FORUM-ASIA recently hosted a Thai Solidarity Group on Democratic Movement in Nepal with ten representatives from different labour-related organisations, women organisations and slam groups in Bangkok.

The group was informed that a ‘Solidarity Committee for Democratic Nepal’ has been formed in Bangladesh recently. They also reviewed the past activities in Thailand for Democracy, Human Rights and Peace in Nepal.FORUM-ASIA recently hosted a Thai Solidarity Group on Democratic Movement in Nepal with ten representatives from different labour-related organisations, women organisations and slam groups in Bangkok.

The group was informed that a ‘Solidarity Committee for Democratic Nepal’ has been formed in Bangladesh recently. They also reviewed the past activities in Thailand for Democracy, Human Rights and Peace in Nepal.

Last year, a solidarity network was formed among Committee for Asian Women, Asia Pacific Workers Solidarity League-Thailand, Trans-national Information Exchange Asia, International Federation of Chemical Energy Mine and General Workers Union – Thailand and Alliance of Democratic Trade Unions. In 2005 and 2006, a number of demonstrations were organised in Bangkok (2 in 2005 and 1 in 2006).

Other activities included issuing press statements, sending joint letter to the King’s government, lobbying with other organizations and institutions in Bangkok, and circulating/sharing of information on Nepal are the other activities carried out on Nepal issues.

There was also a fact-finding mission to Nepal. Getting information, circulating and disseminating it through email and website is being a regular initiative here on Nepal issues. Some documents (press statements) were translated into Thai language as well and posted on the website.
Background on Nepal’s Current Situation

Representatives of FORUM-ASIA secretariat explained that situation in Nepal is getting worse as King Gyanendra’s regime is consistently suppressing the movement for democracy and democracy in Nepal.

• The armed conflict between the state and the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) is continued and violation of human rights is widespread.
• Political parties and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) have come to an understanding for the struggle against the King’s regime.
• International actors such as US, UK, EU and Japan. have been of the view that the political parties and the King should reconcile, arguing that the ‘constitutional forces’ should come together in viewing the armed conflict with the CPN-M. But, it does not seem possible due to the high-handedness of the King’s military approach and his unwillingness to restore democracy and human rights in the country. The political parties have opposed reconciliation with the King.
• The seven parties’ alliance has announced general strike for 6-9 April 2006 and launching series of demonstrations inside the country. During this time, more arrests, restrictions and suppressions against the demonstrators will take place. Ministers of the government have been warning of curfew and curtailment in media during the strike by the parties.
• Human rights community, civil society organizations, and trade unions have been more vocal for the democratic movement and they are more active in lobbying, advocating to create pressure on the King from the national as well as international level.
• Two royalist parties have protested against the King’s regime in the street.
• Experts have warned that Nepal’s central bank is going to be bankrupted if the current situation remains unchanged and the government does not take necessary actions to improve the overall situation.
• There is a danger of a kind frustration among the people which the King wants to be so to ease him for a longer rule in Nepal if the movement cannot get momentum. This is a crucial time in Nepal.