NGOs in NEPAL

NGOs in Nepal are committed to investigating alternative energy sources, supporting local economic projects, and promoting gender equality, and more for holistic development. With the globalization of modern times, international interests and concerns draw Nepal into contact with more distant corners of the world. There is now a multitude of non-governmental organizations working in Nepal, mostly headquartered in the Kathmandu Valley. According to the 2019 report, there is a total number of 50,358 NGOs in Nepal with 25,992 registered in Province 3. It is estimated that there are more than 15, 000 NGOs working in various sectors in Nepal. Some are international NGOs and some are purely Nepali, some are long-running whereas some are start-ups. The evolutionary process of NGOs in Nepal from a historical perspective has rather been slow compared to the rest of the world. There are very limited references related to the concept of institutionalization of social service in Nepal. The first pioneering social institution in the history of the social service sector of Nepal was ‘Gandhi Memorial Charkha Pracharak Guthi.’ Many people see NGOs as the representatives who are working for transformation in the country. Despite thousands of NGOs and significant amounts of foreign aid, Nepal remains one of the poorest countries in South Asia. The case of Nepal indicates that aid and donor support alone are insufficient for sustained development. There are over 70,000 NGOs in Nepal, but only 20% are functionally active. That is due to the lack of long-term planning and research.

In general, low-income countries like Nepal have weak governance; poor resources, and high unemployment. These countries have inadequate national budgets to support universal health and education coverage and rely on the support of private organizations. Over time these NGOs have become fertile land for the growth of the nation. Due to remoteness and poverty in the different regions of Nepal, the government itself cannot go to all remote and deprived areas proportionally, therefore, the NGOs/INGO easily entered and penetrated in such locations, and they wanted and unwanted activities have spread all over the country. As society forged ahead and advanced the scope, the role of NGOs has broadened its realm become all social problem-poverty sickness, suffering, and social disorganizations have existed throughout human history. Exposure to a series of unwanted activities of INGOs forced the government and people to consider seriously regulating them. Thereafter, there have been lots of criticism, comments, discussion, and arguments on the governing system and behavior of NGOs/INGOs. They created their expensive structures in districts, instead, encouraging local communities to perform. The issue of good governance and the transparency of the donor community were raised. It is found that INGOs and donor communities issue directives of their respective country and organizations instead of the needs of the government and people of Nepal.

Operation of NGOs in Nepal

NGOs play an important role in the national development of the country. Public welfare activities are based on the tradition of gaining religious merit and fame, promoting the welfare of others, and assisting the people. NGOs in Nepal rely heavily on foreign aid, and donors coordinate development aid policy through the Nepal Development Forum, whose members include donor countries, international financial institutions (such as the World Bank), and inter-governmental organizations (such as the United Nations). The United Kingdom is Nepal's largest bilateral aid donor and the World Bank and Asian Development Bank are the largest multilateral donors. Some of the INGOs based in Nepal also rely heavily on their global brother/sister organization for funding. Different NGOs make themselves accessible by making their Websites to start a Non-Profit Organization in Nepal. One can quickly and very easily attract volunteers and donors and also provide information to your potential beneficiaries’ through the website. They also continue building networks with persons in regional and international communities. The connections with people, local government, funding organizations, religious organizations, and other places that can relate closely to your NGO’s work, and will be the funding source in the near successive future. 

Formulation of NGO in Nepal

The registration is a small yet very important part to start a Non-Profit Organization in Nepal. Every NGO in Nepal is registered at the District Administration Office (“DAO”) of the relevant district where the NGO is to be established. Further, tax registration must be done at the Inland Revenue Department following the completion of registration at the DAO. After the registration at the DAO, an affiliation certificate can be obtained from the Social Welfare Council. The Social Welfare Council Act, 1992 was enacted, replacing the then SSNCC Act, 1977. According to this act, the Social Welfare Council (SWC) was constituted as a governmental agency to look after the NGO affairs both externally assisted and traditional self-supported. The governing laws for NGOs are as follows: 

• Social Welfare Act 1992; 
• Associations Registration Act 1977; and 
• Relevant guidelines adopted by the Social Welfare Council.

Role in civil society

NGOs in Nepal often aim to promote understanding between citizens and the state. NGOs contribute to civil society by providing a means to actively express and address the diverse and complex needs of society. It motivates citizens in all aspects of society to act instead of relying on state power and charity. NGO activities include, but are not limited to, environmental, social, advocacy, and human rights work. They can work to promote social or political change on a broad scale or very locally. NGOs play a vital role in the development of society, improving communities, and promoting civic participation through proper utilization of available resources aiming at holistic development.

