When Nepal’s internal armed conflict was concluded with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) between the Maoists and the Seven Party Alliance in 2006, one of the primary commitments was to convene an inclusive CA to promulgate a new Constitution. In April 2008 the first CA was elected. Despite manifold efforts, the first CA failed to promulgate a Constitution by the Supreme Court set deadline of May 2012. Elections for a new CA were successfully conducted on 19 November 2013 and a new CA was convened in January 2014. The election produced a new power balance and a less inclusive representation in the CA and hence increased the importance of providing support to promote the participatory aspects of Nepal’s constitutional project.

An inclusive Constitution based on broad ownership by the whole Nepalese society, including the traditionally marginalized groups.

The project counterpart will be the CA Secretariat.

The project will focus on the capacity development for the CA members and civil society groups. A special attention will be given to the 85% new CA members as well as to representatives of traditionally excluded groups, such as women, Dalits, Janajatis, Madhesis, and the disabled.

• Outcome 1: Compromise options on key constitutional issues are developed and reflected in the Constitution.
• Outcome 2: The constitution-drafting process is shared through media and CSOs and feedback is collected and provided to CA members through selected members of the CA as well as influential persons with connections to CA members.
• Outcome 3: A culture of constitutionalism is promoted in Nepal and myths and misconceptions on contentious issues are clarified.
• Outcome 4: SPCBN engages with media to enhance their understanding on constitutional issues and the constitution-making process.

Principaux résultats attendus:  

The key outputs of the planned phase are twofold:

1. to support the development of the capacities of the CA, its committees and the CA Secretariat;
2. to support selected civil society organizations to facilitate participation of the general public with a special focus on women and excluded groups.

Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

Switzerland/SDC has not provided funding to previous phases of the SPCBN project launched in 2008. As a member of the Project Executive Board since 2012, however, Switzerland contributed actively to the steering of the project through the Peace Building Advisor.

After the first CA was elected in 2008, UNDP supported the constitution-drafting process by initiating the SPCBN Project to support the development of the capacities of the CA, its members and committees as well as the CA Secretariat. A comprehensive constitutional resource centre the “Centre for Constitutional Dialogue (CCD)” was established as “a one-stop shop” for the CA members and civil society to acquire information related to the constitution drafting process.

In the period following the dissolution of the CA, SPCBN continued to be a key player and resource centre providing analysis of constitutional developments, and continuously emphasizing the need for Nepal to remain focused and committed to the constitution drafting process.

UNDP is well situated to provide the assistance needed to at once reflect on the previous CA process, its strengths and shortcomings, and to move the process forward towards a resolution of contested issues.

British Embassy, Embassy of Denmark, Royal Norwegian Embassy

The activities will be conducted in close collaboration and coordination with a range of agencies including the International IDEA, the Nepal Bar Association, other UN Agencies, Media, and Civil Society Organizations.

Phase 1 01.09.2014 - 31.08.2015   (Completed)