Conflict Peace & Development

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14540/48

Browse

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7

Needs and Expectations of Elderly People of Old Age Home in Kathmandu
(2026) Yogi, Sheela Kumari; Binod Pokharel
Ageing is a normal and to be expected part of life but there are physical, emotional and behavioral changes with It. As people get older, their position and functions in the family and society change as well. However, due to ageing, many elderly people miss out on opportunities, needs and even their life partners, sometimes despite having ample funds, and feel lonely. It seems that the need for love, connection and respect is related and strong feelings about it increase, as seniors get older and seek their comfort place and peace as they grow old. As someone grows older, his or her priorities and perspectives shift and the focus turns towards relationships, caring for oneself, inner peace, etc. In this study, social security policy was examined by taking aged (60+ years) people residing at old age homes and care centers along with their family members in terms of their needs, problems and expectations. It also analyzes whether there are any gaps between these policies using mixed methodology; quantitative data collected from the structured questionnaires, qualitative data collected from key informants, senior citizens and selected case studies. Various theories are included in this research such as gerontology theory, Durkheim's functionalist theory, Coser’s conflict theory to understand the need, challenges and expectation of elders in Kathmandu district. This study addresses the problems related to free market, ageism, and discrimination. All the above factors have a strong impact on the social, cultural, economic and health aspects of life of senior citizens and bring significant changes in family structure. This means that each elderly person must work out how these age changes work for them and how they can embrace change, or if they want to adhere to the social and cultural activities of previous generations. This dichotomy of accommodating and holding on to tradition can result in uncertainty and feeling insecure as this rapidly evolving society is not the same society in which they grew up and in which they know they have a place. This study investigates the intergenerational conflict as well as how the government’s social security policy addresses such conflict and issues faced by elderly people within the theoretical framework. It also examines any gaps that exist between these policies, either in terms of extent or the nature of the gap, and identifies the area to improve policies, which may need more detailed study and development to be supportive for the elderly population. Urbanization has made an impacting situation on youth; they do not wish to stay in the villages and make an effort to migrate to urban areas or abroad to have better employment opportunities. With their careers, they may not be there to give more attention to their aging parents. These adult children may provide a good facility to their elderly parents, even offer them to bring abroad with them, but many elderly people will experience loneliness and dissociation because they are in a different climate, environment and culture. While their children want to give them a good life to enjoy like in the west, the elderly want to remain in their own homes and even in old age homes and care centers in Nepal. Of the 220 respondents, there was a preference for home 192 respondents. Generally, security problems of the elderly exist in their families and within their social environment. In relation to their living conditions, they look for safety, in relation to family relations, they want to experience frequent connections with family members, in relation to financial stability, they are seeking, in relation to the recognition of their experiences, knowledge and skills, at home and in the society. They are expecting respect, companionship, and reciprocity by their families; they are expecting recognition by society and state. These areas need to be researched in-depth study for better understanding the changing picture of social relations and family situation in relation to social security policy for the elderly people. For many elderly people, old age allowance is the main source of income. There is a clear need to examine the poverty levels of seniors, and prioritize support based on their needs. However, for a few elderly the financial situation is stable, they might not require monetary plan, and they may benefit from non-financial support programs from government. In light of this study, it is concluded that factors such as breaking down rules of the joint family norms, migration, and urbanization contribute to the physical, social, and psychological problems in the day-to-day life of elderly people.
