Taranath Dahal
Nepal has a negligible number of civil society organizations and think tanks working in the sector of promotion and protection of civic freedoms and democratic governance. About 95 percent nongovernmental organizations here are limited to the involvement in welfare and service delivery activities. It is indeed a national setback to not have strong, vibrant, creative and research-oriented organizations that foster evidence-based advocacy and serve as a foundation for a robust democratic governance and open society. Although the issues of democracy and human rights, mainly civic freedom, come to a limelight along with the political movements and revolutions, they gradually subside in Nepal, which is a worrying concern.
The professional organizations and movements in Nepal have a strong network and long history but they are yet to gain pace and development, especially in the wake of rising undue political influence creating division and split in the movement and motive, fueling indulgence in vested interests. Whether they are advocates, journalists, university lecturers, school teachers, engineers, doctors, chartered accountants, nurses, white color trade unionists or civil servants, they are victims of division based on their political party alignment and ideological beliefs. It has resulted into sustainability issues and dearth of unified organizational voices for the cause of human rights, accountable and responsive democratic governance and entire democracy. Not dispersed but unified voice of CSOs contribute to their sustainability and advocacy.
With this, these mechanisms are subpar to serve as watchdogs, and promote good governance and advocate for effective democracy. Informed campaigns demanding accountability have weakened, prompting the state structures to be increasingly unaccountable and arbitrary. Ultimately, frustration has gripped the public with a heightened fear of uncertainty, which would take a toll not only on good governance and development but on public service and pillars of democracy.
It is worth noting that democracy is a system that requires constant activism for its well functioning delivery and impact in society and polity. Even though it is never achieved fully, its evolution should be equipped with continuous correction through untiring conversations among its stakeholders. Only well nurtured democracy ensures a nourishing dividend to the public for their fulfilling life and empowerment with rights and justice. Empowered civil society organizations, think tanks and civic activism are vital to this end. Freedom Forum was established two decades back with this in background. Since then, we have been engaging actively in various activities and programs that promote values of a free, open and liberal democracy. FF believes Nepal cannot achieve sustainable political and economic progress without strengthening civic and political freedoms.
FF’s activities focus not only on research, policy advocacy and lobby but also on strengthening and defending the free press, ensuring citizen’s universal access to information and driving open society’s values. An accountable and responsible democratic governance provides space for citizens to play their constructive role. So, we are setting our priorities and continuing activities and strategies accordingly. It is a long campaign, which requires our untiring commitment and struggle. We are clear that the recent disruption in global orders in terms of handling democracy has severely dented resource mobilization for such democratic civic initiatives.
In order to face challenges, there are no efforts made as an alternative solution. FF believes it has its relevance as it is committed to make its campaign further robust. With confidence, we say our objectives and goals are still more relevant, timely and essential. But, how can such a campaign be sustainable is worth pondering. As a founder of this institution, I must say, the coming days will face further uncertainty. Small but meaningful effort, this Newsletter has made a way to the present 70th edition. It certainly helps cater knowledge and information on the pressing issues surrounding democratic governance, open and accountable democracy, civic rights, mainly free expression and press freedom in Nepal. I confidently claim, it is a huge resource center for the researchers, policy makers and shapers, students and media enthusiasts. FF is always committed to generate and document the information and knowledge for an open and liberal democratic future of Nepal.
