Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Centre (KIRDARC).

KIRDARC aims to promote peace, human rights, development and good governance in the Karnali zone of Nepal. They see development as one of the key components of peace and therefore focus on developing economic capacity and infrastructure through activities like road construction. KIRDARC believes that the lack of access to economically viable alternatives can push young men into joining the Maoist forces; by providing the means for people to develop livelihoods and support themselves, KIRDARC aim to reduce the numbers turning to violence.

KIRDARC are involved in the Nepal Rapid Response Fund, and are responsible for the upper region of midwest Nepal – the most inaccessible region in the country. They also operate a network of “Human Rights Defenders” across the region, and in every one of the 134 villages in their area of operation. Their reach, access and network of volunteers is impressive given the inaccessibility of the region due to lack of roads and literally no communication networks in most of their project sites.

To support their work KIRDARC runs a radio station which runs entirely on the concept of Community Radio. If local level conflict breaks out and if KIRDARC feels there is a need to mobilize the local people, they broadcast the news through the radio and local Human Rights Defender and/or Human Rights and Peace group immediately reach the scene.