Nepal’s Peacebuilding Journey and the Pursuit of Sustainable Development

Author : Ramesh Kumar Raj

Over the last twenty years, Nepal, a landlocked nation nestled between the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayas, has experienced a remarkable metamorphosis. After a ten-year civil war, the country has started a significant peacebuilding process closely related to achieving its pledges to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Nepali Civil War: A Tumultuous Path to Peace

Nepal experienced a 10-year civil war from 1996-2006 that killed around 13,000 people. The conflict also referred to as the Nepali Civil War, had a major impact on the social, economic, and political fabric of the nation and was marked by widespread violence and violations of human rights (Von Einsiedel et al., 2012). When the Maoists and the government signed the Comprehensive Peace Accord in 2006, it signaled the war’s end and opened the door for developing a new democratic order. The start of Nepal’s challenging and multifaceted peacebuilding efforts was signaled by this crucial moment.

Rebuilding a Nation: Nepal’s Peacebuilding Initiatives

Nepal’s peacebuilding effort has been a multifaceted, intricate process that has involved many different parties and tackled a broad range of problems. Establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP) in 2015, which were tasked with looking into human rights abuses and enforced disappearances during the civil war, was one of the major initiatives of transitional justice and peacebuilding prcoess . Furthermore, the Nepali government has made a major effort to assist former Maoist fighters in reintegrating into society by offering them vocational training and support for their livelihood (Dhungana, 2018). This process has ensured the nation’s long-term stability and fostered social cohesion. Nepal has concentrated on resolving the underlying political and socioeconomic issues that fueled the conflict in addition to these initiatives. The government has enacted several reforms, such as efforts to combat marginalization and inequality, enhance the delivery of public services, and decentralize power (Bhattarai, 2011).

Aligning Peacebuilding with the Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 1: No Poverty

One of the crucial SDG for Nepal is Goal 1, which seeks to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere”. The civil war had a devastating impact on the country’s economy, exacerbating poverty and inequality. Nepal’s peacebuilding initiatives have prioritized addressing these socioeconomic challenges, focusing on inclusive development and poverty reduction. The government’s efforts to provide livelihood support and vocational training to former Maoist combatants and its commitment to improving public service delivery and access to basic services are integral to achieving Goal 1. Initiatives promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, investing in human capital development, and ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities have become central to Nepal’s anti-poverty efforts. The country’s commitment to promoting gender equality, empowering marginalized communities, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure are all crucial components of this comprehensive strategy. As Nepal continues to navigate the complex terrain of post-conflict reconstruction and development, its progress on SDG 1 will serve as a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to creating a more equitable and just society for all.

As Nepal embarks on its peacebuilding journey, the country has also committed to the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations. The SDGs, a comprehensive framework for achieving sustainable and inclusive development, provide a valuable blueprint for Nepal’s post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts.

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

Closely related to Goal 1, SDG 10 aims to “reduce inequality within and among countries”. Nepal’s peacebuilding efforts have recognized the importance of addressing longstanding issues of marginalization and inequality, which contribute to the civil war. The government’s initiatives to decentralize power and give voice to traditionally marginalized groups, such as ethnic minorities and women, are crucial steps towards achieving Goal 10. Nepal’s pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) includes addressing the root causes of inequality and conflict, which have persisted due to the country’s civil war. The 2015 amendment to the constitution has been a significant step towards promoting inclusive governance and addressing the needs of marginalized groups. The government has decentralized power and empowers local governance, bringing decision-making closer to the people and ensuring equitable distribution of development benefits. This has led to greater citizen participation in shaping policies and programs, reducing disparities in access to basic services and economic opportunities. The government has also prioritized investments in human capital development and social protection schemes, such as the Child Grant, Senior Citizens’ Allowance, and Disability Allowance. The government also promotes inclusive economic growth, supports small-scale entrepreneurs, expands access to financial services, and invests in infrastructure development in remote regions. Nepal can inspire other nations towards a more equitable and just world by fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, mobilizing resources, and sharing best practices.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

