Nepal: An Overview
Among InterAction Members Responding*
Adventist Development and Relief Agency
CARE
Catholic Relief Services
CONCERN Worldwide
Equal Access
Lutheran World Relief
Habitat for Humanity
Refugees International
Save the Children
*Note: This list may not include all InterAction members working in this country/region. If your organization is working in this area and is not included in this list, please email Linda Poteat. |
The 10-year conflict between Maoist rebels and the government has displaced an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 Nepalese. In 1996 the Maoists launched the “People’s War” in response to perceived inequities in the government, the lack of land reform and the marginalization of a large portion of the Nepalese population. A series of failed peace talks in 2001, 2003 and 2005 led to the King repeatedly dismissing the government and declaring a state of emergency.
At the height of the insecurity, many people in rural areas fled to urban centers to avoid Maoist forced recruitment. The precarious human rights situation further suffered from government attacks on suspected Maoist sympathizers. Some Nepalese have fled to India, but it remains difficult to differentiate those moving for economic reasons from those fleeing the conflict.
In April 2006 the parties declared a ceasefire after violent demonstrations that brought the capital to a virtual standstill. The King announced he would turn over the government to the Parliament he had dissolved four years earlier.
Following the ceasefire, seven national parties formed an interim government. The Maoist rebels have engaged with the interim government, and the seven parties have agreed to allow the rebels to join the interim government as well as to hold national elections to the Constituent Assembly.
While the ceasefire has increased access for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the situation remains precarious with accusations on both sides of actors failing to meet the commitments of the peace process.
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