The "NGO-Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities (NGO-FONIN)" is an umbrella organization of the IPOs and I

1. Introduction

The "NGO-Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities (NGO-FONIN)" is an umbrella organization of the IPOs and INs' NGOs, run by the Indigenous Nationalities (INs). Its vision is to create a fair and equitable society through ensuring rights of INs and mainstreaming them into the development process. it aims to achieve its vision by facilitating the marginalized indigenous nationalities in their empowerment process and influencing policies and procedures, to create an environment for their involvement in development process. For this NGO-FONIN make collective efforts together with the like-minded organisations of the indigenous peoples. Accordingly, it has been involved in various program activities from its inception.

This is an annual report of fiscal year 2064/65 (2007/8) which include the activities carried out by NGO-FONIN from Shrawan, 2064 to Ashad, 2065. As per its annual plan it has carried out various program activities related to INs issues during the period. As its strategic approach is to work through partnership, network/alliances, it has applied its organisational values, systems, approaches accordingly. This report highlights the achievements made against plan objectives during the period of 2064/65 along with the learning, recommendations for the future programs. In this report, both the qualitative and quantitative achievements have been presented.

The report has been prepared based on regular program monitoring, consultation with respective right holders, member organisations, and district networks. The comments, feedbacks from respective right holders, member organisations during program implementation are incorporated. To make the report much in line with NGO-FONIN program activities, outputs and findings of interactions during different events are presented as appropriate and attention is given to review and reflections from members, and networks. In the process of preparing this report, NGO-GONIN reviewed the overall program activities with the involvement of its member organisations, board members and staff members.


2. Political, Social, Economic Situation:

The interim Constitution, 2007 was adopted and interim parliament was formed. The CPN Maoists became the part of the parliamentary democratic process when it joined the government on 1 February 2007, giving new hope to the Nepali people. As the mandate of this parliament was to hold election for Constituent Assembly, which was not taking place due to the different political interests of the political parties as well as unfavourable environment. The CA had to be held in May/June 2007, was postponed and was fixed to hold on 22 November 2007. As NCP Maoist put demand to get Nepal declared a republic state before going for the CA election and adoption of full proportionate election system for the CA, the date of the election was put off again (5th August 2007). As the demands of the Maoist were not met, they withdrew representation from the government on 18 September 2007. Again the 7 political parties reached an agreement by fulfilling Maoist's demands, some amendments to the CA election system and increasing the number of constituent assembly members from 497 to 601. On 11, January 2008, the cabinet decided to hold the election for the constituent assembly in a single phase on 10 April. However, there were still many unresolved problems including Madheshi, INs, women issues, because of which there was no certainty of the election to be held on the fixed date. As the CA was a great opportunity for the marginalised and disadvantaged people to decide their fate by making a new constitution. In this context, INs were raising voice to ensure representation of each ethnic group in the constituent assembly on the basis of language/culture, gender, and geography or by enlisting those who have not yet been enlisted. For this, NGO-FONIN took into consideration the changing political scenarios, particularly the Constituent Assembly process in its advocacy activities.

The fiscal year 2064/65 has been observed as the historical year as the constituent assembly elections despite uncertainties took place as the major achievement of the 2nd popular people movement 2062/63. The result of the elections clearly showed that Nepalese people wanted change in the country. The elections have established the CPN Maoist as the largest party securing 220 seats out of the total 575 in the CA election followed by Nepali congress (110 seats) and CPN United Marxist Leninist (103 seats). The Medheshi Janadhikar Forum and Terai-Madesh Loktantrik Party emerged as new forces securing 52 and 20 seats respectively. After the elections the state has been declared democratic republic state removing 240 years autocratic kingship in Nepal. For a long time uncertainty and debates, bargaining among major political parties, the portfolio including chairman of CA, President, vice-president ensued but were at last settled and the first democratic republican interim government of Nepal was formed with coalition of 5 parties under the leadership of CPN Maoist. However, the government organs have become almost defunct and the newly formed government needs some time to come into action. People hardly feel the presence of government in the country and it seems that mobocracy has become the rule. The country has been engulfed with shortage of daily necessities and life has become more difficult than ever before combined with insecurity.