Challenges faced by NGOs in Nepal

In today's competitive and dynamic world it generates challenges for all the participating organizations working for the uplifting and bringing change. Nevertheless, non-governmental organizations face specific obstacles regarding their particular nature. Some of the most frequent challenges are as follows:

1. Difficulties to get funds: The majority of NGOs are on the verge of extinction due to experiencing difficulties in getting enough, and continuous funding to do their work. Getting donors is a hard task, and sometimes dealing with some specific donor’s funding conditions can be an enormous challenge for NGOs. Additionally, most non-governmental organizations have a high level of dependency on donors’ funds, which makes them even more susceptible to donor performance.
2. Lack of proper networking: Most of the NGOs have high difficulties with the network which leads to a lack of communication if the non-governmental organizations do not disclose what they are doing for a certain community. The efforts can be duplicated, conflicts about the ways a certain problem should be faced in a region could arise, and they could be missing the opportunity to learn best practices from other NGOs. The lack of a proper networking environment in an organization leads to misleading decisions and the collapse of the institution.
3. Lack of governance: Having a Board is one of the best ways to achieve good levels of governance, nevertheless, there is a significant number of NGOs that do not have a good understanding of governance, and do not think governance is relevant for their organizations. Several non-governmental organizations do not have a Board, one of the main reasons for that is the difficulty to attract board members without paying them or offering them any benefits.  In addition, some NGOs’ funds are poorly managed because they do not have proper accounting and analysis to use the funds according to the instructions of the NGO owners.
4. Poor technical awareness: In today's technological world, various NGOs are still unaware of its functions and tools, which has a huge impact on the sustainability of their organizations. NGOs in Nepal are still struggling to keep up with the pace of the modern world, and some donors do not have their websites and sources for the information, where Nepali NGOs face difficulties in getting access to hundreds of thousands of opportunities and are compelled to miss one.

Non-governmental organizations face multiple challenges, but one of the most important steps to overcome these obstacles is to identify what are challenges that an organization is facing, and the areas where there is room to improve, after identifying these key areas organizations can design a plan to improve, and hopefully overcome the obstacles they are facing. 

Prepared by: Swikriti Parajuli

I’m a student and I believe in learning and sharing. Besides community development, I’m passionate about arts, music, and sports. 

ICA Nepal is an experienced team dedicated to working in the field of human capacity building, and community development through advanced methods. It pursues to recognize people’s initiation, creativity, and enthusiasm in bringing sustainable development by considering existing cultural dynamics and pluralities. It is committed to creating an environment, in which the opportunity to participate and the construction of sustainable change and development is foremost.

International Human Rights Day; Equality, Reducing Inequalities, and Advancing Human Rights

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that everyone in the world is entitled to from birth to death.   These universal rights are inherent to us all, regardless of nationality, gender, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status. They range from the most fundamental rights of life to those that make life worth living, such as the rights to food, education, work, health, and liberty. It is the standards that recognize and protect the dignity of all human beings. No one can voluntarily give these rights up nor can others take them away from others.  

Human Rights Day is globally celebrated on 10th December every year to commemorate the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights -the document that outlines the fundamental rights of all human beings that must be protected universally. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights plays a prominent role in coordinating global efforts to celebrate the day, which routinely features cultural events and performances, public meetings and seminars, and other human rights-promoting educational activities. At a plenary session on December 4, 1950, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution that invited all UN member states and any other interested organizations to commemorate the Dec. 10, 1948, proclamation of the UDHR with an annual celebration, called Human Rights Day, to be held on the anniversary of that landmark date. 

Each year a theme is selected to draw attention to a particular facet of the effort to uphold human rights. Themes included eliminating discrimination, fighting poverty, and protecting victims of human rights violations. The theme of this year`s Human Rights Day is "Equality." Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." The principles of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of human rights. It’s celebrated to create public awareness about social, cultural, and physical rights and to ensure the welfare of society in every possible context.  Additionally, since 1968, which the UN-designated as the International Year for Human Rights, the organization has periodically awarded a United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights on Human Rights Day.

The principle of universality of human rights is the cornerstone of international human rights law. This means that we are all equally entitled to our human rights. This principle, as first emphasized in the UDHR, is repeated in many international human rights conventions, declarations, and resolutions. Human rights are inseparable and interdependent.  One right cannot be fully exercised without the other. For instance, the realization of the right to health may depend on the realization of the right to education or of the right to information. Similarly, infringement of economic, social, and cultural rights can negatively affect many other rights. 

