FWLD’S QUARTERLY ONLINE

BulletinVol. 8 Year 3 Jan-Mar, 2019

CEDAW SHADOW REPORT WRITING

Working for non-discrimination PROCESS and equality

Formation of Shadow Report Preparation Inside Committee (SRPC)

• CEDAW Shadow Report Writing Process Consultation Meeting on CEDAW Shadow • Take away on CEDAW Shadow Report Report Writing Process

• Take away on Citizenship/Legal Aid Provincial Consultation on draft of CEDAW • Take away on Inclusive Transitional Justice Shadow Report

• Take away on Reproductive Health Rights

• Take away on Violence against Women Discussion on List of Issues (LOI)

• Take away on Status of Implementation of Constitution and International Instruments National Consultation of the CEDAW Shadow • Media Coverage on the different issues initiated by FWLD Report

Finalization of CEDAW Shadow Report

Participated in the Reveiw of 6th Periodic Report of on CEDAW

Concluding Observations on Sixth Periodic Report of Nepal on CEDAW Take away on CEDAW SHADOW REPORT

A productive two days consultative meeting on CEDAW obligations on 2nd and 3rd October 2018.

Submission of CEDAW Press meet on CEDAW Shadow Report

CEDAW Shadow Report Preparation Committee coordinated by FWLD has submitted the CEDAW Shadow

Report and the A press meet was organized on 11th Oct. 2018 to report has been inform media about reporting process of Shadow uploaded in Report on Sixth Periodic Report of Nepal on CEDAW. The timeline of review of the report and its OHCHR’s website on outcome was also discussed. October 1st 2018. NGO Briefs and Informal Country meeting on the Lunch Meeting role of civil society in the 71st Session of CEDAW

A country meeting was organized to discuss about the role of civil society in the 71st Session of CEDAW on 11th Oct, 2018. The meeting was closed group meeting for the FWLD participated in the NGO Briefs and Informal delegates going for the session. Ms. Shanti Lunch Meeting on 22 October 2018 before the review of 6th Periodic Report of Nepal on CEDAW. Uprety from IWRAW-AP joined the meeting Mr. Sabin Shrestha, Ms. Roshana Pradhan, Mr. Nabin via skype where she shared important Shrestha from FWLD and Ms. Purna Shrestha from information about the session. CRR presented oral statement and responded the queries of CEDAW Committee members. Live Broadcast of Review of 6th Periodic Report of Nepal

Live Broadcast of Review of 6th Periodic Report of Government of Nepal at UN CEDAW Committee and Constructive dialogue with Nepali delegates lead by Hon’ble Minister Tham Maya Thapa from Geneva, Switzerland. Press Meet to debrief about Nepal’s reporting in 71st session

A Press Meet was organized to Radhika Aryal, Joint Secretary and Ms. Tulasa Lata Amatya debrief the media about Nepal’s of Government of Nepal who shared their observations while reporting in 71st session questions was one of the government Me. Sabin Shrestha focused on raised by the CEDAW Committee delegates representing Nepal the Advance Unedited version Members and the role of civil in the constructive dialogue of the Concluding Observations society in the session. The press in the session. Als, Ms. Sharu released by the CEDAW meet was also graced by Ms. Joshi Shrestha, Ms. Committee.

Dissemination Meeting on Concluding Observations on Sixth Periodic Report of Nepal

FWLD organized a Dissemination Observations on Sixth Periodic December, 2018. As the CEDAW Meeting on Concluding Report of Nepal on CEDAW on 31st Committee has released the Concluding observations, it was translated to Nepali language and was launched by Ms. Rudra devi Sharma, Joint Register of Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizen. Similarly, the program was graced by Ms. Kiran Rana, Women Directorate, Police Headquarter, Mr. Sanat Kumar Thapa, Department Head of Metropolitan City. The program had also presence of various INGOs and civil society organizations. During the meeting, Advocate Sabin Shrestha shared the important recommendations from the Concluding Observations. Take away on CITIZENSHIP/LEGAL IDENTITY

FWLD attended the meeting with the Members of State Affairs Committee on 5th October, 2018 at the Committee’s office. The Citizenship Act Amendment Bill 2018 was discussed with the parliamentarians. The chairperson of the Person Affected without Citizenship Network was also present at the meeting along with the people without the citizenship certificate. The State Affairs Committee expressed the commitment to address all the problematic provision in the Citizenship Act Amendment Bill.