The marginalised groups of people including Indigenous Nationalities raised their voices for ensuring representation in the CA of each caste, ethnic/language/culture proportionately. Particularly, INs were demanding their representation to be made on the basis of recommendation made by the representative organisation of the respective ethnic/language/culture groups. But, this could not happen and many ethnic groups did not have their representation. As the elections were already concluded, there was no alternative but to accept the CA poll results and take step towards making a constitution to favour INs issues. But after the election, INs' movement has not taken momentum. Though there is dire need of continued interaction, lobby/advocacy activities for addressing INs issues, only minor activities have been taking place.

However, the year has become a historical for INs of Nepal. Though the representation of INs could not be ensured on the basis of recommendation by INOs’, as political parties' nominees about 34% of INs CA members came in the CA for the first time in the history of Nepal. Likewise, a total of 33% are women and out of the total women members, about 35 % (70) are INs women. A total of about 6 % are Dalit CA members. The important instrument pertaining to the rights of INs “ILO convention 169” was ratified by Nepal government on 22 August, 2007 (5 Bhadra 2064). Similarly, the UN endorsed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which has already been signed by Nepal government and this will be moral obligation for the government to INs rights.

People observed different religious, cultural festivals, function as per their culture and practices in the same way Indigenous peoples also observed their festivals & cultural practices as per their cultures in the year. The government has recognised the Tamu Lochhar as national festival for the first time, of Tamu Gurung community to be observed on 15 Poush each year. Still many cultural festivals belonging to INs are not given recognition. INs also observed 15th world indigenous peoples day (9th August) with various functions, demonstrations and raising voices for their rights.

As the monsoon started on time, the agriculture farming took place on time, farmers were relieved. Monsoon farming production was found satisfactory in the year. The fruit production was also reported to be satisfactory this year. Price of fuel oil increased. Accordingly as the transportation costs were increased the prices of commodities were also increased including, agriculture inputs (production support materials: chemical fertilizer, pesticide). As a result, farmers were not benefited from their agriculture product this year even the monsoon was timely.


3. The Context:

Nepal is a land of diversity in terms of caste, ethnicity, language, culture, and religion as well as geography. The constitution of Nepal (article 3) has accepted that, Nepal is characterized with multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious, and multi-culture. Unfortunately, all of these castes, ethnicities, language, and culture have not been given equal space in their development process. Specifically, the Indigenous Nationalities (INs), Dalits, women are marginalized from the mainstream of national development process. The Indigenous peoples (Indigenous Nationalities) are one of Nepal's most disadvantaged groups, which comprised more than 37% of the country’s total population. Despite comprising such a large segment of the population, INs have been systematically marginalized and discriminated by the policies, laws, and activities of the state. As a result, many of them are pushed behind in the political, economic, social, cultural and educational sectors.

Nepal Living standard survey, 2003/04 has shown that absolute poverty to have decreased from 42 to 31 in the last 10 years due to various reasons: opportunity encashment and flow of large amount of remittances into the country. However, during the same period the difference between the rich and poor (gini coefficient has increased from 0.34 to 0.41) is seen to have increased. (Interim Plan, NPC). High incidence of poverty is found among dalits (46%), hill ethnic groups (44%) and Muslim (41%).

According to national census 2001, total literacy rate of Nepal is 53.8%, the male and female literacy rate is 65% and 42.5% respectively. Amongst people above 15 years of age, 34.6% of women are literate where as 62.2% of men are literate. The literacy rate as a whole differs significantly by ethnic/caste groups and sex. (CBS, Nepal, 2001 census). According to interim plan 2008-2010, the literacy rate of INs and non-INs (Bramin/chhetries) is 48.8% and 72.3% respectively. The total rate of school admission in the primary schools is 87.4 percent. Of the total children of school going age, the percentages of girls, Indigenous peoples groups, and disabled are 48, 38, and 1 respectively. The percentage of teachers at primary level is 30.6, and 17.8 of female, and INs respectively. INs women teachers are countless.