Artificial intelligence and border security in nepal
(2023) Gaire, Shiva Prasad; Naresh Rimal
Integrating AI-powered technologies possesses immense potential to fortify and reinforce Nepal's border security apparatus, elevating it to new heights. This study meticulously explores the boundless possibilities of harnessing AI to bolster Nepal's border security while diligently examining both its advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, it goes beyond mere exploration, presenting ingenious and effective strategies to mitigate risks and ensure the responsible and ethical implementation of AI technologies in Nepal's border security operations. The research employed thematic and SWOT analyses to evaluate the potential and challenges of AI in Nepal's border security. Thematic analysis was utilized to analyzed primary data, and a SWOT analysis precisely appraises the implementation of AI in Nepal's border security. Through interviews, self-observations, and meticulous data analysis, this study offers a profound assessment of the current state of border security in Nepal, unlocking the immense potential of AI to augment its effectiveness. The study shows that the implementation of AI-powered surveillance technology emerges as an exceptionally promising solution, equipping Nepal with intelligent surveillance, predictive analytics, automated border control, risk assessment, and cutting-edge drone surveillance capabilities. By leveraging AI's capabilities, Nepal can reinforce its ability to identify potential threats swiftly, make informed decisions, and staunchly safeguard the safety and security of its borders. By harnessing these remarkable AI capabilities, the APF can elevate its mandate of border security to unprecedented levels, effectively countering border crimes and mitigating associated risks. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive awareness campaigns, formulating standardized policies, robust cybersecurity measures, capacity building in the APF, Nepal, and substantial investments in digital infrastructure. These essential measures will lay the foundation for the seamless integration of AI-powered technologies into Nepal's border security. Keywords: artificial intelligence, border security, privacy, drone surveillance, intelligent surveillance
Irrigation management and conflict dynamics in the khageri irrigation project of Chitwan
(2026) Kunwar, Sajin Bikram; Ramesh Raj Kunwar
Irrigation systems play a crucial role in sustaining agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in Nepal. However, their effectiveness is frequently undermined by conflicts arising from water allocation, infrastructure maintenance, and institutional arrangements. Despite the prevalence of such disputes, limited scholarly attention has been paid to understand their underlying dynamics and management practices. This study examines the emergence and nature of irrigation-related conflicts in the Khageri Irrigation Project (KIP) and analyzes how different conflict management mechanisms influence irrigation performance and agricultural outcomes. The study argues that irrigation conflicts are deeply rooted in weak institutional arrangements, inequitable water distribution, deteriorating physical infrastructure, and limited participation of users in decision-making processes. Accordingly, it seeks to explore the key drivers of conflict, assess existing conflict management practices, and evaluate the role of governance mechanisms in enhancing system efficiency and sustainability. Adopting an exploratory qualitative research design grounded in a constructivist paradigm, the study draws on primary data collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. The research focuses on three command areas; Gitanagar, Shivanagar, and Mangalpur representing the head, middle, and tail sections of the irrigation system. Participants include members of Water Users’ Associations (WUAs), beneficiary farmers, local representatives, and government officials, enabling a comprehensive understanding of multiple stakeholder perspectives. The findings reveal that conflicts are escalated by institutional weaknesses, lack of accountability, unequal water distribution, and declining infrastructure conditions. At the same time, the study identifies that active user participation, effective institutional functioning, and locally embedded conflict resolution practices such as mediation, negotiation, and arbitration play a significant role in reducing disputes and fostering cooperation among users. The study concludes that sustainable irrigation management requires a collaborative governance approach that integrates community participation with supportive state vii engagement. Strengthening institutional capacity, ensuring equitable resource distribution, and promoting inclusive decision-making processes are essential for improving irrigation system performance and achieving long-term agricultural sustainability.
Artificial intelligence, employment and social conflict in Kathmandu medical college hospital, Nepal
(2025) Adhikari, Praksh; Tikaram Gautam
The concept of consciousness, once considered uniquely human, is increasingly manifested in machines through technological evolution, culminating in advanced AI systems (Russell & Norvig, 2021). Rule-based AI executes tasks under direct human instruction, whereas expert AI exhibits adaptive, near-sentient behavior, challenging traditional human-centered production frameworks (Nilsson, 2014). As AI advances, physical, mental, and skilled labor face creation, replacement, and displacement, contributing to rising unemployment and social conflict (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2014). A study of 119 AI systems at KMC Hospital, involving 1,214 employees, revealed that expert AI significantly drives labor displacement, reshaping employment dynamics and societal structures (Frey & Osborne, 2017) in Nepal. Humans distinguished themselves through the cognitive revolution, enabling tool use and laying the foundation for modernization and the AI-driven Fourth Industrial Revolution (Schwab, 2016). As machines perform cognitive-like tasks, the relevance of human labor is increasingly questioned. Mechanization now extends beyond routine work