News - Nepal’s Communities for Peace

Nepal’s Communities for Peace

Jan. 30, 2007—On January 15, the country of Nepal took historic steps toward democracy.

Leaders adopted an interim constitution and established a new transitional parliament to involve more parties in decision making as the country emerges from decades of conflict.

More than 14,000 people were killed in the fight between Maoist insurgents and the government in Nepal over the past 10 years. A fragile cease fire was established in April 2006, following mass demonstrations for peace and democracy that included men, women and youth from throughout the country.

Nepal’s new government reforms open up important opportunities for women and youth to lead change and improve their communities.

Youth, especially those from rural areas, were particularly affected by Nepal’s conflict. Many migrated to cities after being forced from their homes to avoid recruitment by the Maoist militia. Those who remained in their communities suffered threats, abduction and forced labor.

Gathering at the Nagarik Aawaz Peace Center.

Gathering at CEDPA's local partner, Nagarik Aawaz's peace center.

CEDPA has led the Communities for Peace program since 2005 to further community peace efforts and provide Nepali youth with alternatives to violence. Partnering with local organizations, the program strengthens community resilience in six districts: Ilam, Dhanusha, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Surkhet and Doti.

Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Communities for Peace program reached almost 60,000 people through newly established Peace Centers that mobilized communities to end conflict; provided support for displaced members of the community; and engaged youth in leadership activities and strengthened their conflict resolution skills.

The youth from the Peace Centers formed Peace Action Groups that led more than 300 community peace initiatives as Nepal moved toward democracy. Some youth groups staffed soup kitchens to help internally displaced and homeless people affected by the ongoing conflict. And, many young people received assistance in finding internships and job training opportunities, providing them with alternatives to the ongoing violence.

Peace Action Group workers preparing food at a soup kitchen.

Because of the life-long emotional impact that can be caused by armed conflict, the Peace Centers also offered support for community members seeking to recover from the psychological trauma of Nepal’s conflict. CEDPA’s partners contributed to the development of a new manual for organizations providing assistance in disaster areas on how to help survivors cope with and process their feelings. In Nepal, people traditionally have not sought help for psychological trauma because of social stigma.

To date 750 people have received psychological services through the Peace Centers, and 1,162 people have been referred to schools, hospitals, legal services, government agencies, and other organizations for additional services.

With the prospect of a lasting peace within reach, CEDPA and its partners in the Communities for Peace project are now working to support the return of internally displaced persons back into their communities for a more stable Nepal.

Read more about the Communities for Peace program and CEDPA’s other work in Nepal on the CEDPA/Nepal country page.

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