The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Robert Piper‘s interview on newsletter POWERTalks in www.un.org.np UN N e p a l 27 June 2011. .unic.org VOLUME 36 JULY 2011 Nepali intellectuals mull post Istanbul LDCs achievements

KATHMANDU, 6 July 2011—Deputy Prime Minister and 350 meter second longest suspension bridge of Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav said the objectives of Least Khusma, Parbat, Developed Countries (LDCs) are challenging and ambitious. @Subhadra However, with genuine partnership and collaborative efforts with development partners and international aid “ agencies, there is much that can be achieved by way of implementing the Istanbul Programme of Action,” he said.

(Contd. Pg 2)

in Nepal UNthe Works Volume II, Issue 3 n e w s l e t t e r October, 2010 UN N e p a l VOLUME 36 JULY, 2011

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav addressing the event on Nepali intellectuals mull LDCs.

post Istanbul LDCs Photo: UNIC achievements (Contd…) Chairman of the LDC Watch, Arjun Kari, who has been actively Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign partners to share their concerns, participating in civil forums of the Minister Upendra Yadav was which is a good beginning,‖ said LDCs, underscored the need for a addressing a seminar ―Fourth UN Deputy Prime Minister Upendra realistic approach of donor LDCs Conference: Achievements Yadav. agencies and other international and Future Decisions‖ organized by funding mechanism while dealing UN Information Centre (UNIC) in ―If we could have relative political with LDC issues. Regarding debt collaboration with the United stability in the country, we could cancellation, the Programme of Nations Association of Nepal. easily graduate out of the LDC Action called for an enhanced level status within the next decade,‖ he of support for debt sustainability of The Programme of Action provides added. the LDCs with bold and a clear road map for the future of comprehensive measures. almost 1 billion people living in Nepal is the current chair of the LDCs,‖ said the Foreign Minister of Global Coordinating Bureau of ―We are frustrated as the Nepal and Chair of the Global LDCs. conference has failed to meet our Coordination Bureau of the Least expectations,‖ said Dr Arjun Karki, Developed Countries. Noting the Speaking at the programme, former spokesperson of the LDC IV Civil intensity of negotiations and the foreign minister Bhekh Bahadur Society Forum. ―The UN General compromises made, he said the Thapa underlined the need of Assembly Resolution 63/227 strategic focus of the Programme nationally driven development passed in 2009 had called on towards economic development process rather than a dependent member states to mobilize intended to address the key one. additional international support challenges of all the poorest measures and action in favour of countries, related to high rates of ―Nepal has firm belief on the UN the least developed countries. But poverty, deep structural constraints and its principals, but we should this did not happen,‖ he argued. and vulnerabilities, in a coherent evolve our own development driven and sustained manner. strategy which can be sustainable On the occasion, a paper was and paramount for the nation presented by former chief of ―This summit provided a forum for building process,‖ Thapa said. protocol and an expert on LDCs both LDCs and development Dr. Ram Bhakta Thakur.

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I am happy to return back to my old civilian life and rejoin my commu- nity. After leaving the cantonment, the first few months were difficult “ for me to adjust, but now I have fully adjusted to this life. Actually, I was not aware that I would receive any kind of livelihood assistance and was not so optimistic about my future. The training and support provided by the UN has opened a new horizon in my life"

Bala Mahato (name changed), 22, a former Bala is learning from her friend‘s ex-combatant long experience in tailoring, which has helped her to improve her Photo & Story: UNDP skills. She says, "I have heard that the average length of training to run a boutique is two years, but we are trained only for three months. It is A new life for Bala out of the only basic level training. The cantonment training period should be extended." UNIRP is a joint programme of UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and ILO Bala Mahato (name changed), 22, a a business partner, she received a with the objective of rehabilitating former ex-combatant is living a warm support from her family and ex-combatants discharged from the civilian life today, running her contributed business start-up cantonments in 2010. By the end of tailoring shop in Ratnagar, Chitwan, support equivalent to Rs. 30,000, deadline for enrollment in the in the Terai area of central Nepal. provided by the rehabilitation programme, i.e. 22 March 2011, programme, towards the tailoring 2495 (62%) of 4,008 targeted ex- ―I am happy to return back to my shop. She has now been in this combatants contacted the toll free old civilian life and rejoin my partnership venture for almost six number. Among them, 2160 (54%) community. After leaving the months. ex-combatants were provided with cantonment, the first few months career counseling and referred for were difficult for me to adjust, but She further adds, "As I was training or education by the end of now I have fully adjusted to this life. supporting the People‘s Liberation June 2011. 719 individuals have Actually, I was not aware that I Army as a health worker, I wished completed micro-enterprises or would receive any kind of livelihood to join health related training, but vocational skills training and 305 assistance and was not so my education was only up to grade individuals have either started their optimistic about my future. The 10, so the best option left for me own business or found training and support provided by the was micro-enterprise." employment. 738 participants are UN has opened a new horizon in still enrolled in training programmes my life", Bala says. When the demand is high, Bala, a or education and 156 are waiting for mother of two years old child, earns startup support. Upon completion of the training up to Rs. 7,000 from her tailoring offered by the United Nations business. She is also supporting The UNIRP is planning to provide Interagency Rehabilitation her husband‘s parents as he, also all the programme participants who Programme (UNIRP), Bala was an ex-combatant, chose to go to have established their own micro- keen to utilize her tailoring skills. Saudi Arabia to seek work for two enterprises with a second round of When she proposed the idea of years. advanced training to help them joining her friend‘s tailoring shop as meet the skills gaps.

