Nepal Political Unrest - A Message from CITC's Chair of Trustees

I am sure all who support CITC will have been deeply concerned with the events unfolding in Nepal. Those of you in Nepal must feel very insecure right now and worried about your future and that of your families and friends. I also send my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those young people who have been killed or injured in their struggle with the government.

I think it is fair to say the protests represent a deep frustration with government and government corruption whilst so many people struggle to make enough to support their own families. It is hard for us 'westerners' to imagine that 30% of the Nepal economy relies on remittances from Nepal nationals who have to work abroad in order to send money home. Youth unemployment is very high (perhaps 30% according to some reports) and this inevitably adds to the tensions.

Samden tells me that disruption of public property and attacks on the private property of many business houses and political leaders have naturally added to the sense of insecurity. He reassures us however, that, gradually, life is beginning to return to normal - "Nepal Army has taken control and has imposed curfew during the prime hours to silence the agitated mass. They have let people move during the morning and the evening hours to manage their basic necessities. Similarly, the chief of the army has also been in dialogue with the Gen Z representative and major stakeholders for the formation of an interim government. The army has been very patiently dealing with the local people. Communities are resilient, and despite the difficulties, people are adapting with remarkable strength and patience. On our side, the CITC Nepal team in Nepal are all in a safe environment. Our partner schools, teachers and ESLs in Solukhumbu are all well and so is the team in Kathmandu. Since we haven’t had a concerning impact around our office area we have been working from the office since yesterday. The ESL team is gathered in Padmakanya for the teacher recruitment after consultation with local leaders and the school management. They are conducting the recruitment tomorrow."

The law in the UK regarding a registered charity is quite clear. It must remain politically neutral and avoid partisan activities. It can, however, advocate for change, influence local decision-making, and partner with local governments to deliver services like education. The CITC team in Nepal led by Dawa has met corruption in many forms during their work improving education opportunities for children. Any attempts to corrupt CITC activities have always been firmly resisted. This anti-corruption fight is consistent with the rules concerning charities.

I am sure you join me in hoping that all our many colleagues and friends in Nepal remain safe, and that peaceful discussions identify means of achieving short-term stability and, eventually, a long-term political solution to deal with the protesters’ concerns. Our hearts go out to the people of Nepal with the hope that some sort of 'normality' can be restored and one that gives hope to the proud people of Nepal.

Mike Hagen
Chair CITC ... See MoreSee Less