Poster on the importance and procedure of Birth Registration

A poster on the importance and procedure of Birth Registration was launched on 6th December, 2018 at Gandaki Pradesh. Training of Trainers at Gandaki Pradesh on Citizenship Rights

Training of Trainers was organized on 6th, 7th and 8th December 2018 at , . The training was provided to the elected government representatives, local officials and the members of Provincial Level Network on Citizenship Rights. Honorable Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Mr. Prithvi Subba Gurung, attended as a chief guest while Mr. Chakra Bahadur Buda, Chief District Officer; Mr. Rajendra Ghimire, Chief Attorney and Director of National Human Rights Commission Mr. Deepak Jung Dhoj Karki was presented in the training. The poster on ‘Importance and Procedure of Birth Registration’ was also launched in the training. Honorable Judge of Supreme Court, Sapana Pradhan Malla distributed the certificate to the participants of the training.

Book Launching Event on Birth and Marriage Registration in Nepal: Understanding Trends, Causes, Barriers and Impacts

FWLD organized a Book Launching Event on ‘Birth and Marriage Registration in Nepal: Understanding Trends, Causes, Barriers and Impacts’ on 31st December 2018 at Alfa House. Honorable Sashi Shrestha from State Affairs Committee attended the program as a chief guest. Mr. Kedar Sapkota from Department of National ID Card and Civil Registration attended the program as a guest, while Advocate Meera Dhungana chaired the session. More than 100 participants from different organizations participated in the book launching event. Take away on INCLUSIVE TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE

Community Dialogues on the occasion of International Peace Day On the occasion of International Peace Day, FWLD in collaboration with International Alert conducted dialogues in different communities in regard to conflict resolution for inclusive transitional justice 1. 21st September 2018 at Sharda Higher Secondary School, Dhangadi Sub-metropolitan- 2, Dhangadi, Kailali 2. 24th September 2018 at Tribeni, Dhangadi Sub-metropolitan- 1, Dhangadi, Kailali on the topic of scholarship and employment for conflict victims and their children and on the construction of memorial. 3. 24th September 2018 at Dhangadi Sub-metropolitan- 1, Dhangadi, Kailali on Gender based Violence 4. 25th September 2018 at Baijanath Rural Municipality-1, Chisapani, Banke on the issues of single women. 5. 28th September 2018 at Bargdhi, Sub- metropolitan-17 with consumer committee of community forest. Similarly, it conducted a district level dialogue at Ghorahi Sub-metropolitan-5 with the representatives of the local bodies on the role of local level government in transitional justice National Policy Discussion on Gender Approach in Transitional Justice for Sustainable Peacebuiding

FWLD in joint collaboration with the International Alert organized a National Policy Discussion on Gender Approach in Transitional Justice for Sustainable Peacebuiding with the representatives of civil society organizations, international non-governmental organizations, embassies of different countries, UN agencies, media and other stakeholders on 16th November 2018 at Hotel Himalayan, Kupondole. Total 52 participants including respected Mr. Roland Schafer Ambassador of German Embassy, US Embassy, U.K Embassy, UNDP, USAID, GIZ, Saferworld, DFID, UN Women, the representatives of the civil society organizations, media and conflict victims were presented in the program. The keynote was delivered by the Honorable Kalyan Shrestha, former Chief Justice and Ms. Lily Thapa of Sankalpa, Ms Reshma Thapa of USAID and Ms Srijana Shrestha of CVCP were the panelists for the program. Mr. Phanindra Gautam, Joint Secretary represented the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs in the program. District level dialogue with the stakeholders for Inclusive Transitional Justice

The District Network for Inclusive Transitional Justice Banke of the FWLD under the joint venture of FWLD and International Alert organized a district level dialogue with the stakeholders particularly the service providers on 14th November 2018 at , Banke. Total 31 including Chief District Officer of Banke Mr. Mohan Prasad Aryal, chief district officer, Head of the Hospital Ms Durga Laxmi Shrestha, Banke Chief of the National Human Rights Commission Mr Chandrakanta Chapagain, President of High Court BAR Nepalgunj Advocate Bikash Acharya, Mr Basanta Kamal Acharya of the Small and Cottage Industries Bank, Mr Tara Khatrai Rokaya of Nepalgung Industries and Commerce Association, Representatives of Banke Sub-municipality, Chief Executive of International Alert Ms Harriet Lamb, Country Head Ms Rabina Shrestha, Mr Man Bahadur Bhandari of IA, Coordinator of FWLD Advocate Basanta Gautam and Conflict Victims were participated in the program. In the program Mr. Aryal on behalf of the Chief District Office expressed commitment to support the conflict victims in every possible way.