UN officials attending the discharge programme

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The training and guidance provided by MEDEP, my perseverance and family support are the reasons behind “ my success. We micro-entrepreneurs need to expand our business. The women involved in Allo business should be trained in diversifying their products and enhance the quality to survive in the competitive market‖

Chitra Kali Budhamagar, entrepreneurs of 26 districts); micro entrepreneur, Pyuthan treasurer of District Micro-

Photo & Story: UNDP Entrepreneurs‘ Groups Association; member of National Micro- Entrepreneurs‘ Association Nepal and member of Pyuthan Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

Chitra has been advocating with the How Chitra Kali became a Village Development Committee, Community Forest Users‘ Groups, millionaire Department of Cottage and Small Industries and MEDEP to allocate budget for destroying a killer weed Born in a poor Magar peasant Syaulibang village lies in the border Bacopa adenophorum,to enhance family in Pyuthan district, Chitra Kali of Rolpa and Baglung districts the cultivation of Allo, provide Budhamagar has been through where Allogrows in plenty. Chitra is training, increase funding, and to many ups and downs in life. She helping 2,500 other women by provide collateral-free soft loans to started her career in 2003 by purchasing their Alloyarn and the rural women. collecting ‗yarn‘ made out of Allo handmade goods such as cloth (Himalayan nettle) and selling them materials, bags, tea coasters, Sharing her future plan, she says, in Kathmandu. With the money mobile phone covers, wrist bands ―We micro-entrepreneurs need to received out of selling the yarn she etc. expand our business. The women used to buy readymade garments involved in Allo business should be from Kathmandu to sell them back Cashing in on the abundance of this trained in diversifying their products in her home village, Bahane, ward wasted renewable natural resource, and enhance the quality to survive no. 6. Chitra also provides Allo- in the competitive market.‖ processingand yarn-making training In 2005, Chitra got an opportunity to to hundreds of women in Nepal exports Allo products worth receive a three-month skill Syaulibang, another source of Rs. 4.8 million annually according development training course in income for her ! These women to the Handicraft Association of making Allo products from the mainly spin Alloyarn and sell it to Nepal. Chitra Kali often travels to UNDP Micro-Enterprise her. Kathmandu and other cities to Development Programme participate in handicraft exhibitions (MEDEP).MEDEP also supported Over the years, Chitra‘s property to promote her business. She has her to secure Rs. 8,000 loan from has doubled. She now owns an also begun establishing strong the Agricultural Development Bank unfinished house in Bahane worth marketing links not only at home (ADB/N) to start up her weaving NRs. 2.2 million (US$ 30,700) and but abroad as well. business. Later, she borrowed Rs. another at Syaulibang village worth 50,000from ADB/N and invested in NRs. 500,000 (US$ 7000). She has A flagship enterprise promotion buying Allo yarn from local women goods in stock worth NRs. 300,000 programme of the Government of collectors. (US$ 4200) in her Kothi Himal Allo Nepal (GON), the Micro enterprise Cloth Industry. ―The training and Development Programme (MEDEP) Within a span of 6 years, she guidance provided by MEDEP, my was initiated in 1998, targeting the expanded her Alloweaving business perseverance and family support poor and excluded groups. The to become a millionaire. Today are the reasons behind my AusAID funding support to MEDEP Chitra‘s per month income ranges success,‖ Chitra Kali says. from 2006-2011 amounts to US $ from Rs. 45,000 to 90,000. She 5.8 million . During its course of employs 12 rural women for Currently, Chitra Kali is the implementation, other bilateral producing different kind of chairperson of Kothi Himal Savings donors such as DFID, and NZAID Alloproducts and has transactions and Credit Cooperatives, Kothi have funded the programme while worth NRs. 1.3 million with various Himal Group‘s Association, the CIDA joined hands with MEDEP in financial institutions and individual National AlloEntrepreneurs‘ 2011to promote agro-based micro- money lenders. Association (represented by Allo enterprise.

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Locals gather at Pagnath village in the hilly in Western Nepal. WFP, in Rural Nepal Gets “Smart” partnership with Siddhartha Bank, has launched a pilot of the country's first electronic cash transfer system under its With WFP Electronic Cash Cash-For-Assets schemes to vulnerable people in the village. Transfer System Photo: WFP/Deepesh Shrestha

DAILEKHA, 31 July —The United implemented with the support of to 80 working days per year. Nations World Food Programme WINROCK. Nepal, in partnership with The benefits of the smart-card Siddhartha Bank, is piloting a smart WFP provides cash in addition to system are three-fold: it reduces card cash transfer system for 484 food in areas where food markets security risks, reduces operational food-insecure households in exist and function well, but high costs and encourages people to Pagnath VDC, in the Mid-West Hills levels of poverty and food insecurity save. Until now, because of the district of Dailekh, through WFP‘s persist. In exchange for their labour virtual or complete absence of Food- and Cash-For-Assets in building community assets such formal financial institutions in scheme. as irrigation canals, rehabilitating remote regions of Nepal, WFP‗s farmlands, and cultivating cooperating partners and DAILEKH, Nepal - 21-year-old alternative, high-value cash crops – beneficiaries have had to transport Dilsara Thapa has always been beneficiaries receive food and/or cash over long distances, often by grateful to WFP for helping to feed cash to meet their immediate foot, posing significant security risks her family of six during the lean household food needs. Food- to both staff and beneficiaries who season, but on June 15th she had insecure households in Nepal on carry the cash. Since 2010, WFP another reason to smile: Dilsara average only produce enough food has required all cooperating became one of the first owners of to cover their needs for three to five partners to take out cash-in-transit an electronic cash card in her months of the year. insurance in order to reduce this district, as banking facilities risk. reached Dailekh. "I can't believe that my money is in this small card!" Dilsara said after Now, WFP can simply credit In partnership with Siddhartha withdrawing Nepalese rupees beneficiaries‘ smart cards Bank, WFP is piloting a smart card (NRs) 1,800 deposited by WFP for electronically. Beneficiaries in turn cash transfer system for 484 food- her 20 days work on an irrigation can immediately access their funds insecure households in Pagnath project. Beneficiaries like Dilsara by presenting their card to a local VDC, in the Mid-West Hills district receive 2kg of rice, 0.25kg of lentils Siddhartha Bank agent located in of Dailekh, through WFP‘s food- and NRs 90 (equivalent to the village, who inserts the card into and cash-for-asset scheme, US$1.20) per day, for a period of up an electronic card reader and verify

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Staff member assists in verifying fingerprints of a villager on a biometric device enrolled in the Smart Card scheme in Pagnath Village.

