A Time for Women and Peace in Nepal
Date:
Kathmandu, 17 February 2011 was a momentous day for Nepal. On that date, it became the first country in South Asia and the second in Asia to adopt a National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
Given that Nepal is emerging from a ten-year conflict, the Plan is an opportunity for Nepali women to be actively involved in the reconstruction of the country. The adoption of the Plan is of great significance globally as only 25 countries of 192 member states have adopted such plans.
Nepal’s armed conflict led to an estimated 13,256 deaths, according to Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), a Nepali human rights group. It has also caused gross human rights violations such as mass killings, disappearances, torture and rapes of women.
Based on the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) 1325 and 1820, the Plan provides women the option to speak up and reflect their concerns in conflict resolution, peace negotiations and peacebuilding.
“The government is willing to collaborate with the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for the implementation of NAP. Count on us if you face any challenges in the implementation of NAP”, urged Mr. Madhav Prasad Ghimire, Chief Secretary, Government of Nepal.
The Nepal Action Plan was developed through a collaborative process across the country involving the government, political parties, civil society organizations, the women and girls affected by conflict, International development partners including UN Women.
During the last five years, the Government of Nepal has also worked actively with UN Women (previously UNIFEM) and Civil Society Organizations on these Resolutions.
Apart from support in drafting the Plan, UN Women, in partnership with the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction, helped to increase awareness about the UN Security Resolutions, improve the capacity of government personnel, train women leaders and advocate for women’s participation after the armed conflict ended.
As a result of awareness and advocacy in the past few years, 33% of seats in the Constituent Assembly and local peace committee’s are now reserved for women.
“Nepal went through a ten-year long conflict from 1996 to 2006. Political and sexual violence was common as was the destitution of women across Nepal. The key agenda during those ten years for women’s groups was peace, and women have been working at different levels to generate peace,” said Bandana Rana, Chairperson, SAATHI during the launch of the Plan in New York.
The Plan was launched both at the national and international levels on 17 February 2011 in Kathmandu and on 24 February 2011 in New York.
“The international launch will not only draw international attention to this important achievement but will also raise expectations for speedy and effective implementation of the NAP. The UN Country Team in Nepal stands ready to support the government in this endeavor,” said Mr. Robert Piper, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nepal.
The international community congratulated the Government of Nepal for having endorsed the National Action Plan that “shows the Government’s commitment towards women, peace and security and is a major step towards sustainable peace.”
See video of the launch in New York
See video story about women’s situation during conflict in Nepal