Due to the discriminatory cultural practices, women are lagged behind in all spheres of development. According to 2001 data, among the literate people (above 15 years of age) 34.6% women are literate whereas 62.2% men are literate. Another development indicator is life expectancy, which shows women have 60.7 and men have 61.1 years; 5.86% women and 94.14% men represented in the parliament. In the civil service, women have 8.55%, whereas men 91.45%. In the case of property ownership, 10.84% of women have land ownership, whilst 89.16% of men have ownership of land (GEPRB CNGO/Canada Nepal, page-8). This situation has not only caused women to lag behind, but also the national development is seriously affected.

Impact in the life of INs by the political change:

Various political changes were taken place in the history and various policies and programs were adopted. However no changes have made in the life of marginalised people including INs. After the people movement of 1990, since the 8th five year plan INs development mainstreaming policy has been adopted. But the initiatives seem very much nominal in comparison to the issues and the problems. No substantial changes were achieved till the completion of 10th five year plan implementation period. Even after the second popular movement of 2006, no remedial policies and actions has been taken place. The interim plan (2065/66-067/68) has also come as the continuity of the past plans and implemented similar program activities as it was earlier.

However after the second popular people movement, there is some hope as the state has initiated debates on social inclusion and state restructuring as well as abolishing some of the discriminatory provisions of the constitution; like after the people movement of 2006, Nepal has been declared a secular state. The State has also ratified ILO convention 169 on 22 August 2007, which is an important tool for ensuing INs rights. At the same time the UN has also declared UNDRIP. Both of these (ILO Convention 169 and UNDRIP) have to come into practice. As the INs are lagged behind in all spheres of development, and have no access to information, they are not aware about the legal provisions, treaties, conventions etc. They can not derive any benefit from such national and international instruments being signed and endorsed by the state.

The long awaited constitution assembly has now been established in the country with the emergence of new regional political forces and having 212 (about 34%) IPs members elected to the Assembly from different political parties. Similarly, the Indigenous-women have their representation of about 26% out of 33.22% of women representation. Differences among the political parties have persisted hinting at political instability. From the peaceful polls for the constituent assembly and the unprecedented presence of INs members in it, the INs as well as other common people have not been able to feel free from the uncertainty that surrounds them. Accountability of both the parties and the government to the peoples is yet to be seen. The shaky political environment has least indication of a situation in which the weaker sections (specifically the INs) of the society can feel secured. There is doubt at every corner of the society.

The number of INs CAMs present in the CA is inspiring for an INs. The INs have contributed a lot to any of the social/political movements that have taken place in Nepal till date. They have been used for an optimum level by all political parties to achieve their political aspirations. The INs as well as other marginalized groups always get mesmerized/illusion by the political parties, as they highly talk about the discrimination, exclusion, social injustices, inequality and above all, about equality. But no parties and government have ever kept their words by deeds. This indifference of political parties and governments has this time given birth to regional political forces in the Terai area and one cannot rule out the same will not happen with the INs, too.


4. Program Overview

During the fiscal year 2064/65 NGO-FONIN implemented its program activities with the focussing to enhance social inclusion of the Indigenous Nationalities (Adibasi Janajati people) in the national mainstream which include the objectives as: a) empower Adibasi Janajaties at the local level and b) promote social inclusion of them. As of the anticipated outputs by the programs, focus has been made on strengthening NGO-FONIN and its member organisations in terms of organisational skills, policies, structures, systems, procedures and governance practices, and involving people in empowerment and advocacy activities to promote social inclusion of INs. The empowerment activities have been launched both at national and local level. Specifically strengthening of NGO-FONIN, its member organisations have done at national level. With the aim of enhancing social inclusion at local level, empowerment and advocacy activities is being launched through member organisations, district networks.