Photo: WFP/Deepesh Shrestha

Dilsara and her husband used to work as porters in addition to farming their land. ―We can never grow enough to eat for the whole year, as most of the time the land remains dry," said Dilsara. ―Now I can gradually save the money and educate my children. WFP work opportunities have been a great relief for us.‖

One of the main objectives of this programme is to promote financial inclusion. ―The bank wants to reach those segments of the population who have limited access to financial services in the remote areas of Nepal,‖ said Surender Bhandari, Siddhartha Bank‘s CEO. ―We find WFP is a partner who will help us extend our services to rural populations, and we value this partnership a lot.‖

Siddhartha Bank also plans to add new services to the smart card platform over time, including mobile phone credit recharge, person-to- person transfers, utility bill payments, and remittance transfers.

―Through our partnership with Siddhartha Bank, supported by funding from the World Bank and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), we hope to provide a ‗smart‘, simple solution for cash transfers and social protection in rural areas of Nepal,‖ said Nicolas Oberlin, WFP deputy Country Local women prepare to leave after customized into Nepali to guide Director. ―This is an exciting receiving WFP rice and cash in the village. locals through the transaction initiative, and if successful the pilot process. Cardholders can also could be up-scaled and expanded Photo: WFP/Deepesh Shrestha collect their cash from any to other remote areas of Nepal Siddartha Bank branch if they wish where WFP operates.‖ to withdraw larger amounts. For the In 2011, WFP aims to provide food the cardholder‘s identity with finger pilot period, there will be no and cash assistance to one million print and photo verification. charges to beneficiaries for highly insecure Nepalese people withdrawals, and local agents also living in the mid and far west hills To support user-friendliness, a receive a commission from the and mountains. voiceover device has been bank for hosting transactions.

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Delegates during inauguration of the workshop. UNESCO workshop participants discuss Photo: UNESCO

innovations in planning & and Rupandehi shared experiences on two pilot projects on establishing NFE-MIS and using the literacy monitoring non-formal module in household surveys in education in Nepal Nepal. Balaram KC, Director of the Non- Formal Education Centre, stressed In collaboration with the Non- The CapEFA project was evaluated the importance of non-formal Formal Education Centre and the by Alexander G. Flor, an expert education to provide opportunities Ministry of Education, the UNESCO from the Philippines. This to those who are excluded from Office in Kathmandu organized a evaluation highlighted the need for education in their early years, who one-day workshop on ―Monitoring a favourable policy environment to need a second chance to gain and Planning Non-Formal provide the appropriate support for literacy, numeracy and wider skills Education in Nepal: Sharing monitoring and evaluation in to increase their opportunities. Experiences from Two Pilots‖, in general, and NFE-MIS in particular. Kathmandu on 21 July 2011. The Axel Plathe, UNESCO workshop was opened by Minister Delegates agreed it is essential that Representative to Nepal, of Education Ganga Lal Tuladhar. a policy that extends the highlighted the significance of the organizational cum operational pilots in reaching disadvantaged The workshop discussed key infrastructure of NFE from the people who still can‘t read and findings and recommendations of national level down to the district write. ―Language is a key factor that the evaluation of the Capacity and community levels is formulated. determines the achievements of Building for Education for All literacy‖, he said. (CapEFA) project and also Tap Raj Pant, National Programme reviewed UNESCO‘s recent Officer (Education) at the UNESCO The use of the literacy module in assessment of the Non-Formal Office in Kathmandu, presented the household surveys in three districts Education Management Information background to the CapEFA project. revealed the various functions of System (NFE-MIS) pilot project and Dattatray Dahal, an education literacy, including considerably the use of the Literacy Module in official of the Non-formal Education higher literacy rates of Nepali- Household Surveys in Nepal. Centre, along with district education speaking people compared to those officers from Makwanpur, Rasuwa who speak other languages as their

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mother tongue. It was found that NFE-MIS into education sector the literacy module for household women in all three districts had monitoring systems, etc. surveys in selected countries, lower rates of literacy. including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Arbinda Lal Bhomi, Director, Nepal and Papua New Guinea. He UNESCO consultant Sushan Research Centre for Educational underlined the need to monitor the presented key findings Innovation and Development literate environment and learn from related to the processes and (CERID), Tribhuvan University, people‘s behaviour on literacy to outputs of NFE-MIS piloted in presented the key findings of the develop effective formal and non- Rasuwa, Makwanpur and Household-based Literacy Survey, formal education for lower Rupandehi. Ms. Acharya 2011, which was conducted by economic groups, certain highlighted the need for a strong CERID, with the support of geographic locations, vulnerable institutional base at the district and UNESCO, in collaboration with the groups and low skilled and high sub-district levels in order to Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) skilled populations. establish an effective NFE-MIS in Nepal. Nepal. Uttam Narayan Malla, Director This is the first time such a survey General, CBS, highlighted the need Margarete Sachs-Israel, Education had been conducted in Nepal. Key for education-specific surveys and Specialist, Division for Planning and findings included household to integrate the Education Development of Education System, characteristics, literacy status by Management Information System UNESCO Headquarters, shared the sex, religion, size of household and (EMIS) with national statistical main features and country mother tongue, literacy environment systems. experiences across the world with at home and community, language regard to developing a NFE-MIS and literacy, educational attainment Shankar Prasad Pandey, Secretary, from the local to the national levels . of household members and the use Ministry of Education, Secretary- of literacy skills. General, Nepal National She underlined the key Commission for UNESCO in his requirements for an NFE-MIS with The survey revealed adult literacy closing remarks emphasized the respect to processes, both rates (15 years and above) in government‘s strong commitment to institutional and financial, with an Makwanpur, Rupandehi and achieving the goals of Education for emphasis on clear political Rasuwa at 55.5 per cent (66 per All by 2015. He placed emphasis on commitment and backing at the cent men versus 46.6 per cent capacity enhancement and the central level and sustained women), 53.1 per cent (63.6 per need to differentiate between engagement at the district level cent men versus 42.4 per cent supervision and monitoring. process; clarity on roles and women) and 29.3 per cent (38.2 per responsibilities at every institutional cent men versus 21 per cent Minister of Education Ganga Lal level; collaboration among different women) respectively. Tuladhar expressed his actors; and the provision of government‘s commitment to sufficient resources (human and UNESCO consultant Ko-Chih Tung eradicate illiteracy from Nepal. financial) to set up and maintain the presented regional experiences of system and plan for mainstreaming adaptation and implementation of Lightening strike damage to temple more severe than originally thought

