Following a decade-long insurgency, Nepal has sustained a Comprehensive Peace Agreement for more than three years and has taken major steps toward instituting democratic constitutional rule.

The monarchy has been abolished and a Constituent Assembly (CA) election was held in April 2008 under largely peaceful, free, and fair conditions. The subsequent formation of the CA, the most inclusive and representative legislative body in the history of Nepal, marks a critical milestone in Nepal’s democratic transition and new beginning as a republic. There is a broad national consensus on the need to address critical development challenges and on the need for political reform.

USAID programs support peace building and reconciliation efforts to increase national and community capacity for peaceful resolution of conflict. USAID programs also facilitate recovery and stability in conflict-affected areas.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

INCREASED NATIONAL CAPACITY FOR PEACE

• USAID is providing technical assistance to the Nepal Transition to Peace (NTTP) Forum to foster confidence and dialogue between political parties.
• At the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction’s request, USAID provided research and technical input for all seminal documents and structures in the peace process, including the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Arms Management Agreement, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and Local Peace Committees. USAID facilitated high-level negotiations with political parties, civil society, and the Government of Nepal on all draft agreements – ensuring representation of all concerns in final documents.
• USAID is providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction to encourage productive dialogue and cooperation between political parties, Government officials, and civil society on formation of transitional justice mechanisms, like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
• As a part of the assistance to the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction, training was provided to 25 Government officials in peace-building, communication, and negotiation skills.
• USAID continues to assist the peace units under major political parties with research support on best practices, lessons learned, and comparative analysis of countries that went through a similar transition process.

NEPAL GOVERNMENT CITIZEN PARTNERSHIP PROJECT

• In the eastern Terai, USAID is supporting the Government of Nepal to improve local-level governance and peace initiatives, and community-driven small scale construction to improve stability, service delivery and security.
• This program engages local civil society, government and communities in the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure. The program provides immediate income, lasting infrastructure, and a visible, tangible role for local government and community based organizations.

OFFICE OF TRANSITION INITIATIVES

• In order to respond to the current political transition, USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives began a three-year, $10 million program in 2006. The program employs a fast and flexible small grant mechanism designed to bolster the current peace process; strengthen governance mechanisms; and support positive community engagement in the country's political, social, and economic future.
• USAID-sponsored conflict mitigation radio programming achieved an estimated reach (through 25 FM stations and Radio Nepal) equaling 75% of Nepal’s population.