Nepal

Introduction

WFD works to strengthen the UK-Nepal democratic and parliamentary relationship by sharing knowledge and best practices and exchanging experiences through bilateral as well as regional forums. WFD encourages and supports peer-to-peer learning between parliaments, MPs, and parliamentary staff, as well as one-on-one mentoring, meetings, national workshops, regional seminars, and international conferences. This work benefits and strengthens the functioning of parliamentary practitioners. WFD supports Nepal in implementing the reforms promised under the Nepalese Constitution, including the devolution process. These reforms are intended to bring about better services for citizens, a more equal distribution of resources among the regions, greater levels of gender equality, and the inclusion of all Nepalis and their representatives in decision-making processes.

Context

Nepal brought its consitition into effect in September 2015, fulfilling a decades-old wish of many Nepali people to write a statue through their elected representatives. The constitution, for the first time in Nepal’s history, brings together seven provinces in a federation and promises more robust social justice by, among other things, ensuring greater representation of previously underrepresented groups and sections of society in the political process.

An elected bicameral parliament and a government with strong majority are in place, providing the country with some stability after a prolonged period of uncertainty and political upheaval. WFD shares the Government of Nepal’s vision of “Sambriddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali” (“Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali”) and believes that this vision can be materialised making parliament more effective and accountable in implementing the reforms embedded in the constitution.

Programmes

Improving accountability through more robust parliamentary scrutiny of government performance

Status

Underway

Increased recognition of the rights and fundamental role of women and under-represented groups

Status

Underway

Key Results

Technical support provided to a federal parliamentary committee to conduct post-legislative scrutiny

Women MPs supported to strengthen their parliamentary and constituency engagements.

Women members of the Sudurpashchim and Karnali provincial assemblies trained in media handling skills

Briefings provided to the federal parliament on managing committee business and questioning the Prime Minister

Commentary

MPs in Nepal scrutinise decades-old laws invoked by Government to respond to COVID-19

In April 2020, as Nepal’s parliament is awaiting to be convened for its Summer (budget) Session and the country entered its sixth week of lockdown, some parliamentary committees resumed their business.

Contact us

United Kingdom

Info@wfd.org