Democracy & Governance in Nepal

Photo Gallery

Background Information from ICG:
Nepal's Royal Coup: Making a Bad Situation Worse (9 February)

Nepal: Responding to the Royal Coup (24 February)

Speakers
H.E. Narayan S. Thapa, Ambassador, Royal Embassy of Nepal
Mr. Nicholas Grono, Director of Advocacy & Research, International Crisis Group
Chair: Mr. Dick Gupwell, Secretary-General, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels

Democracy & Governance in Nepal
2 March 2005, EIAS, Brussels

Speakers:
H.E. Narayan S. Thapa, Ambassador, Royal Embassy of Nepal
Mr. Nicholas Grono, Director of Advocacy & Research, International Crisis Group
Chair: Mr. Dick Gupwell, Secretary-General, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels

On February 1st, King Gyanendra of Nepal caught his kingdom and the international community off guard by announcing the dismissal of the government and declaring a state of emergency whilst assuming direct control of the government. The King claims his actions, which include the detention of politicians, human rights workers and students, serve to defend Nepalese multiparty democracy.

Denouncing the ex-government's inefficiency with regards to the Maoist insurgency that has plunged Nepal into a deepening crisis and cost the lives of thousands, King Gyanendra has pledged to bring back peace within three years.

However, many observers warn that King Gyanendra's "royal coup" will undermine the Nepalese struggle with the Maoist insurgency, possibly leading to an escalation of violence.

The international community has called for the restoration of democracy and civil rights as well as the release of all opposition leaders. The United States and several EU states have recalled their ambassadors to Nepal as a demonstration of their opposition to the King's actions.

In order to shed light on these developments and discuss the steps ahead for the Nepalese Kingdom, the European Institute for Asian Studies has invited H.E. Ambassador Narayan S. Thapa of Nepal and Mr. Nicholas Grono, Director of Advocacy and Research at the International Crisis Group, to give a briefing on Democracy and Governance in Nepal.

Photo Gallery

Background Information from ICG:
Nepal's Royal Coup: Making a Bad Situation Worse (9 February)
Nepal: Responding to the Royal Coup (24 February)

Letter of Invitation (pdf)