Contact:

From February 20-24, 2007, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) held a number of interactive discussions in Kathmandu on security and rule of law in Nepal.

The series of dialogue sessions brought together members of the government, political parties, civil society, the media, and police. The aim was to identify those areas of mutual concern related to resolving conflict and maintaining the rule of law and human rights. Representatives from USIP, the Irish Centre for Human Rights, and international policing took part as resource persons during the sessions.

USIP is an independent nongovernmental organization committed to peacebuilding and to preventing, managing, and resolving violent conflicts. The Institute has worked with civil society and police on rule of law and security issues in Nepal for nearly two years, particularly focusing on security sector reform and transitional justice issues. The Institute has also organized public events, seminars and political briefings in Washington on important rule of law and human rights issues related to Nepal. It has also published reports intended to inform policymakers, donors and civil society groups both national and international.

The United States Institute of Peace also announces the launch of the Nepali edition of its publication Combating Serious Crimes in Postconflict Societies: A Handbook for Policymakers and Practitioners. The handbook contains knowledge and guidance for both practitioners and policymakers faced with combating those crimes most prevalent in societies emerging from conflict, which includes contributions from Nepal-based practitioners.