[Dialogue] ICA Nepal

Tue May 16 12:09:28 EDT 2006

Here's an interview with Tatwa. He sent me the text and the link to the
civicus site.  It¹s more about Nepal than ICA Nepal, but check out their
site.  He plans to be at ICAI¹s general assembly and the IAF conference. IAF
gave him a scholarship to attend.

Wayne

New hope for Nepal
An Interview with Tatwa P. Timsina

Tatwa P. Timsina is the Secretary General of Institute of Cultural Affairs
(ICA) Nepal & Coordinator of CIVICUS Civil Society Index in Nepal

Published on http://www.civicus.org/csw/FRONT_PAGE-Nepal.doc

After over a year long suspension of civil liberties, the people of Nepal
are celebrating the success of their peaceful revolution. In response to 20
turbulent days of peaceful mass protests, Nepali King Gyanendra addressed
the nation on 24 April, agreeing to reinstate the House of Representatives.
Keeping to their promises, the new Council of Ministers on 9 May reportedly
annulled three restrictive ordinances promulgated by the former royal
government, including those related to media, NGOs and local administration.
According to reports, the labour ordinance was also amended and the
government is discussing whether to rescind the draconian Terrorist and
Disruptive Activities Act (2002).

In February 2005, King Gyanendra dismissed the government and imposed a
state of emergency, suspending civil liberties in a vow to crush a
decade-old Maoist revolt. Since then, officials have committed serious human
rights violations, including the arbitrary arrest and detention of thousands
of critics, and the implementation of severe restrictions on freedom of
speech and assembly. The recent protests were violently repressed by
security forces, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 people, with
hundreds more injured and thousands arrested.

Civil Society Watch interviewed Tatwa P. Timsina, the Secretary General of
the Institute for Cultural Affairs in Nepal on the state of civil of society
in his country and his renewed hopes for its bright future.

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- - - In your opinion, what finally motivated King Gyanendra to restore
democracy?

In my view, it is the pressure and sacrifice of the Nepali people for
democracy. People were ready to die for peace and development. The well
wishes of our friends in government and civil society around the world also
compelled the king towards restoring the parliament and respecting the
people's wishes. 

- - - What will be the role of civil society in assisting with the
transition to and maintenance of democracy?

Civil society should continue applying pressure on the political parties. It
should remind them regularly about the agenda of the peoples' movement.
Civil society organisations (CSOs) should also help the government to
normalise the situation. They should also pressure the Maoists to be
involved in the nation building. Above all, CSOs should involve themselves
fully in nation building.

- - - How did King Gyanendra¹s decision to dismiss the government and take
power in February 2005 affect civil society?

After Feb. 2005, the autocratic regime dismissed the system of government
and all constitutional rights for CSOs. The regime tried to threaten CSOs by
introducing an unfriendly ordinance. As a result, CSOs in Nepal faced great
difficulty in working freely and independently.

The role of CSOs towards the development of the country was not recognised
by the Gyanendra regime. With a series of emergencies, curfews and
unfriendly ordinances the state strangled CSOs and curtailed the rights to
freedom of expression, association and assembly. The state wanted CSOs to
act as mouthpieces of the government, which was not acceptable to the
majority of CSOs. The state also attacked the free media, curtailing the
rights of citizens to information.

- - - What was the situation for civil society before Feb. 2005?

Civil society in Nepal had a very congenial environment before February
2005. They used to follow the rules and regulations of the government and
Social Welfare Council which were okay towards CSOs. Although CSO activities
in rural areas were somewhat threatened by both the Maoists and the
government, the work of most CSOs was going quite well. The process for
registration and renewal was simple and there were few restrictions to work
with international CSOs.

- - - How freely are civil society organisations able to register, operate
and receive funding in Nepal?

During the autocratic regime, it was difficult to register a new CSO which
was not backed by the government. CSO activities were made difficult by both
the warring parties i.e., the state and the Maoist. Receiving funding
internally through state support was almost negligible for the neutral CSOs
and it is also becoming difficult to get support from international donors.
There are so many restrictions imposed by the government through the Home
Ministry, Ministry of Finance and Social Welfare Council which prevent CSOs
from getting support. The situation still prevails, but we hope there will
be much change once the present government starts working in a full-fledged
way. 

- - - During the recent demonstrations, the protesters appeared to be from
every segment of society. What do you think drew them to protest, despite
the risk of arrest?

There were several reasons for the participation of different sectors of
society in the ongoing movement. Everybody knew that less than one percent
of the people were ruling more than 99 percent of the population, treating
them like the slaves in the 18th century. Enormous resources were spent for
the benefit of one family. No one was safe in this country. No one was
allowed and empowered to exploit his/her full potential. This is the reason
brain drain has been so rampant in this country. Those who were living in
the country because of their social connection and patriotism knew that
there would be no peace and prosperity under a dynasty which has a history
of bloodshed and betrayal.

- - - What are your hopes for the future of Nepal?

I am quite hopeful that the future of the country will be very bright. We
will regain our peace and prosperity. We will have a socially inclusive and
economically prosperous society where each and every person will be able to
exploit his/her potential. Nepal, as the transit point to India and China,
will provide a model of democracy where people, parties, the king, the
market and a vibrant civil society work together to pursue peace and
prosperity

For more information about the Institute for Cultural Affairs-Nepal, visit
www.ica-nepal.org

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Wayne Nelson - ICA Associates Inc.
655 Queen Street East  Toronto, Ontario M4M 1G4
416-691-2316 - http://ica-associates.ca - wnelson at ica-associates.ca

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