Bilateral Programme Budget

The Bilateral Programme Budget (BPB) issued to help us deliver our Country Business Plan (CBP) and, through this,deliver on the FCO’s Departmental Strategic Objectives (DSOs).

• to enhance democratic practices to support the peace process and promote respect for human rights. Accordingly,we have been supporting government officials, civil society, Constituent Assembly members and NGOs to strengthen their knowledge and skills, and also undertaking project based activities; and
  
  
• to develop our co-operation with, and influence on, Nepal over climate change policy, working closely with DFID Nepal and British Council. This includes working with the public and civil society to raise awareness of the impact of climate change for Nepal and thereby creating encouragement for the Government to act. We are also working to build the capacity of the Government of Nepal to take part in international negotiations and discussions on climate change.

Example of BPB supported projects in Nepal

• Support to conflict Victim’s Committee in Bardia: CVC is made up of the families of those that were disappeared during the conflict.  Our support enables them to increase their skills and make their organisation more sustainable so that they can work for justice and for the recognition of conflict victim's rights.
• Chief Justice visit to UK: In June 2008, we arranged a visit for the Chief Justice to meet with key stakeholders in the UK justice system in order to help him to design a programme of reform for the Nepalese judiciary.  The visit was an opportunity to learn how the UK judiciary deals with issues of judicial accountability, transparency and efficiency.
• Training workshop on improving documentation and investigation of torture - Introduction to the Istanbul Protocol: We supported national NGO, Advocacy Forum to hold a series of training sessions for professionals involved in the criminal justice system.  Doctors, police personnel, lawyers and judges were trained to improve their capacity to recognise and document properly the signs of torture, in order to hold perpetrators of justice accountable.

The Strategic Programme Fund

The purpose of the Strategic Programme Fund (SPF) is to promote action on global issues in area of strategic importance to the UK.  The SPF funds projects around the world relating to the FCO's Departmental Strategic Objectives (DSOs).  

More about Strategic Programme Fund.  

In Nepal SPF funding is available under the following programme:

Human Rights and Democracy Programme

Human rights are a priority for the FCO across the range of our international work. Countries which are democratic, respect the rights of their citizens,and observe the rule of law at home and abroad, are also safer places in which to live and work, trade with or visit. They are more likely to settle disputes peacefully, and to respect international legal commitments – whether on human rights, security matters,the environment, economic issues or international crime.  Given the increasingly global nature of our world, these issues are of particular importance for all of us.

Through the Programme, we work in partnership with Governments by offering political and technical support to help them comply with their international human rights obligations.  We also recognise that civil society also has a vital role to play in promoting human rights, democracy and good governance.  Therefore, we support civil society organisations that work constructively with governments to help shape policies and monitor implementation.

Under the Human Rights and Democracy Programme, Nepalis a priority country under the equality and democracy objectives.  Accordingly, current SPF projects in Nepal are focusing on the advocacy and reform of the national policies on freedom of expression and discriminatory laws.

Examples of SPF supported projects in Nepal

• Promoting Freedom of Information and Expression in Nepal (2007-2009):  We are supporting Article 19 to work with local media organisations in Nepal to promote an enabling environment for the free flow of information and ideas.  Through a series of workshops, conferences and training, supported by legal analyses of existing legislation, the project aims to foster a supportive legislative framework and to raise awareness among key stakeholders on freedom of expression issues.

• Stairway to Legal Reformation and Equality (2008-2011): We are supporting Nepalese NGO, Forum for Women, Law and Development to advocate for a framework for non-discrimination and equality in the new Constitution.  Project activities include carrying out a review of discriminatory laws; raising awareness on Nepal's obligations among policy makers and Constituent Assembly members; and developing advocacy material.

Conflict Prevention Pool

The Conflict Prevention Pool (CPP) was set up to enhance the effectiveness of the UK’s contribution to conflict prevention. It is a financial instrument to deliver long-term conflict resolution activity, through regional programmes focused where the UK can have its biggest impact, and through thematic programmes which deal with cross-cutting conflict prevention issues. The CPP is run jointly by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Department for International Development (DFID).  For more information on the CPP.

Nepal receives CPP funding under the regional South Asia CPP programme.  CPP funding in Nepal is used to support the peace process and aims to prevent a return to conflict. Despite the recent election of a Constituent Assembly and the formation of a new Government, significant challenges remain to establishing sustainable peace.   These challenges include the drafting of anew Constitution for Nepal which reflects the will of all the Nepalese people; agreement on the future of the army; and promoting respect for human rights and tackling impunity.

In this context, CPP support in Nepal for 2008/11 is focussed on achieving the following goals:

- Progress on the national Security Sector Reform agenda

The UK stands ready to support the Government of Nepal to establish efficient and democratically accountable security infrastructure and institutions appropriate to Nepal’s needs.   Projects identified for this financial year include support to the Nepal Ministry of Defence, and support to the Ministry of Home to carry out its police/judicial review programme.

- Supporting an inclusive Constituent Assembly at the centre of the constitution drafting process

The Constituent Assembly (CA) has a key role in establishing an inclusive and sustainable peace.  The UK will support the CA by providing technical and financial assistance, as well as supporting civil society initiatives aimed at stimulating discussion that feeds into the constitution drafting process.

- Strengthened dialogue and processes to address impunity and promote reconciliation

Impunity for human rights abuses is a major issue in Nepal and undermines efforts to establish sustainable peace.  As well as the promotion and protection of human rights, it is essential that victims of past human rights abuses and violations receive justice.  The UK is supporting civil society efforts to combat impunity as well as supporting the capacity building of the National Human Rights Commission.

Chevening Scholarship Programme

Chevening is the UK government's flagship scholarship scheme, aimed at future leaders, opinion formers and decision-makers. The programme is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and managed by the British Council worldwide, supporting around 2,000international students annually to study in the UK.

For general information on the British Chevening Scholarship Programme, please check the Chevening Scholarship Programme website.