NGO-FONIN has been implementing its program activities with the support of different supporters. “Janajati empowerment and inclusion project (JEIP)” has been implemented with the support of Danida Human Rights and Good Governance Advisory Unit (DanidaHUGOU) from 2006. This aims to enhance social inclusion of the Indigenous Nationalities (Adibasi Janajati people) which been implemented in ten districts that include Sankhuwasabha, Ilam, Bhojpur, Khotang, Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga, Dolakha, Gorkha, Sunsari, Sindhuli and Nawalparasi districts. Similarly, it has been implementing policy advocacy and establishing network alliances activities with the support of Asia Indigenous People Pact (AIPP) Foundation and National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities (NFDIN).

As NGO-FONIN believes that bringing the marginalized groups in the development process is possible only through their direct involvement in the process, accordingly it has been implementing its program activities on direct involvement of respective stakeholders/right holders. Particularly program activities run by member organisation, respective district networks in which NGO-FONIN is playing the role of facilitator to create an appropriate environment and opportunities. While playing this role, it has focussed for collective efforts by maintaining mutual understanding and coordination with member organisations, local organisations having similar objectives. Before implementing the program, it has given attention towards capacity enhancement including situation assessment of the members, and the target groups, so that they could involve in their development activities.

As NGO-FONIN has adopted the strategy to work collectively as well as it believes that bringing the marginalized groups in the development process is possible only through their direct involvement in the process, accordingly has been applied its strategy. It has been implementing its program activities on direct involvement of respective stakeholders/right holders. Particularly program activities run by member organisation, respective district networks in which NGO-FONIN is playing the role of facilitator to create an appropriate environment and opportunities. While playing this role, it has emphasised collective efforts by maintaining mutual understanding and coordination with member organisations, local organisations having similar objectives. Before implementing the program, it has given attention towards capacity enhancement including situation assessment of the members, and the target groups, so that they could involve in their development activities.

Main focus of program activities is to strengthen institutional systems of: NGO-FONIN, its member organizations and district networks and Right-based empowerment and advocacy activities where launched. The year has become as historical year for Nepal. As a major mandate of 2nd popular people movement, 2006, the Constituent Assembly (CA) election has been concluded, which is the first time in the history of Nepal. As CA polls were taking place, major focus was made on people awareness and lobby, advocacy activities to ensure Adibasi Janajaties’ representation in CA. Together with the people awareness and CA campaigns, various meetings, workshops, trainings were organized under the organization development and capacity enhancement programs. Lobby, advocacy campaigns were organized on various issues (constituent assembly and Adibasi Janajaties’ representation, identification, access to resources, implementation of ILO convention 169, language/cultural issues). On the basis of organizational assessment and issue identification, an implementation scheme was drawn and implemented accordingly.


4.1. Organization Development Activities:

The activities carried out under organisational development and human resource development during the fiscal year 2064/65 can be classified as 1) organisational system development and 2) capacity enhancement programs, 3) Program review, orientation and sharing on different issues. During the period, the following major activities were carried out under organizational development:


4.1.1. Organisation and system development

a) Regular meeting activities:

With the objective of maintaining organisational system and proper management of program activities, NGO-FONIN has been organizing regular meeting, sharing/interaction programs. Under the meeting board meeting were held on a monthly basis as regular meeting. In addition, there were held different meetings as and when necessary. Staff meeting was held every week. Past program review and new decisions as well as action plan was made from the meeting. Similarly, sharing, and program review meetings were done. Program review, new plan development and other management aspects were discussed and decided in the meetings. These sharing, meetings have supported developing knowledge, skills and implementation of program activities properly as well as professional growth of the NGO-FONIN and member organizations.

b). General assembly:

As mandatory by constitution, NGO-FONIN general assembly was held in Falgun 2064. In the presence of representatives of member organisations past annual program progress reports and new plan for coming fiscal year were presented. With incorporating comments/feedbacks the plan and reports were endorsed by the assembly. Similarly, different policy papers were discussed and endorsed by the assembly.

c) Renewal of Federation:

According to government administration rule and Non-government organization act, NGO-FONIN was renewed to Kathmandu administration office. Before to this, it has performed necessary administrative process as: financial audit, tax clearance, annual progress reports and submitted to concerns (DDC, Tax office, and District administration).

