Youth Alliance for Peace and the Environment,
Nepal

Hotline to peace

For ten years conflict raged in Nepal, leading to the deaths of an estimated 13,000 people and displacing many thousands more. A national peace agreement was signed in 2006. But for many, day-to-day life is still characterised by strikes, riots, political manipulation and a legacy of human rights abuses. Local organisation the Youth Alliance for Peace and Environment (YAPE) is dedicated to giving people somewhere to turn to stop conflicts from escalating and to protect vulnerable communities.

I have worked with international organisations before – I spent three hours each day filling out forms. I felt like I had been given a sack full of money to ‘help people’ whilst my hands were tied behind my back. With YAPE we devise our own plans and strategies, and we act on them. – Bhoraj Timilsina, YAPE

YAPE has built up a strong track record of responding swiftly and successfully to bring an end to conflicts. They have created a network of contacts across civil and political leaders in Nepal. If disputes become violent they use their media contacts and knowledge to gain national and international attention.

From the poorest communities to the police, local government and the army, demand for YAPE’s services continues to grow. With their in-depth local knowledge, contacts, flexibility and the trust they have built up with all those they work with, YAPE is perfectly placed to stop violence before it escalates.

For more information, insight and analysis on the conflict in Nepal, visit Insight on Conflict.