Human Rights Consciousness and Development Centre (HUCODEC)

HUCODEC's work to protect human rights in Nepal has brought it into the areas of conflict resolution and peace-building. It has now taken on a role of intermediary in the conflict, bridging the gap between the government and the Maoists.

Overview

HUCODEC was established in 1992, registered in the district administrative office in Panchthar and affiliated with the Social Welfare Council. It is a non-profit and non-political organisation working in the fields of human rights, peace, development and gender.

The aims of the organisation are:

• To establish a culture of non-violence;
• To promote respect for human rights;
• To document human rights violations;
• To minimize violations during conflict;
• To develop the capacities of local people, members of CBOs and civil society for non-violent means of conflict resolution; and
• To develop the capacities of these people to support the post-conflict peace-building process.

HUCODEC has been actively working to protect human rights since its establishment in 1993. It has since expanded its area of work to include conflict resolution and peace-building, with the realisation that the impact of conflict must be minimized and any type of conflict should be resolved by peaceful means.

The organisation has conducted research on "Women and Children in Conflict" in the context of the Maoist armed conflict and published its findings. It has used such research to lobby the conflicting parties to minimise the impact of the armed conflict and to respect human rights.

HUCODEC has provided advice to the conflicting parties on limiting the impact of the conflict on civilians. It has reached out to the government's security personnel, army personnel and members of the Maoists. The organisation has been working as an intermediary between the above parties during the conflict.

HUCODEC has organised training on "Conflict Transformation and Peace-Building" for those working in the fields of human rights, peace, conflict and development in the eastern region. Participants learnt the peaceful means for conflict resolution and raised awareness of these issues amongst their colleagues and local people. This has strengthened the call for the peaceful and non-violent resolution of the Maoist conflict.

Interestingly, HUCODEC has conducted a development project to divert the youth away from violence. This is the construction of "The Green Road", a 35km road, which is almost finished with just 9km remaining before completion. Building the road has created employment for local youths and provided a real alternative to following the Maoist temptation to join the conflict. Indeed, some youths have quit their involvement with the Maoists to get involved in the road construction.

What Services Are Provided?

• Training;
• Research;
• Advocacy;
• Consultancy;
• Construction; and
• Facilitation.

Geographical Area of Operation

Eastern Region of Nepal especially Panchthar, Taplejung, Ilam and Jhapa districts.

Funding Resources

• Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC);
• United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF);
• Infrastructure for Rural Income - United States Agency for International Development (INFRIN-USAID); and
• NGOs Federation.

What Further Information Would You Like?

HUCODEC would like information regarding:

• Funding opportunities;
• Local and international organisations working in human rights and governance; and
• Capacity building and livelihood programmes.

What New Contacts Would You Like To Make?

• Funding agencies;
• Organisations working in human rights, peace and good governance; and
• Organisations conducting capacity building and livelihood programmes.

Associated Organisations

• Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC); and
• NGOs Federation.