FWLD and International Alert jointly in collaboration with the District Network for Inclusive Transitional Justice, Reconciliation and Conflict Resolution of Banke conducted a district level dialogue on “Role of Local Government in Addressing the Issues and Needs of the Conflict Victims” on 18th December 2018 at Baijanath Rural Municipality. Total 30 participants including president Mr Man Bahadur Ruchal, Vice-president Ms  Sharda B.K Regmi and other members of the Baijanath Rural Municipality, Network Members and Conflict Victims were participated in the Dialogue program. In the program, Mr Ruchal stated that we should never forget the contribution of the conflict victims made to bring the political change in the Country and expressed his commitment to allocate the budget for conducting different programs focusing to conflict victims in upcoming budget.

FWLD and International Alert jointly in collaboration of Banke TJ Network conducted a community dialogue on Role Community People in Controlling GBV in order to resolve community conflict on dated 23rd December 2018 at the ward office of the Baijjanath Rural Municipality-  6, Banke. Total 21 representatives including president of the Ward, Police, Mediators, Teachers and Victims of GBV were participated in the dialogue. FWLD and International Alert jointly in collaboration of Banke TJ Network conducted a community dialogue on drug use under the local initiation for community conflict resolution at Suryadaya Secondary School, Chisapani, Baijjanath Rural Municipality -1, Banke on 24th December 2018 where more  than 27 stakeholders including teachers, School Management Committee, Area Police, Child Club, Youth Network, Students, Parents and Civil Society were presented. Similarly, FWLD and International Alert jointly in collaboration of Kailali TJ Network organized a community level dialogue regarding the needs and problems of the conflict victims at Taranagar, Dhangadi Sub-metropolitan -5 on 24th December 2018.

FWLD and IA in joint collaboration with the Kailali Distrct TJ Network conducted a district level dialogue on the “Role of Local Goverment in addressening needs and concerns of the Conflict Victims” on 25th December 2018 at Kailari Rural Municipality, Kailali. Mr Laju Ram Chaudhary, President of the Rural Municipality as chief guest of the dialogue program informed

the participants that the previously allocated  budget for the conflict victims were spent in income generation, animal husbandry, trainings on noddle making, cycle repairing, Dalmoth making proved successful so they have allocated NPR 7 Lakhs budget for upcoming fiscal year.

FWLD and IA in joint collaboration with Dang District TJ Network conducted a community dialogue between the locals of the Ghorahi, Sub- metropolitan ward 6 and ward 16 to resolve the longed conflict regarding the ownership of stones on 26th December 2018.  Finally, the conflict has been resolved and it is decided that the stones will be used to construct a bridge in the ward 6 which will be beneficial for all. Presidents of both the wards, president of the Ghorahi City Development committee and the locals of the wards were presented in the dialogue. FWLD and International Alert in a joint collaboration with Banke District TJ Network conducted a community dialogue on the role of local government in addressing the needs and issues of the conflict victims on 27th December  2018 at Pitmari, Baijjanath Rural Municipality-2, Banke, where huge number migrated conflict victims from Jumla, Jajarkot, Rukum and are residing. 36 participants including conflict victims, representatives from local government, teachers and locals were presented.

FWLD and International Alert in a joint collaboration with TJ Network organized a district level dialogue at , Bardiya on 27th December on the “Role of Local Bodies to Address the Issues of the Conflict Victims. During the Dialogue Mr. Bhagiram Chaudhary, president of CVCP and Coordinator of the Bardiya District TJ Network presented the situation of the victims in the district and further

expressed his sadness that the State still not  being able to recognize the contributions of the conflict victims. In addressing the issues raised in the program Mr. Mukti Nath Yada, Mayor of the Gulariya Municipality expressed his commitment to allocate budget for the conflict victims in upcoming fiscal year. Including Mayor, Wards Presidents and Conflict Victims total 22 were presented in the dialogue.