Lightening damaged Pratappur temple Pratapur Temple in Swoyambhu, in Swoyambhu monument zone in one of the leading Buddhist temple Kathmandu Valley world heritage sites in Nepal and a World Heritage property property since 1979, was more heavily damaged by a lightning Photo: UNESCO strike on 14 February 2011 than first analysis suggested, a detailed emergency protection assessment by the Department of procedures were put into place, Archaeology has revealed. including measures to ensure the protection of visitors from Immediately after the incident,

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potential hazards caused by The lightening damaged the main dismantled and will be covered with structural damage. wooden structures inside the scaffolding until the reconstruction temple, including structural cracks work is completed over the coming The Federation of Swoyambhu to the walls and the foundation. months. Management and Conservation funded this preliminary work. A recovery plan, with an overall The Pratapur temple in the budget estimation of about NPR Swoyambhu Monument Zone of the A detailed assessment of the 8,000,000 (USD$112,000), and a Kathmandu Valley World Heritage damage was carried out by the proposal to demolish and re- Property also suffered damage in Department of Archeology two and construct the entire superstructure 2003. half months after the incident. was proposed by the Department of Archaeology. A fire necessitated the The assessment identified severe reconstruction of the entire temple structural damage to the temple. The temple has been partially structure.

Representatives of Government of Nepal and UNRC Robert Piper during roundtable discussion

Photo: UNESCO

Archaeology (DoA) and Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) received Series of UNESCO events practical training on restoration activities and archaeological highlight potential and surveys.

The second year plan focuses on a challenges of Lumbini‟s study of masonry and water levels in the Maya Devei Temple; an development evaluation and interpretation of the Sacred Garden to confirm early cultural occupation; conceptual LUMBINI, 11 July—The Buddha‖, on 12 and 13 July 2011. planning for the Sacred Garden development of Lumbini was top of with respect to the Kenzo Tange‘s the agenda at a series of events The ISSC meeting reviewed Master Plan; and the establishment organized by the Ministry of Federal activities undertaken during the of the integrated management Affairs, Constituent Assembly, project‘s first year of framework for Lumbini. Parliamentary Affairs and Culture implementation and discussed the and the UNESCO Kathmandu next year of implementation. In adjacent to these events, Office, held last week at Lumbini. presentations and discussions on Highlights of the first year‘s the guidelines for the physical Representatives of the Government activities include the restoration of planning of the Sacred Garden of Nepal, diplomatic corps in Nepal, the three monuments: the Asokan were held. These will be adopted by intergovernmental organizations Pillar, the Marker Stone, and the the management framework. The and Buddhist institutions discussed Nativity Sculpture; confirming the ongoing study on the environmental the vision of developing the entire presence of the Pre-Ashokan level impact of industrial development greater Lumbini area, at a meeting in the Maya Devi Temple; a review around Lumbini was also reviewed on 11 July 2011 at the historic site. of the present state of the Sacred and the final findings of the study Garden in respect to the Master will be shared later. The event was followed by a Plan formulated by Kenzo Tange; meeting of the International and the three capacity building Further information about the Scientific Steering Committee programmes for national preservation project, is available at: (ISSC) leading the UNESCO implementing partners. project: ―Strengthening the http://www.unesco.org/new/en/ Conservation and Management of During the three programmes, the kathmandu/culture/jfit-lumbini- Lumbini, the Birthplace of Lord national team from Department of project/

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the important contribution of Global Youth Service Day volunteers and youths for the development of Nepal - especially Celebration with 2011 being marked as the ‗Nepal Tourism Year‘. Mr. Christian Simmelkiaer, Programme File News — As part of the 10th the program. Honorable Minister for Officer of UNV Nepal, also Anniversary of the International Civil Aviation and Tourism, Mr. presented his welcome remarks in Year of Volunteers (IYV +10) and Khagendgra Biswakarma the event. coinciding with the Global Youth inaugurating the event highlighted Service Day, more than 1000 youth volunteers gathered at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to organize a cleaning campaign with the slogan ‗Change through Volunteerism‘. The participants cleaned the international airport premises and demonstrated their volunteerism. As part of the same campaign, two events were organised on April 30 and May 17 of 2011 jointly by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, AYON (Association of Youth Organizations in Nepal), YUWA, UNV Nepal, Management Circle of Purbanchal University (MCPU), Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) with the coordination and cooperation of airport security department. Volunteers at work.. Volunteers from different I/NGOs, Photo: UNV colleges and schools participated in

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Men and women wash their hands with soap before entering Pokhara City Hall in , Nepal. They came to celebrate Kaski's status as the country's first open- defecation-free district.

