Human Rights and Environment Development Centre (HURENDEC)

The organisation is committed to strengthening the human rights situation in Nepal, especially the rights of children and conflict victims.

Overview

HURENDEC is a non-governmental organisation working in the field of human rights, peace and the environment. It has developed itself into one of the most committed human rights and peace organisations in the district. The organisation has more than 10 years experience working in the field of human rights and the environment. This has been an advantage in successfully running peace programmes in the current critical situation.

The organisation aims to:

• strengthen the human rights situation through lobbying and advocacy;
• raise awareness for peace and non-violent means of conflict resolution;
• build a peaceful society;
• monitor the human rights situation regularly in general and particularly in connection with the conflict;
• protest against human rights violations;
• research and study human rights, peace and conflict;
• carry out programmes for the protection and promotion of human rights and peacebuilding.

Achievements:

• understanding about the human rights situation of the district through monitoring;
• success in lifting the school strikes, blockades and other obstacles imposed by the Maoists;
• success in freeing people, students, workers and teachers kidnapped by the Maoist party;
• provision of legal aid to conflict victims;
• taking a leading role in facilitating civil society networking among 36 organisations of Udayapur district;
• creating pressure for making public the whereabouts of missing people;
• mobilisation of 96 children’s clubs for child rights and peacebuilding;
• lobbying and advocacy for human rights through peace work in Udayapur, Khotang and Siraha districts;
• achieving a high profile for the organisation regarding human rights and peace in Udayapur district.

Learning Points:

• peoples’ agendas should be addressed through peace talks;
• human rights defenders have been threatened because of their work by both of the conflicting parties;
• the human rights situation worsened during the period of autocratic rule;
• people are highly committed to peace and democracy;
• joint efforts should be made for peacebuilding through human rights organisations;
• skills and techniques are needed for peace and human rights defenders.

The organisation has come to understand that the Maoist conflict must be resolved using peaceful means and that the small efforts from the non-governmental and social organisations such as HURENDEC for creating peace in their respective areas will still be meaningful for the peace process.

What services are provided?

Training, consultancy, rallies, delegation, mediation, fact finding missions, workshops, dialogue, group formation, networking, mass meetings, press releases, campaign, legal aid etc.

Geographical area of operation

All 44 Village Development Committees (VDCs) and Triyuga Municipality in Udayapur district of Eastern Region.

Funding Resources

• INSEC
• German Development Cooperation (GTZ)
• Chure Forest Development Project (ChFDP)
• UNICEF, Nepal
• German Development Service(DED).

What Further Information Would You Like?

The organisation would like information on:

• human rights and peace volunteers,
• sources of funding,
• strategic planning,
• human resources development skills,
• social mobilisation.

What New Contacts Would You Like To Make?

The organisation would like to be in contact with:

• indigenous peoples’ organisations,
• human rights and peace defenders.

Associated Organisations

• Social Welfare Council
• Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC)
• NGO Federation
• Civil Society Networking
• Alliance Nepal
• District Development Committee (DDC) Social Committee.