Marginalized groups, including women, youth, ethnic groups like Madheshis and Tharus, minority religions and specific caste groups still experience discrimination and social exclusion within their community’s decision-making processes in Nepal. These groups lack access to the formal court system as well as to local resources and services. Large numbers of conflict affected persons including the Madhehi, Tharu and other marginalized populations in the central and eastern Terai, especially women and youth within these groups, have been historically discriminated against and tend to fall below national averages in poverty and literacy, and above national averages in child marriage and gender based violence. Local conflicts often stem from issues of inclusion and access, such as caste-based discrimination, gender-based violence, exclusionary development planning decisions, and natural resource management.
(pdf - 150k)PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Conflict Mitigation through Community Mediation project seeks to decrease local level conflicts that stem from issues of inclusion and access. This two and half year, $474,051 project is designed to reduce community tensions and establish more inclusive mediation centers in 24 VDCs of Rautahat, Sarlahi, Mahotari, Dhanusha, Siraha, and Saptari districts. Project goals include:
- Establish and mobilize inclusive community mediation systems
- Improve the relationship between marginalized groups and their local governments
- Increase community awareness on conflict management and mitigation
In partnership with local organizations Community Power, Village Community Development Center, Aastha Nepal, Community Family Welfare Association, Samagra Jan-utthan Kendra, and Save the Saptari, the CMCM will benefit the people from the selected VDCs, particularly youth and women from marginalized communities.
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