Photo: UNICEF/Anna Maria Guiney

villages.

The movement got a boost from incentives and rewards for innovative approaches to raising awareness in local communities.

―A couple of main ingredients ensured the success of the campaign: local government's leadership, political support, social mobilization and public-private partnerships,‖ explained UNICEF Nepal‘s Purushottam Acharya. ―Most importantly, varied Kaski District in western approaches and contributions from different levels of society ensured Nepal marks a milestone that every household was reached.‖

In the end, said Mr. Acharya, ―ODF‖ in sanitation – for open-defecation-free – ―became everybody‘s concern.‖ POKHARA, 14 July – On a warm sanitation.‖ day recently in Pokhara, the hub of Kaski District in western Nepal, The last recourse for those without „An example people from different corners of the any form of sanitation, open city congregated around City Hall to defecation presents serious health for other celebrate Kaski becoming the hazards to local populations, country‘s first open-defecation-free placing them at greater risk of district. diarrhoeal diseases, worm districts‟ infestations and hepatitis. It was an event bursting with energy Addressing the large gathering in and colour. Beneath banners Pokhara, Kaski Local Development proclaiming ‗Our Pride‘, female Four-year Officer Guru Prasad Subedi health workers in colourful saris commended the people of the were greeting over 5,000 people – district for their success. including schoolchildren and sanitation farmers, government officials and ―It is because of you that we have activists. All of them washed their drive been able to achieve this hands with soap before entering remarkable feat,‖ he said. ―What City Hall. The announcement in Pokhara was you have contributed for this the culmination of a four-year campaign – in terms of hours of Inside, Nepal‘s Prime Minister, sanitation drive in the district, led by labour, or construction material – is Jhala Nath Khanal, raised a green the Regional Monitoring Office and more than 70-fold of the support flag, released a big green balloon the Machhapuchhre Development provided by the rest of the partners. emblazoned with a map of Kaski Organization, with support from The laurels for cleaning up Kaski and announced to tremendous UNICEF. Joined by local leaders, truly rest on your shoulders." applause: ―This is a historical day students, teachers, political parties, UNICEF Acting Representative in for Kaski and an indication of a and representatives of the private Nepal Will Parks also lauded the movement towards an open- sector and the media, the campaign people of Kaski for taking the lead defecation-free Nepal. Kaski is now began in schools and spread to the on sanitation and hygiene. a leading example for the country surrounding neighbourhoods and and other districts with very poor

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―You have become a trailblazer,‖ he told the crowd. ―You have set an example for other districts to follow in your footsteps, to show the same enthusiasm and commitment in making their districts clean, healthy and attractive. Your campaign reflects the positive drive towards human dignity, pride and identity – especially for women and girls, who should not have to risk their safety and security for lack of a toilet.‖ Preventing diarrhoea

More than 18,000 toilets were constructed under the leadership of Kaski‘s District Development Nepal's Prime Minister, Jhala Nath Khanal (centre), hoists a flag declaring that Kaski District is free of open defecation. Committee during the sanitation campaign. In Nepal‘s central Photo: UNICEF development region, Chitwan, Tanahun and Nawalparasi Districts are now in line to be declared open- defecation-free in the near future.

Poor sanitation and hygiene practices are considered the lead causes for the high prevalence of infectious diseases in Nepal, and diarrhoea is still the single second largest killer of children here. The country aims to have universal coverage for sanitation by 2017; initiatives like the campaign in Kaski are a model for replication and success.

― is close on your heels, Kaski,‖ said Mr. Parks. ―There has been an increase in the government's budget allocation to build toilets at the household and institutional level, especially toilets for girls in schools. All these are good indications that will help us inch closer to the goal of universal sanitation coverage by 2017.‖ UNICEF official in Nepal Will Parks receives a 'Token of Appreciation' in recognition of UNICEF's contribution to the sanitation campaign in Kaski, western Nepal. As the celebrations in Pokhara ended, the monsoon rains poured, Photo: UNICEF offering cool respite to the thousands gathered at City Hall. They went home proud of their achievement.

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Left to Right: Intl’ Project Manager SPCBN/ UNDP Rohan Edrisinha, constitutional Civil Society Leaders expert Purna Man Shakya, Supreme Court Bar Association's President Krishna Prasad Sapkota, Acting Chief Election discusses on Forms of Commissioner Nil Kantha Upreti and President of Nepal Bar Association Prem Governance and Electoral Bahadur Khadka.

System Photo: CCD/UNDP conflicting issues like electoral system, forms of governance and KATHMANDU, 15 July — In order he personally is in favor of restructuring of state determines to create an environment for the parliamentary system. ―Mixed the fate of constitution making. national consensus among the system is also a workable solution if Khadka said, ―The parliamentary parties to resolve the contentious Maoist reconsiders the issue of form of government is suitable in issues, Supreme Court Bar division of power, provision of Nepal as the presidential system Association with the support of opposition and recall system.‖ leads to dictatorship. Citing the Center For Constitutional Dialogue example of Srilanka, he strongly (CCD) organized a discussion on Similalry, Director of CCD Prof favored the parliamentary form of ‗electoral system and forms of Krishna Khanal on electoral system government. governance in new constitution‘ on said that the electoral system July 15 at CCD. should be inclusive as major International Project Manager of marginalized communities could not SPCBN-UNDP Rohan Edrisinha Similarly, Acting Chief Election be able to compete. He favored said that Nepal should feel proud Commissioner Nilakhanta Upreti quota system rather than about adopting the most complex said that whatever the electoral reservation. ―We need to process of writing constitution. ―It is system we are adopting we have harmonize between principles and easy to make constitution by the ensure that more and more people political realities. However, there s group of experts but that lacks the participate in the process and there inconsistency in harmonization legitimacy and larger ownership of will be representation from all between two as our leaders do not people .Therefore, there is no need section of society including sex, like principles.‖ to lose heart as progress will be cast, ethnicity, regions etc. made in near future drafting a new Nepal Bar Association president constitution reflection the dreams During the discussing constitutional Prem Bahadur Khadaka said that and aspiration of people in the new lawyer Dr. Bipin Adhikari said that the timely resolution of the constitution.‖

