Ex-combatant Children of Nepal

Ex-combatant Children and Prospects for their Rehabilitation
A Case Study of Rolpa

Abstract

Nepal is currently in an important phase of post conflict transition, which is still associated with various vulnerabilities to peace. Rehabilitation of minor ex-combatants is one of the most important issues in post conflict Nepal. This research has been carried out in order to have a better understanding of these minor ex-combatants, to understand their backgrounds, the reasons that led to their joining the war, their current status and future aspirations for their livelihood and development. The research has been carried out using individual questionnaire survey with these ex-combatants in two cantonment sites and those living outside in Rolpa, one of the districts where the armed conflict started and the stronghold of the rebellion. This was also supported by focus group discussions, key informant interviews, observations and secondary data.

The findings show that these minor ex-combatants are mostly from middle to poor class families, possess little education for their age, and are mostly from Janajati, Chhetri and Dalit ethnicities, with significant proportion of females. Most of them reported that they joined the war out of their own will in the given circumstances. It was found that higher proportion of males females had their roles as combatants, the females had significantly higher proportion involved as cultural artists during the war. The female ex-combatants reported that they did not feel any significant difficulties because of their gender during the war except the physical problem of shelter and living conditions. As for the future aspirations, majority of ex-combatants preferred to join the national army as their first priority. However, there was significant difference in responses to this between the ex-combatants living inside the cantonment and those living in the villages. While most of those inside the ex-combatants wanted to join the army, those living outside the cantonment showed more interest on business and trade, jobs and other livelihood options.

Overall, the study concludes that it is of utmost importance for all concerned to take up the issue of the rehabilitation of ex-combatant children serious with systematic and plans appropriate to individual condition and requirements, also including plans for regular monitoring and follow up in order to ensure their safe and peaceful integration so that they could contribute to the society as dignified citizens of the country.

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