Nepal
Nepal
As both active participants in, and survivors of violence, Nepali women were deeply affected by the 1996-2006 civil war, and have an important role in building lasting peace in the country. In order for women to be full and effective participants in Nepal’s political system, greater attention must be given to the high rates of violence that Nepali women face.
Worldwide, gender-based violence is the leading cause of death for women aged 19 to 44, and in Nepal, it is reported that one-third of married women have experienced violence from their spouse (World Bank). Violence against women is a major obstacle to development due to its high societal cost and negative perennial impacts on political and economic stability.
Based on the work of NGOWG members and their partners, the NGOWG advocates for improved reporting on the situation in Nepal, including detailed information on cases of sexual exploitation by humanitarian workers, and the effectiveness of instruments to address this; women’s involvement in the political and judicial sectors; and how disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) processes are taking into account the specific needs of female ex-combatants.
Current and Past Recommendations to the UN Security Council (Monthly Action Points)
Nepal (January 2010)
The upcoming report on UNMIN should include analysis and recommendations on protection issues around women and girls, and women’s rights and needs in the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement. In the upcoming mandate renewal for UNMIN, action by the Security Council could include:
- Ensuring women and girls associated with demobilized soldiers or who may be combatants themselves have equal participation in demobilization and rehabilitation programs.
- Ensuring that the release of disqualified combatants from the cantonments, which include girls, is done in a timely manner that conforms to the UN’s guidelines for demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration of child soldiers.
- UNMIN should ensure that the government takes all appropriate measures as per national and international law to end impunity, including for crimes against women and girls.
- Strengthening the vetting of peacekeepers to ensure that human rights violators are barred from UN peacekeeping missions.
The upcoming report on UNMIN should include analysis and recommendations on protection issues around women and girls, and women’s rights and needs in the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement. In the upcoming mandate renewal for UNMIN, action by the Security Council could include:
- Ensuring women and girls associated with demobilized soldiers or who may be combatants themselves have equal participation in demobilization and rehabilitation programs.
- Ensuring that the release of disqualified combatants from the cantonments, which include girls, is done in a timely manner that conforms to the UN’s guidelines for demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration of child soldiers.
- UNMIN should ensure that the government takes all appropriate measures as per national and international law to end impunity, including for crimes against women and girls.
- Strengthening the vetting of peacekeepers to ensure that human rights violators are barred from UN peacekeeping missions.
Relevant Resources
