Bleak human development in Nepal: Social Watch
(nepalnews special)
Nepal is witnessing progressive militarisation of the state and society in addition to its dire development scenario, says a latest report launched by the Social Watch, an international network that monitors the implementation of internationally agreed commitments on poverty eradication and gender equality.

The Social Watch Report 2005, entitled “Roars and Whispers, Gender and Poverty: Promises vs. Action,” said violence associated with the Maoist insurgency and the government’s counter-insurgency operations has destabilized the political, economic and social structures in Nepal. This has caused widespread terror and insecurity and contributed significantly to the already bleak poverty situation.

According to the report, the health status of Nepalis is one of the lowest in the South Asian region. The under-5 mortality remains one of the highest in South Asia at 82 per 1,000 live births. The maternal mortality rate (740 per 100,000 live births) ranks among the highest in the world. That just over one in ten births is attended by a trained doctor or paramedic is indicative of the failure of the state to deliver on its health promises, the report said.

The report further said although the literacy has increased in recent years, the overall literacy rate is 47.6 percent but the female literacy is only 34.9 percent. Women are almost completely absent from policy-making institutions such as the National Planning Commission, and there are only one or two women working in the less powerful ministries. Out of 93,176 civil service posts only 8.55 percent are occupied by women.

The report further said Maoists are coercing young women to join their army. Women accused of spying are killed by Maoists, others are tortured for hiding their men or encouraging them to leave the village. The government security forces also mistreat them accusing them of being Maoist sympathizers, of providing the insurgents with food and supporting the rebellion, the report said.

To ameliorate the situation, there is a need for decentralized, participatory and gender-conscious governance with women participating throughout the entire process from policymaking to execution, the report recommended.

Based in Montevideo of Uruguay, the Social Watch has been publishing its annual report—considered citizens’ global progress report—for the last ten years. nepalnews.com by Nov. 03 05