1000 copies of poster to promote gender equality.
6. Organizational Development/ Personnel/ Administration/ Training/ Workshop
A meeting of partner organizations was organized in Kathmandu on 10 May 2005. Another meeting of partner organizations from the west was organized at Nepalgunj in Banke district. Officials and representatives from partner organizations were present during the meeting. LWF Nepal Country Representative also participated in the meetings.
Mr Krishna Bahadur Rawal, Program Planning & Monitoring Coordinator has been nominated to participate in the PME Meeting to be held in LWF Geneva from June 16-18, 2005.
DCA/DANIDA has approved the program for Bhutanese Refugees and also in refugee host communities for the period 13 April 2005 to 12 March 2006. NCA has approved the relief and rehabilitation program for the internally displaced people (IDPs). An agreement has been signed with WFP to renovate 'Food Storage' facility in the Bhutanese Refugee Camps in the eastern Nepal.
LWF participated in District Advisory Committee meeting in Chandragadhi, Jhapa district on 26th of May 2005.