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Speaking on the issue of forms of major obstacles of constitution should have a check and balance government, Edrisinha argued that making process. ―Since there is a role.‖ semi presidential could be the middle strong position between contesting path, though there are certain forces, namely UCPN (Maoist) and Shakya also said that since there will dangers adopting the hybrid system. Nepali Congress on presidential be a federal structure of state, central Advocates of presidential system system and parliamentary system, we government will have limited area of highlight on stability and advocates of have to find a compromise model. work as the most of the administrative parliamentary system highlight on Most likely the mixed system like in power can be exercised by accountability. Giving an example of France can be the compromise provisional government. In this his home country Sri Lanka, model. The debate in the sub- context, the power of president could Edrisinha said that too much stability committee within constitutional be emerged. also leads to dictatorship. ―In committee is also leading to the Srilanka, present president is not only mixed system. Similarly, Election Commissioner a president, but also holds the major Nilakhanta Upreti said that whatever power ministries. Therefore, balance Shakya said that the clear division of the electoral system we are adopting of power between president and power between president and prime we have ensure that more and more prime minister in important.‖ minister is most crucial. Otherwise people participate in the process and there could be conflict between two there will be representation from all Advocate Purna Man Shakya institutions. ―Day to day section of society including sex, cast, presented his paper on Forms of administration should be given to ethnicity, regions etc. Government where he highlighted the prime minister and the president

concerns and priorities as a contribution to national and UN New Links regional efforts to resolve conflicts and build security.

The Millennium Development Goals Understanding Electoral Violence in Asia Report 2011 (UNDP) URL: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/11_MDG% URL: http://www.beta.undp.org/undp/en/home/ 20Report_EN.pdf librarypage/democratic-governance/dg- The report shows that although significant strides have publications-for-website/ been made, reaching all the MDGs by 2015 remains understanding_electoralviolenceinasia.html challenging because progress has failed to reach the This report investigates electoral violence in Asia through most vulnerable. The report is based on a master set of analyses of case studies commissioned by UNDP for data compiled by the Inter-Agency and Expert Group on seven countries in South and South-East Asia: MDG indicators led by the Statistics Division of the Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the DESA. Philippines and Thailand. The ultimate objective of these publications was to draw empirical lessons from each UN System Organizational Chart - revised country as helpful guides for policy, legislation and institutional change to promote greater democratic version governance. URL: http://www.un.org/en/aboutun/structure/ org_chart.shtml United Nations Mission in the Republic of Open Days on Women and Peace and South Sudan (UNMISS) URL: http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/ Security unmiss/ URL: http://www.unwomen.org/2011/07/open-days-on- On 9 July 2011 South Sudan became the newest country women-peace-and-security/ in the world. The birth of the Republic of South Sudan is UN Women, in partnership with the UN Department of the culmination of a six-year peace process. The Political Affairs (DPA), the UN Department of mandate of UNMIS ended on July 9th following the Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the United completion of the interim period set up by the Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is Government of Sudan and SPLM during the signing of commencing a number of ―Open Days‖ on women and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on 9 peace and security worldwide from June through January 2005. The Security Council has established a September 2011. The Open Days provide a platform new mission, the United Nations Mission in the Republic for local women leaders to speak directly with senior UN of South Sudan (UNMISS). leaders at the country level to share their experiences,

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Traditional Water management and Machhendranath Festival KATHMANDU, 31 July— UN Habitat has launched the Urban Forum to discuss on urban issues in Nepal. The forum will provide a monthly forum to youths, researchers and scholars to discuss on urban issues of Nepal. It has organized an interaction programme on "Traditional Water management and Machhendranath Festival" on the launching of the Urban Forum. Mr. Padma Sundar Joshi, Habitat Manager, UN Habitat Nepal, highlighted on the traditional water management system in Kathmandu Valley and linkage on the Machhendranath festival celebration in the programme. He further explained the Kathmandu city as a superb example of an eco-city based on the water management system with the provision of water canal (rajkulo), ponds and stone spouts. The cities of this valley developed a brilliant example of sustainable water management and linked it with socio- cultural practices.

Mr. Joshi highlighted the city planning and city water supply system of Kathmandu valley that started at least 1500 years ago in Kirat, Lichchhavi and Malla dynasties. The city is planned as a design of Mandala with the three concentric circles; Human settlement domain, agricultural domain and natural domain. Kirats developed the gravity flow water system from the springs and Licchhavis introduced the dug well technology to utilize the ground water in Kathmandu valley.

Mr. Joshi introduced the Hiti system of the stone spouts of the Kathmandu valley. The natural spring water from Budhanilkantha, Bageshwori and Tika Bhairav brought through water canal (rajkulo) and storage in the public ponds

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in city since last 1500 years. The linkages of Machchhendranath of water cannels and construction ponds contributed as aquifers of the festival in city water system. of private dug wells destroyed the water supply system. Water Machchhendranath festival is linked traditional water system of the collected in the ponds infiltrated in with the sustainable water system, Kathmandu valley. The deep the ground and flowed to stone certain rituals are linked with basement buildings and laying of spouts through cannels for public particular water body; ponds and hume pipes for city storm water supply. The stone spouts are stone spouts. The community level also affected on the traditional managed in the human settlement, trust fund mechanism Guthi also system of water flow in ponds, dug on the way to farm and the natural established to execute and sustain wells and stone spouts. sanctuaries to serve water to the the activities of traditional water public for different purpose. supply management. There are Mr. Bhushan Tuladhar, Regional many cultural festivals celebrated in Technical Advisor, UN Habitat He described the Hiti system; stone the water sources to encourage Water for Asian Cities, expressed spout (Hiti) platform, intake, water source protection and that the traditional water watercanal, filtration system and conservation. management system of Kathmandu reservoir. He stressed on the valley was an excellent and importance of all the system for He expressed his worries on complete system of water sustainable water supply. He destruction and interruption of the management. Traditionally, it was explained the social engagement traditional water management sustained and managed through and linkages in the traditional water system with the modern linkage with the rituals and festivals management system, family level, development activities. but in the modern days we have to neighbourhood level and state Encroachment of the ponds and manage and preserve it with ours level. He further explained the stone spout platforms, interruption ethics and legal provisions.

Community people in a programme.

Sukekhola in Kamalamai Photo: UN-HABITAT

Municipality declared open Reported: 31 July — Kamalamai, March — Kamalamai Integrated defecation free in Water for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Improvement project declared one community, in Asian Cities Projects Kamalamai municipality, the second largest municipality, an open (Jointly supported by UN-HABITAT and WaterAid in Nepal) defecation free (ODF) in March 2011.

Centre for Integrated Urban

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Development (CIUD) in close has been enhanced through the and grey water management for coordination with local sector trained water quality volunteers who further better health outcomes stakeholders, District water supply are responsible to test the quality of through Door to Door campaign and and sanitation office, District public water in the community and to bring about the behavioral change health office and local Water and disseminate the result to the wider in the community. Likewise it has Sanitation Users Committees with audience. trained Child Clubs and School support of WaterAid in Nepal (WAN) children to safe guard the WASH and UN Habitat Water for Asian Cities To improve sanitation, it is promoting activities basically focusing on (WAC) Programme is implementing low cost improved double pit latrine sustaining the ODF status and to this project in peri urban settlements and bio gas. Most of the aware the communities on WASH of Kamalamai municipality to improve constructions were done using the issues. the water, sanitation and health local materials and local labours to condition of poor and vulnerable create a sense of ownership and The project is currently working residents. These WAC partners support the local livelihoods. closely with local authorities, cooperate with respective Community Based Organization municipality for the effective To supplement the local ownership (CBOs), schools and Female implementation of the project. local masons were trained and hired Community Health Volunteers to execute the job and has supported (FCHVs) to further improve After this declaration, Sukekhola has in income generation. Equity and sustainability and integration, and become the first community in inclusion has been the centre point deliver project activities effectively. Kamalamai to declare ODF in the during project intervention. Women Municipality. There are 88 representation in Water and Community based monitoring and households (HHs) in the community, sanitation users committee is evaluation (CBME) tool has been where 75 per cent HHs were overwhelming and has triggered the introduced for maintaining the practicing open defecation before the huge community participation in transparency in financial aspect and project intervention. The community project activities. Disable and child raising ownership within community people with support of the project friendly toilet has been promoted. people for the sustainability of project constructed 66 individual toilets that intervention. helped them to bring their community To demonstrate the low cost toilets to this stage. and to change the mindset of those Likewise Rapid Convenient Survey people who thinks toilet construction (RCS), a hygiene monitoring tool has In addition, the project also adopted is expensive, the project used been introduced and practiced to an integrated approach in order to bamboo structures, cement concrete access the behavioral changes improve environmental health block and jute bags for brought by the hygiene related condition of urban poor communities, superstructures of toilet. intervention. which firstly focused jointly on low cost household option on water This project has trained ward wise In addition, the project has envisaged treatment, sanitation, and hygiene. FCHVs and interested local women widening its activities in upper part of Since it needs huge investment to volunteers and developed them as V- Kamalamai municipality focusing its improve the quality of water at WASH (Volunteers for Water, activities on poorly maintained source, this project has opted to Sanitation and Hygiene) and has sanitation problems of small town promote the Point of use (PoU) promoted hygiene education like which has been overshadowed due to treatment methodology to safeguard practices of proper hand washing, the huge investment in water sector the health of the community people. safe storage of water, waste and lack of community awareness on Community people awareness level management, kitchen management the importance of sanitation facilities.

Community people in a programme at Sukekhola. Photo: UN-HABITAT

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Following is a background note on the soon to be released film “The Whistleblower”. The movie is a fictionalized account of events that occurred more than a decade ago in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The following note aims to help answer questions about the UN, as depicted in the film. The Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General has welcomed the film as it highlights issues that are high on the agenda of the United Nations, including human trafficking, violence against women and cross-border organized crime.

the United Misconduct by UN Nations Mission in personnel in Bosnia- Bosnia- Herzegovina Herzegovina

