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 (May 2010)
The forthcoming UNMIN report and mandate renewal must both recognize and promote the importance of engaging women in reconstruction and peace processes. Both must reflect the crucial role women’s participation, including that of female ex-combatants, plays in the implementation of the CPA; in preventing violence against women and girls; and that women and girls must have equal participation in demobilization and rehabilitation programs. Specific entry points include:
- Improved information on the status and condition of disqualified women combatants;
- Promoting the equal participation of women in demobilization and rehabilitation programs;
- Collecting specific information on and developing programs to address impunity for crimes against women.
The forthcoming UNMIN report and mandate renewal must both recognize and promote the importance of engaging women in reconstruction and peace processes. Both must reflect the crucial role women’s participation, including that of female ex-combatants, plays in the implementation of the CPA; in preventing violence against women and girls; and that women and girls must have equal participation in demobilization and rehabilitation programs. Specific entry points include:
- Improved information on the status and condition of disqualified women combatants;
- Promoting the equal participation of women in demobilization and rehabilitation programs;
- Collecting specific information on and developing programs to address impunity for crimes against women.
Relevant Resources
