Centre for Information Concerning Social Awareness (CICSA)

CICSA is primarily a human rights organisation, but is specifically concerned with minimising the effects of the conflict in Nepal on civilians and children.

Overview

Centre for Information Concerning Social Awareness (CICSA), Sunsari, is a human rights organisation that has recently expanded its areas of work to peace and conflict, since they consider peaceful negotiation the only way to resolve the Maoist conflict and reduce the impact on civilians and children. Most recently, the organisation has been focusing on preventive mechanisms and post-conflict peacebuilding.

The organisation currently runs peace programmes for children and programmes on People's Peace Agendas.

The aims of the organisation are as follows:

• to make schools ‘Peace Zones’;
• to make children's communities ‘Peace Zones’;
• to put pressure on state and non-state actors to respect children’s rights and humanitarian laws;
• to make people aware of the People’s Peace Agendas.

CICSA has established itself as a peace and human rights organisation. The peace programmes implemented by the organisation are now recognised by state and non-state actors.

In the most recent dialogue period, CICSA prepared the People's Peace Agenda and handed it to the government through Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC).

CICSA has coordinated the formation of youth clubs and has found the students involved very enthusiastic to learn about peace and to be involved in peace-related activities. The young people have developed the capacity to engage in dialogue with the members of the Maoist party and conduct press conferences. Their skills were especially evident during the closure of schools by the student wing of the Maoist party.

CICSA has worked with child soldiers, who with their support have left the Maoist party and now go to school.

What Services Are Provided?

Training on conflict resolution and peacebuilding to teachers and students, peace activities through youth clubs and preparation for People's Peace Agendas.

Geographical area of operation

49 Village Development Committees (VDCs) and 3 Municipalities of Sunsari District in Eastern Region.

Funding resources

INSEC and Unicef.

What Further Information Would You Like?

Details of funding agencies and organisations working on peace and conflict and children in armed conflict.

What New Contacts Would You Like To Make?

People who have a connection with the above sectors.

Associated Organisations

Informal Sector Service Centre.