The Asia Foundation

Impunity or lack of fear of punishment not only weakens the concept of the rule of law but also violates the human rights of others, the victims and society at large. Human rights violations in Nepal are taking place on a day-to-day basis. The...

Impunity or lack of fear of punishment not only weakens the concept of the rule of law but also violates the human rights of others, the victims and society at large. Human rights violations in Nepal are taking place on a day-to-day basis. The political debate on whether it is right or wrong to absolve violators of the rights of citizens during transition is argued well by both sides—those for and against. However, because no conclusion has yet been reached—let alone anyone being punished—the rights of victims to see justice done continue to be violated. This study seeks to document the level of impunity in Nepal and identify areas and actions that may be undertaken to remedy the situation.

This study assesses Nepal’s policies and laws that address the trafficking of women and children in terms of effectiveness, human rights, international obligations, and the relationship between trafficking and HIV. Through both formal...

This study assesses Nepal’s policies and laws that address the trafficking of women and children in terms of effectiveness, human rights, international obligations, and the relationship between trafficking and HIV. Through both formal and informal methods utilizing primary and secondary data, the study reviewed policies and laws related to trafficking, HIV/AIDS, labor and foreign employment, foreign travel and migration, gender, and children’s issues. The study evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the Nepal’s policies and laws and offers recommendations for improving them.

The objective of this report is to “document and analyze current intervention models for the prevention of trafficking and the care and support of trafficked persons in Nepal. This research aims to understand current perceptions of...

The objective of this report is to “document and analyze current intervention models for the prevention of trafficking and the care and support of trafficked persons in Nepal. This research aims to understand current perceptions of trafficking and identify the assumptions that explicitly or implicitly inform intervention approaches. A comparative analysis of different intervention approaches (including their content and process) was made using a human rights framework. Issues of feasibility, coverage, effectiveness and sustainability were considered. Finally, lessons learned are highlighted.

This study is a collaborative effort between The Asia Foundation (Kathmandu) and the Horizons Project of the Population Council (New Delhi). The objectives and related research questions of the study are: To assess the policy context that...

This study is a collaborative effort between The Asia Foundation (Kathmandu) and the Horizons Project of the Population Council (New Delhi). The objectives and related research questions of the study are: To assess the policy context that underpins intervention activities for the prevention of trafficking and the care and support of trafficked persons; To document and analyze current intervention models for the  prevention of trafficking, and the care and support of trafficked persons; To assess the features and determinants of vulnerability of girls and women to trafficking, as part of the larger problems of gender-based violence, migration for economic reasons and labor exploitation; To conceptualize the links between trafficking and HIV/AIDS; To recommend approaches to strengthen interventions to prevent trafficking and provide care and support to trafficked persons, and propose supporting rese arch and evaluation activities.

The role of heterogeneity in affecting the likelihood of collective action is strongly debated in the theoretical literature. We present evidence from a study of 18 forest user groups in Nepal. Heterogeneity is not a strong predictor of the...

The role of heterogeneity in affecting the likelihood of collective action is strongly debated in the theoretical literature. We present evidence from a study of 18 forest user groups in Nepal. Heterogeneity is not a strong predictor of the level of collective activity. Rather, heterogeneity is a challenge that can be overcome by good insititutional design when the interest of those controlling collective-choice mechanisms are benefited by investing time and effor to craft better rules.

In recent years, Nepal has attracted a lot of attention for its growing problem of trafficking in women and children. At present there is scarce information to support and inform efforts to both combat trafficking and reduce women’s and...

In recent years, Nepal has attracted a lot of attention for its growing problem of trafficking in women and children. At present there is scarce information to support and inform efforts to both combat trafficking and reduce women’s and girl’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. To address this gap the Asia Foundation, Kathmandu and Horizons/Population Council, New Delhi undertook a field-based study to identify perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of community members about the roles and opportunities ascribed to women, the need and benefits of migration, the existence of trafficking and determinants of vulnerability to trafficking. At the same time this study also examines attitudes and practices related to reintegration of trafficked persons.

