June 2013

NEW PROJECTSData Collection Center on violence in Nepal (p. 3)

Livelihoods Project in Dang district (p. 3)

Wheelchair Distribution in six districts (p. 3)

EVENTS20th Anniversary of the ICBL (p. 4)

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (p. 4)

Symposium on Children with Disabilities (p. 4)

International Day for Mine Awareness (p. 5)

COMMUNITY OUTREACHArmed Violence in Rautahat District (p. 6)

SPOTLIGHT: Leaders with Disabilities (p. 7)

Celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of

Landmine-Field Free Nepal

June 14, 2013

MIN

E ACT

ION

BULL

ETIN

BAN LANDMINES CAMPAIGN NEPAL (NCBL)

www.nepal.icbl.org

+ 997 1 4278990GPO 5840, Sitapaila Ring Road,Kathmandu, Nepal

youtube.com/user/thencbl

twitter.com/ncblofficial

facebook.com/thencbl

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ADVOCACY UPDATEOn the 2nd anniversary of Landmine-Field Free Nepal (June 14, 2013), NCBL commends the government for its work on mine clearance.

SPOTLIGHT Leaders with Disabilities

(p. 7)

NCBL met with three ministries - the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction (MoPR), the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - urging consultations with relevant stakeholders on Nepal’s accession to the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

To move forward before joining the treaties, NCBL encourages the Nepal government to take other actions including submitting voluntary reports under Article 7 of the Mine Ban Treaty, and participating in the upcoming 4th Meeting of State Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Zambia, September 9-13, 2013.

Ban Landmines Campaign Nepal (NCBL)

MINE ACTION BULLETINJune 2013

On June 14, 2011 Nepal successfully completed clearance of 53 landmine fields and 341 fields of improvised explosive devices (IED). The government has also supported risk education and victim assistance projects.

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NEW PROJECTS Data Collection CenterNCBL and Women Development Society (WODES) are proud to announce the establishment of an online Data Collection Center on violence in Nepal. Launched in January 2013, the centre collects, integrates and tracks trends in violence-related data from numerous national media outlets in Nepal. This information is automatically uploaded on the NCBL website (nepali.icbl.org/data-ncbl-main) to make the findings public and accessible. Information includes the type and cause of violence, weapons used and state of the victim. Data can also be disaggregated by age, gender, district and date/time. This joint project aims to inform and encourage evidence-based strategies to reduce violence in Nepal. NCBL and WODES will continue efforts to localize the data for a more precise and targeted analysis.

Livelihoods ProjectNCBL is excited to launch a new livelihoods project in Dang district for communities affected by Nepal’s conflict. The goal is to establish goat farming cooperatives that will provide sustainable livelihoods for the communities involved. The project includes training, distribution of goats, and technical support to 50 families. Each family will gain an understanding of environmentally sound agricultural practices, effective goat farming techniques, and business skills for running cooperatives. To ensure sustainability of the project, the initial 50 participating families will be expected to breed enough goats for ten new families to establish a cooperative during the second cycle of the project. This project is part of a range of NCBL victim assistance initiatives and is made possible through a grant from the Poverty Alleviation Fund.

Wheelchair DistributionNCBL is pleased to announce the completed distribution of 100 wheelchairs, donated by the Taiwanese Eden Social Welfare Foundation, to persons with disabilities (PWD) across seven districts in Nepal. The wheelchairs were distributed in Dang, Bardiya, Kailali, Rautahat, Dolakha, Rammechhap and Chitwan in conjunction with NCBL-led education and awareness programs that highlighted the importance of investing in PWD. These programs brought together wheelchair recipients with key local stakeholders including district political leaders, human rights activists, organizations and reporters from local newspapers. Representatives from the Eden Social Welfare Foundation participated in the wheelchair distribution in Dang, Bardiya and Kailali, where they were introduced to rural life in Nepal. Purna Shova Chitrakar, NCBL Coordinator, and Dinesh Subedi, Victim Assistance Coordinator, travelled to Rautahat to distribute 23 wheelchairs in a commemorative ceremony on May 16, 2013 with former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal. It was a very emotional day for both NCBL and all participants.

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EVENTS

Symposium on Children with DisabilitiesDecember 14, 2012

NCBL organized a symposium on Children with Disabilities: Rights and Realities on December 14, 2012. Chief Guest, the Honorable Minister of Women, Children and Social Welfare, Badri Prasad Neupane, presented the NCBL educational package, school uniforms and white canes to ten blind children from Dang District. Purna Shova Chitrakar, NCBL Coordinator, also discussed NCBL programs and activities for children with disabilities.

