Nepal experienced significant protests that disrupted normal life across many districts during May 2012 as the nation approached the deadline to adopt a new constitution.In some instances, tensions and protests turned into violence—either through clashes between activists, or between activists and the security services. Overall, the disruption experienced in Nepal during May 2012 remained contained and limited, especially if compared to that experienced during other political upheavals during Nepal’s history or instances of political contention and communal violence elsewhere in South Asia. However, while these protests were largely an outcome of contested visions over the nature of federal state restructuring and identity, there was potential for these tensions to transform from a political conflict into communal conflict and even violence. This potential persists as most issues and dynamics remain largely unchanged. While much attention at the time focused on the causes of contention and violence, there was little examination of what prevented violence or, where violence had already occurred, what prevented violence from becoming worse. Therefore, this Field Bulletin will examine the experience of local actors in three
locations in Nepal—Kailali, Jhapa and Nawalparasi districts—as a means to identify those factors that were seen as having prevented or mitigated violence during May 2012. Though based on a series of interviews with a wide range of local political, government, human rights, development and civil society actors, these findings should not be interpreted as the exhaustive and definitive catalogue of all views and experiences of what happened during May 2012. It is also important to recognise that the severity and dynamics in each of these district cases varies dramatically, making categorical comparisons difficult. The intention is to offer a modest set of concrete examples by which violence was prevented or reduced in Nepal based on a recent
instance of political contention.Given the uncertain direction of Nepal’s peace process, this Field Bulletin concludes with some initial recommendations about what practical avenues and ‘local capacities for peace’ could be further supported in coming months and years to better prevent and mitigate violent confrontation at the local level.
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Publisher:
UNRCHCO
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(2013
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Type / Script:
Bulletin or Poster
in English
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Keywords:
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL, DIGITAL DIVIDE, EMPOWERMENT, INSTITUTION BUILDING, PEACE, VIOLENCE, DEVELOPMENT, RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIPS, CONFLICT SENSITIVITY, SOCIAL GOVERNANCE, COMMUNAL VIOLENCE, PEACE COMMITTEE, DEMOGRAPHY, FEDERAL SYSTEM, SOCIAL NORMS, ETHNIC GOODWILL, HUMAN RIGHTS
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Thematic Group:
UNRCHCO (UNRCO)
:
UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Office (UN Resident Coordinator Office)
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Thesaurus:
02.04.00
- Development
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Reference Link:
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