PHA-Exchange> Mediation and international participation

[Mathura P Shrestha]

Dear All

It is a positive development that UNDP and INGOs have expressed their desire for the peaceful solution of Nepal's problem of insurgency by dialogue. We hope, this goodwill will grow and will find its way into the committed development strategy and actions of international community for Nepal. However, following specific situations in Nepal should be considered by all:
  1.. Art of mediation towards the honorable solutions without restoration to armed conflicts by all parties with desired political commitment and atmosphere for the people-oriented social changes should be developed and propagated using national and international media and communication channels including public campaigns. International community has a special role  for this They have resources too. National resources for this, however, should not be overlooked or supplanted.
  2.. Mediation could be national and international. But facilitators and initiatives should be only the national human rights and civil societies. As Maoists do not appear to have their shelters or liaison/contact offices outside Nepal International mediation would not be as effective as in Sri Lanka. International mediation may undermine the people's rights to participate in the dialogue directly or indirectly, due to myths and dulcet hypes related to global power equations. The sad example that international aid in stead of delivering development to people forced aid dependency and lack of faith in their own national and social resources should not be forgotten while prescribing international mediation.
  3.. Nepal's HR and civil societies are uniquely capable to mediate on the present insurgence problem. International community should fortify this unique condition to develop an appropriate model for peaceful mediation without external mediation for other countries in conflict.
  4.. Transparency in the people's perspective will difficult to come by with international media.
  5.. The mediators or facilitators should not be party to any one conflicting party. They should maintain their independence without any biases.
  6.. People in Nepal do not want dialogue table as a bargaining table for conflicting parties but as a negotiating table where understandings among them, willingness to tackle peacefully all root causes of the armed conflicts, and honesty for the equitable social justice and development for all the people will prevail in real terms.
  7.. Dialogue and mediation including settlements should all happen within the country (in Nepal). This is more convenient for the people of Nepal to watch, to be concerned and to be informed. This will increase their opportunity to participate in the dialogue.
  8.. International community should develop network of information and international experiences and facilitate the access for all without biases.
With regards,

Mathura P. Shrestha
President, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Nepal (PSRN); and
Chairperson, People's Health Assembly National Coordination Committee, Nepal.
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