The Asia Foundation's Consultation, Documentation & Advocacy Report on Electronic Procurement in His Majesty's Government of Nepal. The study was conducted by Information Technology Professional Forum between April to September 2003. The...

The Asia Foundation's Consultation, Documentation & Advocacy Report on Electronic Procurement in His Majesty's Government of Nepal. The study was conducted by Information Technology Professional Forum between April to September 2003. The Electronic Procurement System in general and in His Majesty's Government in particular analyzes the awareness, preparedness, and requirements of using information and communication technology in all public procurements of Nepal. The objectives are to (a) review the present legal framework for financial transactions to be carried out online, (b) build consensus for IT-based procurement systems, (c) develop an e-Procurement strategy for the growth of e-Governance and e-Commerce, and (d) draft a pilot project document to demonstrate the viability of e-Procurement in Nepal.

Thousands of Nepali women and girls are trafficked within and outside of Nepal
every year. Sabina was one of them. Now she is at a center run by ABC/Nepal, an
Asia Foundation supported-NGO, providing shelter and counseling services...

Thousands of Nepali women and girls are trafficked within and outside of Nepal
every year. Sabina was one of them. Now she is at a center run by ABC/Nepal, an
Asia Foundation supported-NGO, providing shelter and counseling services to
trafficking survivors. She has renewed hope for a better life. This is her story.

Success Story: Maya

Maya is only 12 years old. Like thousands of young girls living in rural Nepal, she was lured to the city by a trafficker with promises of a better life. Through the efforts of The Asia Foundation-supported Center...

Success Story: Maya

Maya is only 12 years old. Like thousands of young girls living in rural Nepal, she was lured to the city by a trafficker with promises of a better life. Through the efforts of The Asia Foundation-supported Center for Legal Research and Resources Development (CeLRRd), she was rescued and is back with her parents, and receiving literacy training. Her counselor at CeLRRd tells her story.

In January, 2005, the United States, Canada, and Europe completed the phase-out of quotas governing imports of textiles and apparel in accordance with the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). The Asia Foundation works toward policy reform...

In January, 2005, the United States, Canada, and Europe completed the phase-out of quotas governing imports of textiles and apparel in accordance with the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). The Asia Foundation works toward policy reform in the post-ATC environment.

The opinion poll on the Contemporary Political Situation in Nepal (CPS 2005) was carried out by Interdisciplinary Analysts, an independent research organisation based in Kathmandu. It was designed between the second week of September 2004 and...

The opinion poll on the Contemporary Political Situation in Nepal (CPS 2005) was carried out by Interdisciplinary Analysts, an independent research organisation based in Kathmandu. It was designed between the second week of September 2004 and the third week of November 2004 and administered in the field between the fourth week of November 2004 and the third week of December 2004. Data processing and analysis were conducted between the fourth week of December 2004 and the fourth week of January 2005. Then, during the second week of February 2005, a preliminary report was prepared.

This nation-wide political opinion poll, Nepal Contemporary Political Situation II 2005 (NCPS–II 2005), was carried out by Interdisciplinary Analysts, a Kathmandu-based research organisation and funded by The Asia Foundation. The opinion...

This nation-wide political opinion poll, Nepal Contemporary Political Situation II 2005 (NCPS–II 2005), was carried out by Interdisciplinary Analysts, a Kathmandu-based research organisation and funded by The Asia Foundation. The opinion poll was designed between November and December 2005 and administered with the support of ACNielson Nepal Pvt. Ltd., a marketing research organisation, between 5 January and 25 January, 2006. Data processing and analysis were carried out in February 2006, and the report was prepared and finalised in March and April 2006.

While the second Nepal Contemporary Political Situation (NCPS II) was conducted in January 2006, before what has come to be known as Jana Andolan II, this opinion poll Nepal Contemporary Political Situation (NCPS III) gauges public views in...

While the second Nepal Contemporary Political Situation (NCPS II) was conducted in January 2006, before what has come to be known as Jana Andolan II, this opinion poll Nepal Contemporary Political Situation (NCPS III) gauges public views in late August and early September, well after the dramatic political events of April 2006.

The Asia Foundation's Women's Empowerment program opens up economic opportunities for women. Working with local partners, our projects provide women with the full range of tools they need to be productive and profitable, including job training...