Memorandum Submission for gender friendly transitional justice mechanisms and access to justice of women conflict victims in Nepal

A Memorandum was submitted on by FWLD and International Alert to the Honorable Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Bhanubhakta Dhakal on 27th December 2018. The memorandum specially advocates for gender friendly transitional justice mechanisms and increase access to justice of women conflict victims in Nepal. Honorable Minister Dhakal uttered that he has put the issues of the conflict victims in the top most priority and expressed his commitment to address the logical demanded in the memorandum. Mr. Rajeev Gautam, Secretary at the Minister was also presented during the submission. Take away on REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS

Public Hearing Program on RHRWG Meeting Reproductive Health Rights of Women

FWLD (Secretariat of RHRWG) organized Reproductive Health Right Working Group (RHRWG) meeting on 4th October, 2018. The meeting was conducted to overview Safe Abortion Day event.

The Public Hearing Program on Development Meera Mishra, Reproductive Health Rights of Deputy Mayor of Sub Women and Child Marriage was Metropolitan, Rita Kumari Mishra, organized on 9th October 2018 at S.P of Province 2 Mr. Govinda Janakpur dham (Province no. 2) Thapaliya, Province member RHRWG meeting was held on with honorable presence of state Honorable Sharada Thapa and December 5, 2018 in FWLD minister Mr. Abhiram Sharma, District president of Federation office, secretariat of RHRWG. Ministry of Social Development. of journalist Mr. Anil Mishra were This meeting was chaired by Mr. Similarly, maternity ward chief also present in the program. Anil Kumar Thakur, secretary of of zonal hospital Dr. Naresh National Women Commission. Pandit, Division head of Social National Level Advocacy program Hearing Program Training Program The event on “Advocacy program with District’s NGOs The event on “National on Reproductive Health Rights Level Hearing Program on with media person “ was The event of “Training Program Reproductive Health Right” was organized on 24th Dec, 2018. with District’s NGOs on organized on 21st Dec, 2018. The The program was graced by Reproductive Health Rights” program was graced by Dr. Sushil Honorable Jaya Puri Gharti, was organized on 20th and Nath Pyakurel, senior expert, Chairman of Education and Health Committee of Federal 21st Dec, 2018. The program Mr. Pushkar Raj Nepal, Legal Parliament as chief guest, Mr. was facilitated by Adv. Purna Officer of ministry of Health Dirga Raj Shrestha, national and Population, Dr. Bankshidhar Shrestha, Adv. Sonali Regmi, Adv. program Manager of Ipas Nepal Sabin Shrestha, Adv. Prabhakar Mishra, ex Health minister, Dr. as a guest. The Program was Shrestha and Adv. Nabin Kumar Pyuna Poudel of Family Welfare chaired by Adv. Meera dhungana, Shrestha. 15 participant of 11 Division, Dr. Durga Gurung of president of FWLD and the District of 3 province (province Maternity Hospital as speaker. program was facilitated by Adv. no. 1, 2, 3) was participate. This This program was organized by Nabin Kumar Shrestha program was organized by FWLD National Women Commission in along with CRR. collaboration with FWLD and CRR Take away on VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Book Launch of “Court Watch Monitoring on Sexual and Gender Based Violence Cases in Trial in Selected District Courts”

The event of book launch of “Court Watch Monitoring on Sexual and Meeting with UN Special Rapporteur Gender Based Violence Cases in Trial in Selected District Courts” was organized on 21st Dec, 2018. The program was graced by Honorable Sapana Pradhan Malla, Justice, as chief guest, Honorable Krishna Bhakta Pokharel, Chairman, Committee on Law, FWLD in collaboration with SAATHI organized a meeting with UN Justice and Human Rights as Special Rapporteur Dubravka Simonovic on Violence Against Women at Ageno on 26th Nov, 2018. CEDAW Committee member Bandana Rana special guest and Mr. Phanindra moderated the session. Representatives from various NGOs attended Gautam, Joint Secretary, Ministry and addressed the concerns on violence against women issues in of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Nepal. Altogether 9 speakers spoke on the various issues of violence Affairs as guest. including trafficking, single women, domestic violence, harmful traditional practices, nationality, sexual minority, stereotyping, conflict related sexual violence and sexual violence and impunity. The program was wrapped upon with the comments of the Special Rapporteur and vote of thanks by Sabin Shrestha. 16 Days Campaign on Violence against Women

