2024-09-17-亚开行-民间社会简报_尼泊尔（英）_32页_1mb

Country Context

Nepal is a landlocked, mountainous country in South Asia with a population of about 29 million, predominantly Hindu with diverse ethnic groups. It transitioned from a monarchy to a federal democracy, with key historical periods including the Rana dynasty, the People's War (1996–2006), and the abolition of monarchy in 2008. The economy is agricultural-based but growing through sectors like tourism, hydropower, and remittances, facing challenges from COVID-19 and poverty.

Civil Society Overview

Civil society in Nepal has ancient roots, drawing from traditions like community temple donations, which supported the development of modern organizations. It emerged prominently in the late 20th century with democratization, playing crucial roles in democracy transitions, peace-building (post-2006 conflict), disaster response (e.g., earthquakes), and advocating for human rights and marginalized groups, including women, Dalits, and sexual and gender minorities. CSOs focus on areas such as livelihoods, climate change adaptation, education, health, and governance, expanding their scope in recent years.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

The 2015 Constitution guarantees freedoms of expression, assembly, and association. Civil society organizations (CSOs) must register through channels like the Social Welfare Council (SWC) to access foreign funding, which often requires approval for projects and restrictions on administrative costs and operations. Registration options include associations under the Associations Registration Act, companies not distributing profits, or under the National Guidance Act for welfare groups. This framework enables federalism but creates challenges, such as inconsistent laws and oversight by provincial authorities.

Government Relations

CSOs maintain a cooperative relationship with the Nepalese government, collaborating on development initiatives, policy dialogues, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, they worked together in awareness campaigns (e.g., ending open defecation) and on projects funded by institutions like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to promote poverty reduction, health, education, and good governance. Government entities involve CSOs in planning and public engagement processes.

Funding and Operations

Civil society relies heavily on international donors (e.g., USAID, EU, Switzerland), with INGOs facilitating access to funding through joint projects. Local CSOs depend on foreign aid through mechanisms like the SWC, supplied by bilateral and multilateral partners. Funding challenges include asymmetrical partnerships where local organizations often act as junior partners to INGOs and limitations on income-generating activities, limiting sustainability.

Challenges and Strengths

Capacity-building through donor support and networks (e.g., umbrella groups for human rights, environmental protection, and gender equality) has enhanced local CSOs' roles in advocacy and disaster response. They face challenges like funding dependency, political unevenness in collaborations, and varied local government engagement, but their deep community knowledge, volunteer networks, and active participation in events like the World Social Forum demonstrate strong resilience and contribution to Nepal's development.

Conclusion

Nepalese civil society is a dynamic force driving democratic and sustainable development through collaborative efforts with government and international partners. While it supports key national goals, such as SDG achievement and peace-building, ongoing reforms, including legal harmonization in the federal context, are needed to enhance its capacity for equitable growth.