Every person is entitled to active, free, and meaningful participation in, contribution to, and enjoyment of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural development, through which human rights and fundamental freedoms can be realized. States and other duty-bearers must comply with the legal norms and standards enshrined in human rights instruments. Where they fail to do so, aggrieved rights-holders are entitled to institute proceedings for appropriate redress before a competent court or other adjudicators, following the rules and procedures provided by law.

There are no organizations or conventions in Asia to promote or protect human rights. Countries vary widely in their approach to human rights and their record of human rights protection. Human rights violations occur when any government or non-government officials breach any of the terms of the UDHR or other international human rights or humanitarian law. Concerning human rights violations of United Nations laws. Human rights abuses are monitored by United Nations committees, national institutions, and governments and by many independent non-governmental organizations, such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, World Organization Against Torture, Freedom House, International Freedom of Expression Exchange, and Anti-Slavery International. These organizations collect evidence and documentation of human rights abuses and apply pressure to promote human rights. Wars of aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, including genocide, are breaches of international humanitarian law.

Human rights are very important for making sure that all humans get treated equally. They are essential for a good standard of living in the world.  You are liable to have human rights if you're a human being. Human rights are norms that aspire to protect all people everywhere from severe political, legal, and social abuses. They are an important means of protection for us all, especially those who may face abuse, neglect, and isolation. Most importantly, these rights give us power and enable us to speak up and to challenge poor treatment from a public authority. Hence, as human beings, it is our responsibility to protect and conserve these human rights. Despite the right, there are still millions of people out there who don’t have these necessities, but saying it’s a matter of human rights allows activists and others to work towards getting those for everyone.

Prepared by: Swikriti Parajuli

I’m a student and I believe in learning and sharing. Besides community development, I’m passionate about arts, music, and sports.  On the glorious occasion of International Human Rights Day, we wish everyone a very Happy Human Rights Day. Always be yourself, stand up for your rights and protect these rights as well. Let`s be responsible for the eradication of inequality from society this year. 

ICA Nepal is an experienced team dedicated to working in the field of human capacity building, and community development through advanced methods. It pursues to recognize people’s initiation, creativity, and enthusiasm in bringing sustainable development by considering existing cultural dynamics and pluralities. It is committed to creating an environment, in which the opportunity to participate and the construction of sustainable change and development is foremost.

Child Marriage in Nepal

Child marriage usually refers to a social phenomenon practiced in some societies in Nepal, where a young child (usually a girl below the age of eighteen) is married to an adult man. Nepal is a developing country filled with norms and values. However, some bad practices are still residing here within the nation, some of them include: Deuki Pratha, Untouchability, Gender Discrimination, Ghumto Pratha, Child Labor, Jhumma Pratha, Girls Trafficking, Dowry and dowry-related violence, Gambling, and Child Marriage has always been one of them. Another form of child marriage practice is that the parents of the future bride and groom arrange a future marriage.  In this kind of marriage girls and boys do not meet until they reach their marriageable age.  Child marriage constitutes a gross violation of human rights, leaving physical, psychological, and emotional scars for life. Sexual activity usually begins shortly after marriage, and early pregnancy and childbirth can lead to the death of both the mother and the baby. In addition, girls and women who marry at a young age are more likely to experience domestic violence at the couple's home.

In Nepalese society, men are often considered superior to women.  Although there have had made different laws and policies, the custom is still prevailing in the society.  According to Nepalese law, the minimum age of marriage under Nepali law is 20 years of age, but 37% of Nepalese girls marry before the age of 18 and 10% are married by the age of 15. (source: https://www.hrw.org/report/child-marriage-nepal). Boys also often marry young in Nepal, though in lower numbers than girls. UNICEF data indicates that Nepal has the third-highest rate of child marriage in Asia, after Bangladesh and India. 

In ancient and medieval societies, it was common for girls to be betrothed at or even before the age of puberty. Later, there was a decrease in the rates of child marriage across South Asia from 1991 to 2007, but the decrease was observed among young adolescent girls and not girls in their late teens. Child marriage has been illegal in Nepal since 1963 and, after 20 years old both men and women can get married. Nepal has one of the highest legal ages of marriage in the world where arranging a child marriage or marrying a child is punishable by law. Although strong on paper, the laws are not properly enforced and child marriage rates remain high. A UNICEF discussion paper determined that 79.6% of Muslim girls in Nepal, 69.7% of girls living in hilly regions irrespective of religion, and 55.7 percent of girls living in other rural areas, are all married before the age of 15 (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_marriage). Girls born into the highest wealth quintile marry approximately years later than the ones from the opposite quintiles.  Child marriage has lasting consequences on girls, from their health (mental and physical), education, and social development perspectives. These consequences last well beyond adolescence. One of the most common causes of death for girls aged 15 to 19 in developing countries was pregnancy and childbirth. Girls are more disproportionately affected by the practice than boys. 

