Across the Lines: the Impact of Nepal's Conflict on Women

ICTJ, in collaboration with Advocacy Forum – Nepal (AF), has published a report documenting women's experiences during the “people's war” in Nepal. Across the Lines examines the many roles women played during the conflict and the effects of abuses suffered.

The research highlights the impact of conflict-related violence on women's lives, on their health in particular. It also exposes the sexual violence perpetrated during the conflict. Through the voice of victims, the widespread incidence of rape and other abuses by the security forces and violations committed by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) are described.

There has been a lack of women's participation in the peace process and they have had limited inclusion in post-conflict governance. Women combatants have been sidelined from the discussions of the rehabilitation and integration process of former fighters. Across the Lines explores the obstacles women face in their search for truth, justice and reparations and sets out their opinions on how to move forward.

The report concludes that immediate strategies are needed to improve conditions for women affected by the conflict and to prepare for justice and sustainable peace. The report makes a number of recommendations for transitional justice mechanisms to the government of Nepal and civil society organizations.

Among the recommendations, several themes emerge, including the need for:

• Legislative reform.
• Investigation and prosecution of crimes committed against women, including crimes of sexual violence.
• The establishment of gender-sensitive structures in the criminal justice system
• A specific focus to ensure gender sensitive policies and procedures are included in the substantive work of all commissions, such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Disappearances Commission.
• Improvement of access to health care, specific to the needs of female conflict victims.
• An inclusive reparations program that includes female conflict victims in its design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• The creation of an environment conducive for survivors of sexual violence to share their experiences and express their needs.