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Social Exclusion and Conflict Transformation in Nepal: Women, Dalit and Ethnic Groups

Author: A Geiser
Date: 2005
Size: 52 pages (545 KB)

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Summary

Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and the Maoist struggle has left more than 11,000 people dead. This swisspeace FAST Country Risk Profile shows how social exclusion has been established throughout the process of nationbuilding in Nepal, and how it has manifested in actual terms in daily life. It argues that the peace process is unsustainable without the participation and integration of all marginalized groups. It concludes that international organisations should support local civil society organisations (CSOs), which have the greatest potential to contribute to long-term conflict transformation and address the root causes of the war.

Ethnicity, caste and gender inequalities are crucial aspects in social, political, cultural and economic structures within Nepal. There is a consensus within the literature that social exclusion constitutes one of the root causes of the ongoing conflict. Structured inequalities, the political oppression of a major part of the population, and disparate access to economic resources have provided fertile ground for the Maoists, who had been encouraging members of the lower castes, ethnic groups, and women to take part in the People’s War.

Nepal now faces a profound human rights crisis and possibly a humanitarian crisis. International actors must coordinate their efforts in reaching long-term conflict transformation.

• Support for networking, information exchange and coordination within and between Dalit, ethnic and women’s movements is required to strengthen their influence and position. Similar support is necessary between local CSOs and international organisations, and between rural and urban populations.
• International organisations should be aware of the diversity of exclusionary practices and in-depth research on context is needed to avoid increasing gaps between rich and poor.
• The government’s heavy dependence on foreign aid allows international actors a powerful opportunity to exert pressure to resolve the current crisis.

The capacity of CSOs (so far not included in decision-making or the peace process) must be supported:

• The people’s participation in the peace process is essential. The many local Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) formed during the democratisation process have great potential for contributing to conflict transformation because they are in close contact with the conflict parties as well as the local population.
• CSOs should be integrated into project planning and implementation and informed of existing rules and regulations in order to maximise access and effectiveness.
• Excluded groups and their organisations must agree on core demands and elaborate a common agenda for social equality and inclusive democracy.

Access full text: available online

Source: Geiser, A., 2005, 'Social Exclusion and Conflict Transformation in Nepal: Women, Dalit and Ethnic Groups’, Swisspeace, Bern