One of the key SDGs that aligns closely with Nepal’s peacebuilding efforts is Goal 16, which aims to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”. Nepal’s efforts to address transitional justice, reintegrate former combatants, and strengthen democratic institutions directly contribute to the achievement of Goal 16. For instance, establishing the TRC and CIEDP demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing past human rights violations and promoting reconciliation. The government has also focused on strengthening the rule of law and access to justice through judicial reforms, capacity-building for law enforcement agencies, and alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms. The Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program has been critical to this effort.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite the progress made, Nepal’s peacebuilding journey and its pursuit of the SDGs face several challenges that require ongoing attention and commitment. One significant challenge is the slow implementation of the transitional justice process. The TRC and CIEDP, tasked with investigating human rights violations, have faced delays and criticisms regarding their effectiveness and independence (Mandal, 2019). One of the primary challenges is overcoming the legacy of the past conflict and political instability. Years of violence, human rights abuses, and power struggles have left deep scars in Nepali society. Addressing these issues through inclusive and transparent transitional justice processes has proven difficult, with competing political interests and a need for more consensus on the way forward. Addressing these issues and ensuring a comprehensive and impartial transitional justice process will promote lasting reconciliation and social cohesion. Entrenched social, economic, and political inequalities also pose major obstacles to sustainable peace and development. While the government has made efforts to address these issues, more targeted and sustained interventions are needed to bridge the gap between the urban and rural areas and different ethnic and social groups. Marginalized groups, including women, ethnic minorities, and people with low incomes, have long faced discrimination and exclusion from the benefits of development. Addressing these structural injustices is crucial for building a more equitable and inclusive society.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted Nepal’s development trajectory, exacerbating existing challenges and creating new ones. The government’s response and recovery efforts must be well-coordinated and aligned with the SDGs to maintain the country’s progress. Strengthening the rule of law and democratic institutions is another key challenge. Weak governance, corruption, and a lack of accountability have undermined public trust and the ability to implement and monitor the SDGs effectively. Ensuring the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary and inclusive and participatory decision-making processes are essential for progress.

The impacts of these peacebuilding and transitional justice challenges on Nepal’s pursuit of the SDGs are multifaceted. Instability and lack of social cohesion can hinder progress on goals related to poverty reduction, quality education, health, and economic development. Unresolved transitional justice issues can also undermine progress toward reducing inequalities and promoting peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.

Overcoming these challenges and achieving sustainable peace and development in Nepal will require a comprehensive, collaborative, and inclusive approach. It will involve addressing the root causes of conflict, strengthening governance and the rule of law, and empowering marginalized communities to participate actively in the country’s development trajectory. As the government continues to navigate the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction and development, the successful implementation of the SDGs will be crucial in ensuring that the hard-won peace dividends are translated into tangible improvements in the lives of all Nepali citizens. With continued dedication, strategic partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable development, Nepal can emerge as a shining example of how peacebuilding and the SDGs can be mutually reinforcing, leading to a more just, equitable, and prosperous society.

References:

Bhattarai, B. (2011). Decentralization and Local Governance in Nepal. In D. Sharma (Ed.), Conflict and Social Transformation in Eastern DR Congo (pp. 191-205). Bukavu: Pole Institute.

Comprehensive Peace Accord Signed between Nepal Government And the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) November 22, 2006. In United Nations Peacemaker. United Nations Peacemakers. Retrieved May 22, 2024, from https://peacemaker.un.org/nepal-comprehensiveagreement2006

Dhungana, R. (2018). Reintegration of Maoist ex-combatants in Nepal: Peer support, livelihoods and social capital. Defence and Peace Economics, 29(2), 165-182.

Einsiedel, S. von, Malone, D. M., & Pradhan, S. (Eds.). (2012). Nepal in Transition: From People’s War to Fragile Peace (pp. 27-44).Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

International Center for Transitional Justice. (2015). Nepal: Commissions of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances and Truth and Reconciliation. Retrieved from https://www.ictj.org/our-work/regions-and-countries/nepal

Mandal, R. (2019). Transitional Justice in Nepal: Animating the Debate. Law, Social Justice & Global Development Journal, 24(1), 30-48.

United Nations. (2015). Sustainable Development Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal16

United Nations. (2015). Sustainable Development Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal1

United Nations. (2015). Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal10