Front Page
Taken from the CIVICUS Monthly Bulletin
Issue No.14, April-May 2006
Interview with Tatwa P. Timsina, Secretary General of Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) Nepal & Coordinator of CIVICUS Civil Society Index in Nepal
After over a year long suspension of civil liberties, the people of Nepal are celebrating the success of their peaceful revolution. In response to 20 turbulent days of peaceful mass protests, Nepali King Gyanendra addressed the nation on 24 April, agreeing to reinstate the House of Representatives. Keeping to their promises, the new Council of Ministers on 9 May reportedly annulled three restrictive ordinances promulgated by the former royal government, including those related to media, NGOs and local administration. According to reports, the labour ordinance was also amended and the government is discussing whether to rescind the draconian Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act (2002).
In February 2005, King Gyanendra dismissed the government and imposed a state of emergency, suspending civil liberties in a vow to crush a decade-old Maoist revolt. Since then, officials have committed serious human rights violations, including the arbitrary arrest and detention of thousands of critics, and the implementation of severe restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. The recent protests were violently repressed by security forces, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 people, with hundreds more injured and thousands arrested.
Civil Society Watch interviewed Tatwa P. Timsina, the Secretary General of the Institute for Cultural Affairs in Nepal on the state of civil of society in his country and his renewed hopes for its bright future.
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In your opinion, what finally motivated King Gyanendra to restore democracy?
In my view, it is the pressure and sacrifice of the Nepali people for democracy. People were ready to die for peace and development. The well wishes of our friends in government and civil society around the world also compelled the king towards restoring the parliament and respecting the people's wishes.
What will be the role of civil society in assisting with the transition to and maintenance of democracy?
Civil society should continue applying pressure on the political parties. It should remind them regularly about the agenda of the peoples' movement. Civil society organisations (CSOs) should also help the government to normalise the situation. They should also pressure the Maoists to be involved in the nation building. Above all, CSOs should involve themselves fully in nation building.
How did King Gyanendra’s decision to dismiss the government and take power in February 2005 affect civil society?
After Feb. 2005, the autocratic regime dismissed the system of government and all constitutional rights for CSOs. The regime tried to threaten CSOs by introducing an unfriendly ordinance. As a result, CSOs in Nepal faced great difficulty in working freely and independently.
The role of CSOs towards the development of the country was not recognised by the Gyanendra regime. With a series of emergencies, curfews and unfriendly ordinances the state strangled CSOs and curtailed the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. The state wanted CSOs to act as mouthpieces of the government, which was not acceptable to the majority of CSOs. The state also attacked the free media, curtailing the rights of citizens to information.
What was the situation for civil society before Feb. 2005?
Civil society in Nepal had a very congenial environment before February 2005. They used to follow the rules and regulations of the government and Social Welfare Council which were okay towards CSOs. Although CSO activities in rural areas were somewhat threatened by both the Maoists and the government, the work of most CSOs was going quite well. The process for registration and renewal was simple and there were few restrictions to work with international CSOs.
How freely are civil society organisations able to register, operate and receive funding in Nepal?
During the autocratic regime, it was difficult to register a new CSO which was not backed by the government. CSO activities were made difficult by both the warring parties i.e., the state and the Maoist. Receiving funding internally through state support was almost negligible for the neutral CSOs and it is also becoming difficult to get support from international donors. There are so many restrictions imposed by the government through the Home Ministry, Ministry of Finance and Social Welfare Council which prevent CSOs from getting support. The situation still prevails, but we hope there will be much change once the present government starts working in a full-fledged way.
During the recent demonstrations, the protesters appeared to be from every segment of society. What do you think drew them to protest, despite the risk of arrest?
There were several reasons for the participation of different sectors of society in the ongoing movement. Everybody knew that less than one percent of the people were ruling more than 99 percent of the population, treating them like the slaves in the 18th century. Enormous resources were spent for the benefit of one family. No one was safe in this country. No one was allowed and empowered to exploit his/her full potential. This is the reason brain drain has been so rampant in this country. Those who were living in the country because of their social connection and patriotism knew that there would be no peace and prosperity under a dynasty which has a history of bloodshed and betrayal.
What are your hopes for the future of Nepal?
I am quite hopeful that the future of the country will be very bright. We will regain our peace and prosperity. We will have a socially inclusive and economically prosperous society where each and every person will be able to exploit his/her potential. Nepal, as the transit point to India and China, will provide a model of democracy where people, parties, the king, the market and a vibrant civil society work together to pursue peace and prosperity
For more information about the Institute for Cultural Affairs-Nepal, visit www.ica-nepal.org