Background
PBI’s Role in Nepal (1996-2014)
Between 1996 and 2006, Nepal experienced a devastating civil conflict that resulted in over 13,000 deaths and severe human rights violations. Both the Maoist insurgents and government forces were responsible for abuses like extrajudicial killings, torture, forced disappearances, and unlawful detentions. Despite a peace agreement in 2006 and democratic elections in 2008, Nepal remained unstable, with ongoing human rights issues and economic challenges. Unfortunately, many perpetrators of these atrocities have yet to be held accountable.
PBI’s Work and Impact in Nepal
2006 Peace Brigades International (PBI) started its Nepal Project, focusing on protecting human rights defenders and promoting respect for human rights until 2013. After operating for seven years, PBI closed its field office in January 2014. A strategic review conducted in 2012, which included consultations with human rights defenders and international partners, showed that the need for protective accompaniment had decreased. Local organizations were increasingly capable of providing security training, capacity building, and advocacy.
While in Nepal, PBI developed NepalMonitor.org, a platform that helped protect human rights defenders by mapping incidents and facilitating quick reporting through email and SMS. When PBI closed its field office, the platform was handed over to a local organization, Collective Campaign for Peace (COCAP), ensuring continued protection and conflict prevention efforts.
Current Initiatives and Future Vision
Although Nepal’s 2015 constitution guarantees fundamental rights and equality, challenges like gender, caste, and regional disparities persist. PBI Nepal is now registered as an international NGO and operates under the Civil Peace Service, funded by the German government. PBI Nepal is currently preparing a new project to empower Women Human Rights Defenders and minority rights advocates.
Under a 5-year General Agreement signed in December 2022, PBI Nepal, together with partner organizations, is tackling historical inequalities while supporting Nepal’s goals aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This project, spanning 11 districts across five provinces—Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Parsa, Kathmandu, Banke, Dang, Kapilbastu, Surkhet, Kailali, and Kanchanpur—aims to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and help Nepal achieve its commitment to ‘Leave No One Behind’ by 2030.
The project’s overall goal will be to build a just, peaceful, and prosperous Nepal by promoting the human rights of vulnerable groups.
It will aim to:
- Strengthen the skills of Women Human Rights Defenders and expand their advocacy efforts, contributing to gender equality (SDG 5), protecting minority rights (SDG 10), and supporting survivors of human rights violations in their pursuit of justice (SDG 16).
- Foster stronger, more inclusive networks that connect communities and the national level, allowing defenders to support each other, reach out to communities, build alliances, and empower vulnerable groups.
- Increase awareness and recognition of the vital work done by Women Human Rights Defenders among civil society, government representatives, and other stakeholders, encouraging more support for their protection and greater engagement in defending the rights of vulnerable communities.
PBI Nepal’s ongoing commitment to Nepal reflects a broader long-term peacebuilding and social justice vision. By shifting its focus to empowering local organizations and communities, PBI Nepal aims to create lasting change from within. The collaboration with local partners and the continued development of networks ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard and their rights are defended. PBI Nepal’s approach is rooted in solidarity, working alongside those who champion human rights and strive for a society where everyone can live with dignity and respect regardless of background. Through these sustained efforts, PBI Nepal continues to contribute to a brighter and more equitable future for Nepal.
