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Nepal Development
Swiss Cooperation Strategy for Nepal 2005-08
SDC for Nepal 2005-2008 Main components
SDC 50 years of development cooperation
Development in Nepal: Switzerland in Nepal
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Swiss Cooperation Strategy for Nepal 2005-2008
The political power struggle defines life in Nepal. The civil war between the Royal Nepalese Army and the Maoists cannot be resolved militarily, but many anticipate that the hostilities are likely to continue for years, in part because the conflicting parties show no willingness to compromise or share power.

The Nepalese Population suffers from it: democracy is suspended, human rights are violated, space for development work is reduced, social and economic developments are at a standstill.

As a result, Nepal has become a fragile state, in which the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the implementation of the government's Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) are seriously jeopardized.

However, provided that a sustainable settlement of the conflict is found within a reasonable time and its root causes are adequately addressed, the present turmoil might pave the way for a more democratic, inclusive and equitable society in the future.

As a longstanding partner in development cooperation with an excellent reputation in Nepal, Switzerland has competencies and assets to offer to its host country. Over the last few years, close monitoring of the political and human rights situation in a very volatile environment has demonstrated the need and the appropriateness of being prepared and adaptable to work in either a hostile environment with a humanitarian crisis (Scenario A), or in an environment where a meaningful dialogue between all relevant stakeholders is possible (Scenario B) and where development can resume. Based on its assets and experiences, Switzerland can achieve meaningful results even as Nepal oscillates between these two extreme scenarios. Indeed, responding to this uncertain context, SDC and PD IV will employ development cooperation, humanitarian aid and political peacebuilding instruments.

SDC office in Ekanta Kuna, Patan
The Swiss Cooperation Strategy for Nepal 2005-2008 recognizes that staff safety is of paramount importance. This can best be managed in close cooperation with other agencies, as the formulation of Basic Operating Guidelines and regular meetings in times of crisis (e.g. the royal takeover on 1 February 2005) have clearly shown.

Operationally, a regular field presence of staff that communicates in a transparent manner with both sides to the conflict and that works through local communities and NGOs is essential for SDC Nepal to be perceived as a neutral, impartial and hence acceptable development partner for all.

The implementation of Conflict Sensitive Programme Management requires that SDC Nepal and all Swiss-financed projects strictly scrutinize their activities according to 'Do No Harm / Do Good' criteria.

Development work must contribute to the alleviation and mitigation of the effects of the conflict, where the concerns and needs of women and children deserve special attention.

according to the prevailing scenario, the program must ensure a sound balance between its long and short term impacts, with palpable and immediate results for the population in need.

The costs and benefits of its interventions will be critically monitored, accepting, however, that approximately 20 percent of time investment/expenditures is on average needed to operate a program in a situation of open conflict. In close cooperation with its main partner, Helvetas, SDC Nepal foresees building on its vast experience of working in rural areas with local communities. For this reason, activities will be concentrated and focused in some cluster areas, where the programme has traditionally had substantial presence and impact.

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The Swiss Cooperation Strategy Nepal 2005-2008 consists of three main components.

Meaningful Dialogue and Conflict Transformation:

Without peace, democracy and a respect for human rights, sustainable development is not possible. Switzerland is committed to contribute to the creation, from the grassroots right up to the track-one level, of a favourable environment for reconciliation and peacebuilding that addresses and transforms the political and social conflicts in the country.

The Swiss Cooperation Strategy for Nepal 2005-2008 is intended to last at least 3 years (mid 2005 - mid 2008).

In the event that the context in Nepal in 2008 is comparable to the one prevailing today, the strategy might be prolonged.

The total budget per annum will be in the range of CHF 19 million; of which CHF 13 million will be contributed by the East Asia Division for bilateral cooperation.

Harmonized Bi- and Multilateral Framework:

Particularly in times of conflict, coordination and harmonization among development partners - including the UN system, the international development banks, as well as agencies providing humanitarian assistance - are a prerequisite for effective aid.

Therefore, Switzerland aims to foster and to deepen a coherent approach and dialogue between bilateral and multilateral development partners.

Livelihood and Inclusion (inclusive participation):

Poverty, especially in rural areas, combined with the systematic exclusion and discrimination of wide segments of the population due to their gender, caste or ethnic background, are some of the most prominent catalyzing causes of the Maoist insurgency.

Therefore, through the management of natural resources, the building of rural infrastructure, the provision of health services and the promotion of local democracy, SDC aims to maintain and improve the living standard in the villages, with a strong focus on disadvantaged people.

Source: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) 2006

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