What I am doing:

I am currently working with an organization called Peace Brigades International in Nepal. This organization does international human rights accompaniment work. I am assigned to shadow threatened human rights workers to act as a witness and deterrent to political violence. I represent both the implied and actual attention of the international community. Thus, my presence along with a great deal of diplomacy work with all levels of government and military functions to prevent violence directed at these people. If further threats or a confrontation does occur concerning the person I am accompanying, or myself, an Emergency Response Network is activated that puts heavy pressure on the perpetrators. This network extends from simple actions from people like yourself to high level diplomatic sanctions, pressure from UN officials, Pressure from other countries' governments, etc... This, along with other nonviolent forms of action work to protect these people's lives and allow them to do their very important work.





Monday, May 3, 2010

Nepal Situation Update

The political situation in Nepal is at a heightened state at the moment. The new government has promised to draft a new constitution by May 28th but the parties are currently at a deadlock. Because of this the Maoists are holding massive protests in Kathmandu. There are several hundred thousand people who have flocked from the rural parts of Nepal to the City to join in this protest. The Maoist leaders have said that the purpose of this massive protest and Bhund (enforced stopping of all vehicles and closing of many shops and businesses)is to pressure the government into writing the constitution as well as the current Prime Minister stepping down. They have declared an "indefinite" bhund and strike. So what will happen in the coming days is uncertain. The protests began two days ago and have thus far been peaceful. there has been some Cadres demanding "donations" of food or money from people.
PBI is monitoring the the demonstration, but as I am still in the language training portion of my job I am staying in a village outside Kathmandu. THe village is not far from the city but from here you would not know anything is going on at all. My organization required us to stay in the village the first few days to see how severe of a threat the situation would be to our partner organizations and us. But after the first few days of peaceful protest they have lifted our restriction somewhat. So although tensions are high the current situation is a relatively peaceful one for Nepal and even more so for me, safely tucked away in a village. Although I have to say it is difficult to not be working in the field right now. But for now I can only just focus on my language which is coming along quite well. I will keep this blog updated on the situation as often as I have Internet access until it dissipates. Love you all.