On the occasion of 16 Days Campaign on Violence against Women, FWLD successfully conducted 40 community outreach programs in 4 Districts (Banke, Makwanpur, Morang and Nawalparasi) on the topic “Laws against Gender Based Violence in the new Criminal Code”. 10 Community outreach programs in each districts. Rural areas of the 4 districts were identified and the community outreach programs were conducted. The Areas which was identified and the program is as follows: Banke: Nepalgunj Municipality, Janaki Rural Municipality - Golapur, Baijanath Rural Municipality - Chisapani, Baijanath Rural Municiaplity - Titihatiya, Janaki Rural Municipality - Bilbhaar, Duduwa Rural Municipality, Nesapur Rural Municipality, Municipality, Khajura Rural Municipality and Rapti Sunauri Rural Municipality. Nawalparasi: Ramgram Municipality, Ramgram Municipality - 13, Sunuwal Municipality - 7. Sunuwal Municipality - 12, , Bardaghat Municipality - 12, Pahlinanda Rural Municipality, Rural Municipality, Pratappur Rural Municipality and Morang: Budiganga rural Municipality, Dhanpal Rural Municipality, Gramthan Rural Municipality, Rural Municipality, Katyari Rural Municipality, Belbaari Rural Municipality, 1 and 2, Biratnagar 3 and 4, Biratnagar 5 and 6, Biratnagar 7 and 8. Makwanpur: Bagmati Rural Municipality, Badaiya Rural Municipality, Gadhi Rural Municipality, Sub-Metropolitan, Bhimfedi Rural Municipality, Thaha Municipality, Indra Garobar Municipality, Manahari Municipality, Kailash Rural Municipality and Ramdirang Rural Municipality. Take away on STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONSTITUTION AND INT’L INSTRUMENTS

A discussion program with the judges of High Court Tulsipur (Nepalgunj Bench) and Banke District Court was conducted on 14 December, 2018 at Nepalgunj on the topics “Implementation of the Constitution and Implementation of the International Instruments.”

The discussion program was chaired  by Hon Chief Judge of Tulsipur High Court, Nepalgunj Bench Mr. Bishnu Dev Poudel. Judge of Tulsipur High Court Mr. Khusi Prasad Tharu presented a paper on implement of the Constitution and Mr. Sabin Shrestha presented a paper on implementation of the international instruments.

A discussion program with the judges of Tulsipur High Court Bench and Court was conducted on 23 December, 2018 at Butwal on the topics “Implementation of the Constitution and Implementation of the International Instruments.” The discussion program was chaired by

 Hon Chief Judge of Tulsipur High Court, Butwal Bench Mr. Kumar Prasad Pokhrel. Judge of High Court Butwal Bench Mr. Gokarna Dangi presented a paper on implement of the Constitution and Judge of High Court Butwal Bench Ms. Rajya Laxmi Bajracharya presented a paper on implementation of the international instruments. A discussion program with the judges of Patan High Court, Hetauda Bench and Makwanpur District Court was conducted on 27th December, 2018 at Hetauda on the topics “Implementation of the Constitution and Implementation of the International Instruments.” The discussion program was

chaired by Hon Chief Judge of  Patan High Court, Hetauda Bench Ms. Sushma Lata Mathema. Judge of District Court Mr. Sweekriti Parajuli presented a paper on implementation of the Constitution and Mr. Khadga Raj Adhikari presented a paper on implementation of the international instruments.

A discussion program with the judges of Biratnagar High Court and Morang District Court was conducted on 28th December, 2018 at Biratnagar on the topics “Implementation of the Constitution and Implementation of the International Instruments.” The discussion program was chaired by Hon Chief Judge of Biratnagar High Court, Dr. Kul Ratna Bhurtel.  Honorable Chief Judge of Morang District Court Mr. Raju Khatiwada presented a paper on implement of the Constitution and Honorable Chief Judge of Biratnagar High Court Dr. Kul Ratna Bhurtel presented a paper on implementation of the international instruments. MEDIA COVERAGE ON THE DIFFERENT NEW PUBLICATIONS ISSUES INITIATED BY FWLD

Congratulation

Congratulations to Mr. Lucky Sharma for obtaining his citizenship. FWLD had been fighting Lucky’s Case for years as his citizenship was taken away by the DAO of Hetauda. With the Supreme Court’s decision, he was able to re obtain his certificate. Regards to the team of FWLD in central office and to the team based in Hetauda, Makwanpur.

Forum for Women, Law & Development (FWLD) 72 Adarsh Marg [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/fwld.org www.fwld.org P.O. Box 26538, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal http://www.twitter.com/fwld1995 +977-1-4233524/4233525 fwld +977-1- 4240627