Since 1990, Denmark has been supporting the promotion of human rights and the development of an inclusive, accountable and democratic political system in Nepal.
At present, DKK 170 million (US$33 million) of Danish assistance has been committed for the 2009-2013 period to promoting human rights and good governance in Nepal during this critical, post-conflict transition period.
After a decade-long civil war which ended with the Comprehensive Peace Accord in 2006, Nepal now faces challenges within aspects of human rights and good governance. A part of the rebuilding process includes strengthening capacity within the government and state institutions and within civil society to address the human rights violations of the past, to strengthen the rule of law, and to preserve and protect democratic principles and basic human rights for all of its citizens under the new constitution currently being drafted.
Danida’s Human Rights and Good Governance Programme (HRGGP-III) is designed to support initiatives by government and state institutions as well as civil society organisations in order to deepen democracy and contribute to the realisation of human rights and effective, inclusive and accountable local governance. It will promote synergies between government, state and non-state actors and is closely linked to the Nepali policy framework and reflects the strategic priorities of the Danish development policies.
1. Inclusive democracy: Strengthening political actors, institutions and public dialogues for democratic change
2. Human rights and justice: Addressing impunity and human rights, and improving access to justice for poor and marginalized women and men
3. Local governance and community development: Supports a national and multi-donor programme (LGCDP) aimed at promoting inclusive, responsive and accountable local governance and participatory, community-led development Social inclusion, conflict transformation and accountability are overarching themes that enhance the internal coherence of the programme and provide it with strategic direction.
To address the challenges that NGO's and CSO's are facing, Danida has developed and implemented a strategic partnership model under HRGGP phase III. This initiative is forging stronger linkages between donors and civil society, improving aid effectiveness. Under this initiative, donors and CSOs agree to form longer-term partnerships, including capacity development of CSO staff, and to simplified, standardized management mechanisms and common reporting.
Presently DanidaHUGOU is supporting 17 partners – 14 of which are CSOs. In addition to funding commitments, DanidaHUGOU provides strategic partners with technical and strategic guidance to build institutional capacity within the organizations.
Responsible desk officers at the Danish Embassy:
Lis K. Christensen liskch@um.dkSaroj Nepal sarnep@um.dk
Responsible desk officers at DanidaHUGOU:
Murari Shivakoti murari@hugou.org.np