In April 2006, protests in Nepal led to the end of direct rule by the King and the ending of the so-called ‘People’s War’, fought by the Maoists against the state since 1996. This report, published by Saferworld, attempts to highlight the important issues surrounding policing in Nepal in this context. It identifies a sense of optimism following the end of the civil conflict, and changing expectations of the police force. It argues that a balance needs to be struck between providing basic security during a period of transition, and preparing to reform Nepal’s security system in the long term.
This paper presents the attitudes, expectations and concerns of the Nepali public regarding security and policing. It summarises and analyses the ?ndings of three research methods: a questionnaire and in-depth interviews conducted between 8 May 2007 and 2 June 2007, and focus group discussions conducted between 26 April 2007 and 1 May 2007.
The key ?ndings of the report are as follows:
- There is a general feeling of optimism following the end of the civil con?ict and the incorporation of the Maoists into mainstream politics.
- Although the situation is better than before, many people felt that progress had stalled. Furthermore, insecurity was much greater in the Tarai.
- Continued insecurity is seen as limiting development, disrupting elections, and forcing people to make their own security arrangements.
- A majority have some trust in the Police, but few are truly happy with their work. Few believe they are reliable at bringing criminals to justice.
- The police are becoming gradually more representative of different ethnic/caste groups, but there is still a long way to go.
- Hopes raised by the democratic movement mean that people expect the police and other security actors to work in a more democratic way.
- Although the public were quick to criticise the police, people still believed that the police have an important role to play in the state.
- The main political parties have mentioned the importance of police reform, but there is still a lack of clarity about what this means in practice.
- The police force is highly affected by other processes, such as the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-combatants.
Despite the end of the con?ict, ensuring safety still needs to be prioritised in order to achieve development. A balance will need to be struck between the urgent need to provide basic security during a period of transition, and preparing for the longer-term endeavour of reforming Nepal’s security system.
International support for security sector reform should be delivered in line with international best practice:
- Reform programmes should be led by Nepalis, not by external actors. Civil society, parliamentarians, senior members of the security forces and government of?cials should be brought into decision-making processes.
- Programmes should be based on an analysis of how to approach the range of different interest groups in a fragile post-con?ict scenario so that reform can contribute to peace and not exacerbate tensions.
- Coordination of the progressive reform agenda will be undermined if the Government of Nepal receives divergent forms of support and inconsistent messages from the international community
- International actors should encourage and support comprehensive rather than piecemeal reforms which embrace the range of institutions responsible for providing security and justice in Nepal.