d) Physical facility:
NGO-FONIN has been continuously making effort to well equip its office with daily needs equipments. Though it has well equipped with equipments of computers, printer, scanner, fax machine, OHP, LCD projector have been arranged for the office. These facilities have been very much useful to produce documents in time. Similarly one set of, a have also been arranged. Telephone and internet facilities are arranged.

e) Good governance workshop:

With the aim to enhance knowledge and skills and develop good governance policy of NGO-FONIN member organisations three workshops were held with 3 member organizations: Sudhar Nepal, Bahing Mulukhim, and COSFONAD. Members from respective organizations (24, 21, 18 members respectively) were involved in the workshops. After the workshop, the member organizations have developed good governance policy in their respective organizations and brought into practice. by the workshop, and practicing of the policy, members have felt clarity and while taking decision or implementing any program activities, they are making attention towards good governance policy. Members are also raising questions over the implemented activities and decisions whether they are within good governance or not.



f). Strategic Plan Review:

Strategic plan of NGO-FONIN, which was for 5 years (2006-2010), has been reviewed. The review has been made keeping in view the present situation and based on NGO-FONIN's learning/experiences. In the process, a three-day workshop (6-8, March) was organised in which representatives of member organisations of NGO-FONIN took part. A total of 46 participants were present in the workshop. New strategic plan will be for 5 years starting from 2009 to 2013 (2065 to 2070 BS). The Strategic plan has given clear picture for the future program direction for five years. The annual plan will be developed on the basis of the strategic plan. By the reviewing of the earlier plan and developing new one has supported on making clarity about the plan and enhanced experience in members, staff of NGO-FONIN.

d). Strategic Plan Development:

With the aim to strengthen member organisations’ organisational planning system, strategic plan development support was provided to 10 member organisations. The organisations organised workshop within their organisation and developed strategic plan for the respective organisations. Before organising workshop and developing strategic plan, three day training was held for the representatives of member organisations. With the exercises in developing strategic plan, it has supported members to become clear on developing strategic plan as well as enhanced their capacity on the subject. Member organisations are exercising for the implementation of the Strategic plan.


4.1.2. Capacity enhancement activities:

Human resource development activities are another important part of organisational development. With-out human resources, smooth organisational development activities cannot be run. Accordingly, JEIP has given emphasis to develop human resources through enhancing knowledge, skills, attitude of staff, members of NGO-FONIN, and member organisations. During the period, various training, orientations were organised on various areas. Specifically, trainings were organised on leadership development, proposal writing, and human rights. The training activities are described as below:
a). Leadership Development Training:

A phase-wise training on Leadership Development started in March 2007 and concluded in March 2008. This was a three-phase training. The first phase training was held in March (22-26), 2007 with five day classes and a project work by each participant. The second and third phase classes were held in September (4-7), 2007 and in March (25-28), 2008. This training was conducted by the trainer of ODC. A total of 21 participants from NGO-FONIN, member organisations and staff took part in the training. The objective of the training was to support in human resource development, which could help in strengthening NGO-FONIN and its member organisations. After the training, the participants have expressed that, they have got confident on the subject as they have gained knowledge and skills from the training. They have also shared the learning of training with others after completion of the training. Some of the trainees conducted similar training for district networks

b). Proposal Writing Training:

As there was strong demand from member organisations and district networks, three trainings on proposal writing were organized in Khotang, Ilam and Bhojpur districts. The purpose of the training was to enhance proposal writing skills in the participants. A total of 70 participants were involved in the training. By the training, participants were encouraged to write proposal and some of them (participants) have been using the skills by developing proposals. Similarly, past trainees have developed and submitted project proposal to different agencies.


c). Follow up of financial management training:

With the aim to follow up of financial management training and internalisation financial policy of NGO-FONIN, a one day workshop was held, in which a total of --- participants from staff, board members and member organisations took part. The workshop has supported to be clear on financial policy as well as to have refreshment on the past workshop/training. After the workshop, the participants have maintained the account system adopting financial rules and regulations in their respective organisations.