This first issue of Rupantaran, (‘transformation’ in Nepalese), highlights key issues surrounding armed violence in Nepal and considers current development solutions. Rupantaran, produced by the Nepal Armed Violence Reduction Working Group and IDS Knowledge Services, explores the impact that armed violence has on development in Nepal.
While awareness of armed violence in Nepal is limited, recent data indicates that armed violence has increased across the country after the peace agreement was signed in 2006. For example, government figures highlight a 163 percent increase in violent incidents (murder, attempted murder and rape) in the period 2006-2010. Since 2006, armed violence in Nepal has included: killings, attempted murder, extortion, theft and robbery, abduction, bombings, intimidation, clashes between youth groups, revenge attacks, domestic violence and violence against women and children.
The perpetrators of such incidents are thought to be politicians, political activists (including youth members of political parties), businessmen, illegal armed groups and militant ethnic activists. However, the Informal Sector Service Center’s surveillance system on Small Arms and other Portable Lethal Weapons records that the majority of armed violence is perpetrated by and within local communities. Even minor quarrels result in the use of small arms, due to their availability. In addition, youth are being increasingly exposed to or engaged in armed violence, particularly due to being mobilised by armed groups operating in the Terai region and Eastern Hills of Nepal.
Drivers of armed violence in Nepal are widely held to be poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, property disputes, alcoholism, and domestic disputes. Further factors are the politicisation of crime and the criminalisation of politics, and the porous border between Nepal and India.
Armed violence in Nepal has a negative effect on the development process and disrupts access to social services. An assessment of children affected by conflict in nine Terai districts (2009) noted an increased school drop-out rate and that children were acting as messengers for armed groups.
The government has taken a number of positive steps – the formation of local peace committees; peace education in school curricula; and enhancing conflict resolution skills like community mediation. However, multi-sectoral analysis and responses are needed. Wide-ranging issues to be addressed include human development, democratic governance, peacebuilding and conflict prevention, public health, human rights, rule of law and access to justice, and security sector reform. Recommendations include:
- Improved border control and coordination between Nepali and Indian police to reduce the proliferation of small arms
- Employment generation and social activities for youth, particularly in marginalised regions
- The criminalisation of gender based violence, educational and training programmes to address such violence, and protection and assistance for female survivors of armed violence
- Political efforts to address marginalisation and discrimination in the Terai region and the Eastern Hills.