Child Marriage can be highly observed in the Rural and Terai region of Nepal such as Janakpur, Bardibas, Dhanusa, etc. Some of the main factors including poverty, lack of access to education, child labor, social pressures, and harmful practices paves a way for Child Marriage. Cutting across all of these is entrenched gender inequality and damaging social norms that make girls less valued than boys in Nepali society. Gender inequality, social norms, perceived low status of girls, safe healthcare, safety concerns about girls, and control over sexuality are considered to be reasons for the prevalence of child marriages. Child marriage occurs more frequently among girls living in rural areas. Investing in girls, developing their social and economic assets, giving them access to education and health services, and ensuring that they can postpone marriage until they are ready means greater dignity for women to help reduce the rate of Child Marriage in Nepal. 

On the other hand, as soon as the marriage happens, young brides are forced to prove their fertility after marriage and to give birth to children, especially sons. A young girl with minimal or no education, raised to be submissive and subservient, married to an older man, has little ability to negotiate sexual activity.

Child marriage also threatens the lives of offspring. Mothers under the age of 18 years have a 35 to 55% increased risk of delivering pre-term or having a low birth weight baby than a mother who is 19 or 20 years old. In addition, infant mortality rates are 60% higher when the mother is under 18 years old. Infants born to child mothers tend to have weaker immune systems and face a heightened risk of malnutrition (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_marriage). Married teenage girls with low levels of education suffer a greater risk of social isolation and domestic violence than more educated women who marry as adults.   Early marriage places young girls in a vulnerable situation without education resulting in women having fewer opportunities to earn an income and financially provide for themselves and their children by being completely dependent on her husband. Domestic and sexual violence from their husbands has lifelong, devastating mental health consequences for young girls because they are at a formative stage of psychological development. High rates of child marriage negatively impact countries' economic development because of early marriages' impact on girls' education and labor market participation. Using Nepal Multi-Indicator Survey data, its researchers estimate that all girls delaying marriage until age 20 and after would increase cash flow among Nepali women in an amount equal to 3.87% of the country's GDP.

Despite the government's promise of reform, too many children are still being married off before 18 in Nepal resulting in their futures being stolen. Some of the effects of a child's marriage are: 

• Girls who get married at an early age are often more susceptible to the health hazards associated with early sexual initiation and childbearing, including HIV and obstetric fistula,
• Young girls who lack status, power, and maturity are often subjected to domestic violence, sexual abuse, and social isolation, 
• Early marriage almost always deprives girls of their education or meaningful work, which contributes to persistent poverty, 
• Child Marriage perpetuates an unrelenting cycle of gender inequality, sickness, and poverty, 
• Getting the girls married at an early age when they are not physically mature, leads to the highest rates of maternal and child mortality. 

Some of the practices that can be adopted to overcome Child Marriage in Nepal are: 

• Strengthening the National Legal and Political Framework for Child Marriage and Marriage registration, 
• Empowering Adolescent Girls,  
• Involvement of Religious Leaders as well as Men and Boys, 
• Supporting the ongoing revision of curriculum on Comprehensive Sexuality Education, 
• Mobilizing communities to promote public expressions of commitment, and declare child marriage-free VDCs,
• Strengthening adolescent-friendly health services.

Child Marriages are considered as one of the social menaces that cannot be curbed easily without the support of society. Many times the parents of the girl child forcibly marry their daughters to some elder man so that that person can provide financial support to the girl’s family which may lead their financial condition to turn better, but we must aware more of these people and help them develop a clear mindset where a young girl can get an education and be independent further.  It can also be concluded from the above discussion that in early marriages, the girl child’s reproductive and sexual health is affected the most. 

Prepared by: Swikriti Parajuli

I’m a student and I believe in learning and sharing. Besides community development, I’m passionate about arts, music, and sports. Being a teenager myself, and with all the beautiful opportunities I have, I want to aware more people and hope every girl can achieve their dreams without being forced to get married. 

ICA Nepal is an experienced team dedicated to working in the field of human capacity building, and community development through advanced methods. It pursues to recognize people’s initiation, creativity, and enthusiasm in bringing sustainable development by considering existing cultural dynamics and pluralities. It is committed to creating an environment, in which the opportunity to participate and the construction of sustainable change and development is foremost.