International Day of Persons with DisabilitiesDecember 3, 2012

Under the leadership of Krishna Bahadur Gishing, Coordinator of the National Network of Mine Victims, NCBL organized a mass program in Dolakha district on December 3, 2012 to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Local authorities and persons with disabilities (PWD) took to the stage to raise various issues that PWD face in Nepal. Many spoke of the need to eliminate gaps between PWD and the rest of society by ensuring equal access to education, jobs, and voting in elections. Others spoke of the need to overcome harmful cultural traditions towards PWD and to eliminate discrimination within disability color cards. Providing disability-friendly buildings, separate toilets, and specialized wheelchairs were also addressed. The day was celebrated with cultural performances of stories, songs and dances by PWD as well as the Naumati baja (a local and traditional instrument).

20th Anniversary of the ICBLNovember 6-9, 2012

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), NCBL held a week-long program from November 6-9, 2012. The events kicked off with a media advocacy campaign to spread the word about ICBL and upcoming activities. An information release was sent to ambassadors at embassies in Kathmandu to raise awareness and promote cooperation between NCBL and representative host countries. NCBL also hosted a candle-lighting event, where youth and members of the public created a symbolic art-installation inspired by the Ottawa Treaty logo.

On November 9th, NCBL brought together representatives from major political parties, high-level government officials, and members of the international development community to participate in a national seminar to discuss progress on mine action and remaining gaps to achieving a landmine-free world. The Chief Guest, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, President of the Constitutent Assembly, the Right Honorable Mr. Subash Chandra Nembang Arjun Bahadur Thapa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented an appreciation letter prepared by NCBL to the representative from UCPN-M for signing the “Letter of Commitment”. Charles Sabga, Regional Legal Adviser, South Asia, ICRC, also spoke on the occasion. Participants listened to presentations on the success of mine action in Nepal from the Nepal Army and Police Forces. Discussions emphasized the need for Nepal to accede the Ottawa Treaty.

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8th Annual International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine ActionApril 3-4, 2013

In collaboration with the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction (MoPR) and the Mine Action Joint Working Group, NCBL hosted two events on April 3-4, 2013, to mark the 8th Annual International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. On April 3rd, survivors from 25 districts attended a full day orientation, which included information on mine action, risk education, and services available to survivors. Participants had the opportunity to share their personal stories and offer suggestions to the network while also listening to presentations by NCBL, UNICEF, ICRC, MoPR, and the Nepal Army. Several participants joined the National Network of Mine Survivors, expanding its reach into eight districts: Sunsari, Siraha, Rautahat, Morang, Lalipur, Makwanpur, Kathmandu and Nawalpasi.

The events concluded with a Lend Your Leg Rally that marched through the busy streets of Kathmandu. The hot sun and honking horns could not deter the group of activists from raising awareness about the harmful effects of indiscriminate weapons and the need for rights-based approaches to victim assistance.

On April 4th, a seminar was held with Chief Guest, the Honorable Minister of Peace and Reconstruction (MoPR), Ram Kumar Shrestha. Minister Shrestha discussed the importance of working collaboratively and ensuring that Nepal submits international mine action reports. Bharat Prasad Paudel, Joint Secretary, MoPR, presented on mine action activities undertaken by the government. Jerome Fontana, Deputy of Delegation, ICRC Nepal, urged the government to join the Mine Ban Treaty as soon as possible to protect civilian lives around the world.Danee Lohar, Program Officer, UNICEF, noted that although Nepal is now mine field free, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) still pose a threat to civilians.Three survivors, Krishna Bahadur Gishing, Ram Karki and Mukti Neupane, spoke on victim assistance.Purna Shova Chitrakar, NCBL Coordinator, urged the government to join the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions as soon as possible and expressed her gratitude to all those who made the 2013 Lend Your Leg event a success. Dharanidhar Katiwada, Secretary, Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction and chair of the seminar, recognized Nepal’s achievements in resolving the armed struggle peacefully and the remaining challenges left by explosives.

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Armed Violence in Rautahat DistrictFebruary 22-23, 2013

On February 22-23, 2013, NCBL hosted a forum entitled A Joint Campaign to Reduce Armed Violence to examine armed violence in the Rautahat district. The event brought together over 80 participants from political parties, local government, civil society, stakeholder organizations, local police and the media. The Chief Guest on February 22nd was Mr. Bipin Gautam, Regional Director, Human Rights Alliance, and on February 23rd was Mr. Kiran Nidhi Tiwari, Area Administration Officer. The forum brought attention to different causes of post-conflict armed violence and produced key recommendations.

