Nepal
From 1996 until 2006, thousands of people were subjected to conflict-related sexual violence in a civil war between the armed forces and rebel groups who later became the Communist Party of Nepal.
Women belonging to Indigenous groups, so-called lower castes and impoverished communities were particularly targeted. Sexual violence was committed in police and army custody or detention, as well as in survivors’ homes and in public.
Two decades later, survivors have tried to rebuild their lives while dealing with the continued painful consequences that reparation can help remedy. They have debilitating physical injuries, experience psychological problems, and are heavily stigmatised. Adding to their injuries is the denial of their status as victims of the conflict.
In 2008, the government began an interim relief programme, aimed at conflict victims. However, this did not include victims of conflict-related sexual violence or torture.
Project Partners
2023
437
SURVIVOR PARTICIPANTS
In 2024, GSF, Nagarik Aawaz and partners began identifying survivors for an interim reparative measures project in Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces. Women Peace Facilitators, also survivors themselves, identified men and women for the project, travelling to remote areas to reach out to them. Despite the obstacles, more than 400 survivors came forward – 50 percent more than our initial expectations.
So far, survivors have received financial compensation and begun livestock-rearing projects. Others chose to open small shops and build houses.
Collective therapy and peace circles, run by Nagarik Aawaz, offer survivors a chance to share and heal together in a safe space. For many, it is the first time they have met other survivors or shared their stories. In 2025, 17 peace circles and 14 collective therapy sessions were held across five localities, including one organised for male survivors at their request. Creating a dedicated space for men was particularly important to acknowledge their experience as survivors.
Advocacy
Since 2023, GSF has partnered with Advocacy Forum and the International Commission of Jurists in Nepal to forge connections between victims, civil society, and the government in designing and delivering a relief and reparation programme for survivors.
Together we have worked on building the Gender and Transitional Justice Network, a network of survivor and civil society organisations, which has helped bring together diverse actors to advocate for and support survivors.
In August 2024, Nepal passed the amended Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act, originally put forward in 2015. This opened a window for victims to register their cases for reparation. As part of the changes, perpetrators of rape and other serious sexual violations cannot receive amnesty.
The Aparajit Foundation, a survivor network, played a crucial role in advocating for survivors’ rights in the law, and trained survivors to take statements to submit to the Commission.
A total of 414 survivors from our project submitted statements. No concrete action has followed.
It was really difficult when you asked us to talk about our strengths and happy moments. We are so used to talking about pain and struggle that I had never thought about my strengths.