The Asia Foundation's Women's Empowerment program opens up economic opportunities for women. Working with local partners, our projects provide women with the full range of tools they need to be productive and profitable, including job training and networking, access to credit, and business management training. Our projects also educate women workers on their rights and help them mobilize to reform discriminatory laws and demand fair and equal treatment in the workplace.

The Asia Foundation maintains elections programs, including monitor and voter education, in nine countries in Asia. In recent years, the Foundation has implemented significant elections programs in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia,...

The Asia Foundation maintains elections programs, including monitor and voter education, in nine countries in Asia. In recent years, the Foundation has implemented significant elections programs in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Pakistan, and Timor-Leste.

The Asia Foundation maintains elections programs, including monitor and voter education, in nine countries in Asia. In recent years, the Foundation has implemented significant elections programs in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia,...

The Asia Foundation maintains elections programs, including monitor and voter education, in nine countries in Asia. In recent years, the Foundation has implemented significant elections programs in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Pakistan, and Timor-Leste.

For more than 20 years, The Asia Foundation has worked to empower Nepali women. Nepal is one of the least-developed countries in the world and experiences high rates of poverty, exacerbating the cultural disadvantages faced by Nepali...

For more than 20 years, The Asia Foundation has worked to empower Nepali women. Nepal is one of the least-developed countries in the world and experiences high rates of poverty, exacerbating the cultural disadvantages faced by Nepali women. To increase women’s opportunities and improve their status, the Foundation has protected women’s legal rights and reformed discriminatory laws and policies; provided educational scholarships to disadvantaged girls; supported vocational training and job placement for young women at-risk of trafficking and trafficking survivors; and trained women to run for elected office to ensure their needs are reflected in public decisionmaking.

Nepal Economic Forum Report - Issue 2

The report, supported by The Asia Foundation, provides economic analysis that addresses the needs of business people, potential investors, development practitioners, management professionals,...

Nepal Economic Forum Report - Issue 2

The report, supported by The Asia Foundation, provides economic analysis that addresses the needs of business people, potential investors, development practitioners, management professionals, academics and students both in Nepal and abroad. It covers international economy, real estate, manufacturing, tourism, education, foreign aid, and more over the last quarter of fiscal 2009/2010 and the first quarter of 2010/2011.

Occasional Paper No. 2, July 2010

The processes of development are fundamentally shaped by powerful political, economic, and security actors in aid-recipient countries. These actors use their influence to shape formal governance...

Occasional Paper No. 2, July 2010

The processes of development are fundamentally shaped by powerful political, economic, and security actors in aid-recipient countries. These actors use their influence to shape formal governance institutions, policies, and the distribution of development assistance to advance their interests. The political settlements framework is an important new approach that may help international development organizations to better understand and respond to this reality and the challenges to developmental progress that is often affected by political dynamics in developing countries. This paper seeks to translate the concepts underlying political settlements into principles, strategies, and guidelines for practical action by donors and other development assistance organizations.

Thomas Parks, Regional Director for Governance and Conflict, The Asia Foundation
William Cole, Senior Director, Governance, Law, and Civil Society Programs & Program Strategy and Development, The Asia Foundation

Worldwide, Gender Based Violence (GBV) is the leading cause of death of women between the ages of 19 and 44 – more than war, cancer, or car accidents. Apart from the individual suffering, it carries high a cost for society and is a major...

Worldwide, Gender Based Violence (GBV) is the leading cause of death of women between the ages of 19 and 44 – more than war, cancer, or car accidents. Apart from the individual suffering, it carries high a cost for society and is a major obstacle to development. This mapping is expected to inform the Gender Based Violence Complaints Handling and Monitoring Unit set up under the Office of the Prime Minister, government ministries, organizations working in the field of GBV, and various other stakeholders on the activities being carried out on GBV around the country and the key actors involved. Thus, this preliminary mapping is expected to set the groundwork for more extensive research to ensure that overlapping and duplication is considerably avoided and to contribute towards the designing of a holistic plan and support for effectively addressing GBV in Nepal.