Kalpit Parajuli

Launched in 2007, the mission was supposed to reintegrate Maoist guerrillas in society and help draft a constitution after ten years of civil war. Very little was accomplished because of frictions between stakeholders and UN officials’ inertia.

A UN report suggests no one in the country can lead the peace process. Attempts in recent years to write a new constitution and integrate Maoist guerrillas in the armed forces have failed. Local authorities react to criticism by refusing to extend UN peace mission in the country, which expires this Friday. Some fear Maoists might revolt.

The initiative lets Catholics and Protestants celebrate Christmas without fear from Hindu extremists. “Christian activities that do not harm the country are welcome in Nepal,” Foreign minister says.

Bishal Shercha, born in a Hindu family, has been following catechism for the past year. This will be his first Christmas. The absence of threats from extremists is allowing Nepali Catholics to show everyone the values of Christianity. Many young people are involved in preparing Christmas celebrations in the country’s various parishes.

Paras Shah is charged with shooting in the air during an altercation with the adopted son of former Prime Minister Sujata Koirala. Hundreds of people protest across the country, some in favour, others against the monarchy.

For exiles, the ethnic Nepali Protestant’s conviction is just another example of the government’s policies against minorities and non-Buddhist religions. Protestant bishop says, the government “should at least maintain basic democratic freedoms and human rights”.

Parliament fails to elect a new prime minister for the eighth time. Nepali Congress party leader was the only candidate on the ballot. Hindu extremists call for the restoration of the monarchy.

The Millennium Development Goals Award, Nepal is the first of 49 developing countries for efforts to promote women's health. In the north of the country thousands of people leave their villages because of climate change and lack of government intervention.

The festival of Teej, which includes fasting, fell on the same day Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. The two festivities provide an opportunity to demand a truly secular state in which all religions are respected. Participants also call for an end to political games that have blocked a new constitution so far.

Rebel disarmament, their incorporation into the Nepali armed forces and too much UN supervision of the latter are the main causes of disagreement. UN Secretary General Ban K-moon blames the caretaker government of not doing enough to advance the peace process. The UN mission’s future is surrounded by controversy as the date for the end of its mandate approaches (15 September).

The request coincides with World Disappearance Day, held yesterday. More than a thousand people are still missing despite the end of the civil war in 2006 and the creation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Military and Maoist guerrillas are blamed for the disappearances. Families and human rights groups slam the authorities for their ineffectiveness, pay tribute to the victims with a candlelight ceremony in downtown Kathmandu.

The identification of victims is only possible with DNA testing, but in Nepal there are no structures to do so. The government asks the international community for help and alternatives to speed up procedures.