Causes of Post-Conflict Armed Violence

1. Lack of education2. Culture of violence3. Power struggle4. Government instability and corruption5. Legal failures6. Poverty and unemployment7. Weapons smuggling8. Youth and violence

Key Recommendations

1. Educate and raise awareness amongst the general public about the harmful effects of armed violence.

2. Provide training and employment opportunities for youth.3. Civil society to develop programs that address the societal

root-causes of violence.4. Encourage individuals and groups to take a stand, speak out

against armed violence, and report weapons and violence to authorities.

5. Recognize and award positive actions towards the prevention and reduction of armed violence.

6. Government to develop comprehensive programs to address remnants of war, including weapons, behaviors and practices.

7. Government to put an end to impunity, ensure that laws are enforced and existing policies are implemented.

8. Government to develop effective victim assistance programs.9. Political parties tox take a stand against the use of weapons

during election periods.10. Joint efforts to secure the porous Nepal-Indian border and

eliminate the trafficking of weapons.

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Vhagawati Gautam“I do whatever I can to help and teach other women with disabilities.”

In 2001, I was on my way to participate in celebrations for International Women’s Day. It was during the conflict and people were queuing at a checkpoint the army had set up at the civilians field. I was in a rush to cross, and I stepped down on the field. I don’t know what happened after that. I didn’t feel any pain, but was knocked unconscious. I woke up in the hospital and my leg was cut off. It was only then that I was told I had stepped on a landmine. Being disabled, I have many worries about how I will raise my children, care for my family and work in a field. Some people in my community blame me for the accident and say it was due to past sin.

NCBL supported me in keeping buffalo so that I can sell the milk to provide for my family. They also gave me the opportunity to participate in mine action programs across the country and sent me to the State Party Meeting in Thailand and Intercessional Meeting in Switzerland. Seeing this, people in my community began to say I was a woman with many contacts who had visited a lot of places. Now many people recognize me and have come to know me. I do whatever I can to help and teach other women with disabilities in my community.

Krishna Bahadur Gishing

“I will fight for the rights of persons with disabilities my whole life.”

I became disabled in 2002 while traveling from Dolakha to Kathmandu. At 7 A.M., Maoists ambushed our passenger bus, mistaking the civilians inside for army and police. Four people died. Because of the accident, I am now dependent on a wheelchair. I used to be the breadwinner for my family, but we can no longer afford to live in one place. We are all scattered, looking for work. A disability organization provided a job to my wife, which has helped, but she now sees me as a burden and has asked for a divorce. I stay with my mother, who is very old. I feel isolated and dependent on others to live.

NCBL taught me that we have to do good for the whole society and not only for a single person. I am raising my voice for the rights of persons with disabilities. By participating in different meetings and activities, I have gained a kind of identity in society and my community. Journalists from newspapers and radio started to come visit and take interviews. NCBL also provided me with training in mobile computer repair, which allowed me to organize a training centre. I have now been appointed Coordinator of the National Network of Mine Victims. It is in this way that I am surviving. I will fight for the rights of persons with disabilities my whole life. My dream is for all persons with disabilities to have good education, health and jobs. Communities must raise awareness, organizations must advocate, and government must provide equal services. Then we will all live in peace.

SPOTLIGHT

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“I feel a responsibility to teach children and the community that

nobody is really disabled, because everybody has the

capacity to do something.”

Hiramoni Audikari

“Distributing things, such as wheelchairs, is not enough. Instead, we need to draw attention to the capacity and work of the person using the wheelchair and support them in living a sustainable life.”

I became disabled in 2005 while working as a military trainer. Part of my job was to train new recruits using decommissioned grenades, but there was a mistake and the grenade exploded in my hands. I was rushed to the hospital where I underwent eight months of treatment. I lost my left arm and many fingers on my right hand. I was hesitant to go back into society and the community with a disabled body. Before my accident, many people asked me for help because I was strong, but nobody comes anymore. NCBL and WODES have supported my daughter’s education for six years. Now she is graduating in grade 10. I still have a job with the military, but I am not given any responsibility. I often feel alone and isolated. Even though I am disabled, I can still do many things. I have seen disabled people playing sports, seeding corn, and making watches. I feel a responsibility to teach children and the community that nobody is really disabled, because everybody has the capacity to do something. I try to be active and help whenever I can. Many people do not know about the disability cards issued by government, so I inform and encourage them to take the cards so that they can access services. I also provide information from the media, government and disability organizations to a group of persons with disabilities in my district. In this way, we were able to collect and distribute six wheelchairs and school supplies for children.It is up to the government to support persons with disabilities. They must provide services such as health, education and disability-friendly buildings and roads. Distributing things, such as wheelchairs, is not enough. Instead, we need to draw attention to the capacity and work of the person using the wheelchair and support them in living a sustainable life. I would like to see opportunities for skills training and small-scale business investments so that persons with disabilities can find employment.