Ms. Bolkovac, the Despite its strong record in central character combating human trafficking, there in the film, served were also clear cases of with the UN misconduct by individual personnel Mission in Bosnia- serving in the UN mission, including Herzegovina persons who frequented (UNMIBH) from establishments where prostitution, 1999-2000 as a including forced prostitution, member of the occurred. These instances were in International clear breach of the UN Police Task Force peacekeeper‘s ‗code of conduct‘ (IPTF) contributed and were illegal in some cases. The by a Member mission initiated actions to see that State of the UN. those personnel were held As part of her job accountable – including having responsibilities, those who were serving as civilian she worked with or military personnel contributed by UN officials Member States to the mission being working for relieved from service in the mission. UNMIBH and for the UN Office for Continuing efforts to the High address misconduct by UN Commissioner for personnel Human Rights in helping combat As a result of this case and others, human trafficking the United Nations undertook a and forced series of actions to look into and prostitution. address allegations of sexual Background note on exploitation and abuse by all UN UN efforts in peacekeeping personnel, whether Bosnia- UN officials or civilian or military the film, “The Herzegovina personnel contributed by Member States.The UN Secretariat has to combat been working with UN Member Whistleblower” human States to strengthen the Secretary- trafficking General‘s ―zero tolerance‖ policy While the soon to be released film towards sexual exploitation and ―The Whistleblower,‖ may be a The United Nations Mission in abuse. fictionalized account of events that Bosnia-Herzegovina (1995-2002) occurred more than a decade ago, was the first UN peace operation to To ensure transparency, regularly it does highlight issues that are high work with a host country to address updated statistics on allegations of on the agenda of the United the issue of trafficking in human sexual exploitation and abuse and Nations including human trafficking, beings and forced prostitution. As misconduct in general are available violence against woman and cross- part of its multi-faceted approach to on the UN‘s peacekeeping website border organized crime. We combating human trafficking, the (www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/ welcome all efforts to draw attention mission‘s police and civilian issues/cdu.shtml or http:// to such human rights violations and components joined with the local cdu.unlb.org). wish to state the following facts for police authorities in conducting an the record: extensive series of raids of facilities (Prepared by the UN Department of where prostitution was believed to Public Information) Ms. Kathryn Bolkovac‘s service with be occurring.

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Document Nepal Country Impact Study Status and Strategy for Faecal Sludge Management in The Kathmandu 03 This document is an In the Kathmandu internal Nepal country Valley, around 70% of impact study of the households initiatives supported by dispose their excreta UN-HABITAT‘s Water directly into the sewer and Sanitation Trust line while remaining Fund (WSTF) 30% of the households undertaken by a team still depend on onsite of international systems such as pit consultants. The latrines and septic objective of the WSTF tanks. Onsite is to bring in new sanitation systems are investment and ideas, prevalent mostly in the expand service peri-urban areas of the coverage for poor Kathmandu Valley. urban dwellers, and The study shows that help build momentum 30% of households in for achieving the urban areas of Lalitpur, 8% in Bhaktapur and 18% in MDGs. Kathmandu Districts still use septic tanks for disposal of excreta while in the peri-urban areas more than UN-HABITAT is a newcomer to the Urban WATSAN 50% of the households use such onsite systems. sector in Nepal, but has managed to establish itself as Even though there are service providers for feacal a notable development partner in this field. sludge collection, due to absence of a proper faecal UNHABITAT‘s comparative advantage is its focus on sludge management (FSM) system almost all the the complex problem of the urban poor, the ability to collected sludge is discharged into rivers. Thus, there integrate WSS approaches across the urban sector, is an urgent need for a proper FSM system in the and community involvement from the outset of the Kathmandu Valley. Such system could be operated project. through a public private partnership approach under a responsible institution/authority. By establishing the Download Report — http://unic.un.org/imucms/ FSM system in Kathmandu it will be a good userfiles/kathmandu/file/2010-UN-Habitat/Nepal- demonstration for other urban or peri-urban areas and Country-Impact-Study.pdf emerging towns in the country facing similar sanitation problems.

UNDP Nepal Annual Report 2010 This is a joint publication of UN-HABITAT and High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of In 2010, UNDP Bagmati Civilisation which highlights issues on FSM Nepal made major system in the Kathmandu Valley with contributions to recommendation and strategies for its improvement. building national capacities, improving Download Report — http://unic.un.org/imucms/ the national policy userfiles/kathmandu/file/2010-UN-Habitat/ environment, FSM_booklet.pdf strengthening governance and directly benefitting detailed in the Country Programme Document (2008- needy communities 2010) and focuses on the following: across Nepal. — Peace building; —- Transitional governance; Since 1963 UNDP — Sustainable livelihoods; and, has worked with the — Energy, environment, and natural disaster Government and management. people of Nepal to Download Report — http://www.undp.org.np/ reduce poverty. The uploads/publication/UNDP%20Annual% organization‘s current programme of assistance is 20report%20Final_20110720074440.pdf

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UN Peacekeepers Provide Assistance in Haiti Parish Nepalese peacekeepers with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) carry out Civil-Military Coordination Activities (CIMIC), providing medical assistance to a group of earthquake refugees at a parish in Mirebalais, located on Haiti's Plateau Central. Photo: UN

day honours those, who have lost their lives in humanitarian service and those, who continue to bring 09 International Day of the assistance and relief to millions. It also seeks to draw attention to humanitarian needs worldwide and to World's Indigenous People explain what humanitarian aid work entails. The theme for this year's commemoration is Indigenous URL: http://www.un.org/en/events/humanitarianday/ designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future. It is a reminder that there is a story and a personal experience behind every piece of cloth, textile 23—International Day for the or artwork from an indigenous individual or community. Remembrance of the Slave It also captures a range of issues such as the danger of extinction and need for preservation and revitalization of Trade and its Abolition indigenous cultures, but can also be used to highlight By its decision to proclaim 23 August each year as the businesses who are taking inspiration from indigenous International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave peoples, and communities. A panel discussion on the Trade and its Abolition, UNESCO sought to pay tribute theme will be held on 9 August at UNHQ. to the tireless struggle of the slaves for their freedom. URL: http://www.un.org/en/events/indigenousd URL: http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php- URL_ID=27835&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTIO 12—International Youth Day N=201.html On 17 December 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the 29—International Day against recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August Nuclear Tests 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth The 64th session of the United Nations General Day. Assembly declared 29 August as the International Day URL: http://www.un.org/en/events/youthday/ against Nuclear Tests through the unanimous adoption of its resolution 64/35 on 2 December 2009. URL: http://www.un.org/en/events/ 19—World Humanitarian Day againstnucleartestsday/ Event Description: In an effort to raise public awareness of humanitarian assistance, the General Assembly has designated 19 August as World Humanitarian Day. The www.un.org.np, kathmandu.unic.org UN Information Centre Kathmandu 22 UNITED NATIONS IN NEPAL