to skilled labor, encompassing creation, replacement, and displacement, thereby threatening physical, mental, and skilled labor (Acemoglu & Restrepo, 2019). This labor disruption challenges the legacy of the 12,000-year-old agricultural revolution. Globally, job losses are rising, and in Nepal, hospitals implementing AI have improved service efficiency while reducing employment, highlighting emerging social conflicts around labor (Kshetri, 2021) in hospitals. This study employed a post-positivist approach to move beyond the objectivity of positivism and examine the subjective, multi-dimensional impacts of AI on employment and emerging social conflicts (Phillips & Burbules, 2000). Focusing on transformations induced by rule-based and expert AI, the research analyzed their effects on physical, mental, and skilled labor through creation, replacement, and displacement. Using a qualitative design, the study examined 119 AI tools at KMC Hospital, collecting data from 19 respondents among 1,214 employees across eight departments via structured face-to-face and phone interviews. Data were analyzed descriptively and analytically to draw conclusions about AI-driven labor dynamics. AI tools of 119 were identified, primarily classified as rule-based or expert systems (Russell & Norvig, 2021). Expert AI was mostly used in health care, pathology, and radiology for complex and expert tasks; however, rule-based AI was chiefly vii deployed in administration, security, housekeeping, driving, and pharmacy. AI can effectively deliver an extent of management that is beyond human capability, increasing throughput, quality of service, reliability, and operational efficiency. Across the eight departments, AI adoption has increased steadily, with robotic systems simplifying workflows and administrative processes. These developments are a clear indication of the sphere of AI and, even more so, efficient delivery metrics in each department's responsibilities. Employees number of 1214 across eight departments engage with rule-based or expert AI tools, revealing patterns of job creation, replacement, and displacement (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2014). Rule-based AI primarily supports job creation and replacement, whereas expert AI drives displacement. For instance, robotic AI can complete tasks that initially needed four workers with one, and pathology AI can process at a rate of 900 samples an hour, which previously took two days. As a result, workers doing physical, mental, and skilled labor will be at a greater risk of unemployment, creating greater social inequality and causing an increase in social conflict as AI is altering the landscape of work and employment. AI tools about 119, primarily rule-based and expert systems are in active use across eight departments (Russell & Norvig, 2021). Rule-based AI predominates in administration, security, and pharmacy, supporting job creation and replacement, whereas expert AI dominates healthcare, pathology, and radiology, contributing to displacement. Recent additions, including robotic AI and 64-channel MRI machines, have transformed workflows, enabling tasks previously requiring multiple workers to be completed by one and pathology processing in one hour instead of two days. Across 1,214 roles, physical, mental, and skilled labor are increasingly displaced, shifting employment conflicts from institutional to broader societal levels.
Role of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) in Peacebuilding in Nepal
(2024) Adhikari, Surya Bahadur; Tika Ram Gautam
Available in full text
Transitional justice process and the narratives of the victims of enforced disappearance in Nepal
(Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Conflict, Peace and Development Studies, 2023) Sapkota, Anuja
The ten-year-long armed conflict between the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist and the Government of Nepal ceased on November 21 st , 2006, after the underwriting of 'The Comprehensive Peace Agreement,'. The agreement emphasized the importance of establishing a transitional justice system within six months to provide an opportunity to address the grievances of those affected by more than ten years of armed conflict. The 'Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)' and the 'Commission on the Investigation of Disappeared Persons (CIEDP),' were established in August 2015 to help with the transitional justice process. Within six years of establishment of the two commissions, 60,000 TRC cases and 3,093 CIEDP cases were registered. In most of the peace agreements that formalized the transitional justice process, like the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2006 and the Interim Constitution in 2008, the parties to the conflict have made a commitment to address the needs of the conflict's victims. Currently, however, the entire Transitional Justice process in Nepal, is being criticized as being too top-down and state-driven, which raises the question of whether it will adopt a bottom-up approach in addressing the past to construct a more peaceful future or top-down approach as a tool to just get the peace process off the table. This research is an attempt to explore and capture the approaches of transitional justice in Nepal and the lived narratives of the families of disappeared persons in Nepal. The chapters in this thesis discuss the global to local approach of transitional justice approach through primary and secondary data collected for the research. Research adopted the qualitative approach with triangulation of interview, group discussion and narratives. The live narratives of the families of enforced disappeared persons are the focus of the study. Through the narratives, the research tries to bring out the struggle of the families, their need, the lack of trust towards the government and how important it is for them to deal with the past to create a sense of peace within themselves. The conceptual framework of this research focuses on the – ‘Dealing with the Past’ framework that encompasses four major elements: Right to Truth, Right to Justice, Right to Reparation and the Guarantee of Non-Recurrence, and its importance in dealing with the past after the atrocities or violent past to build a peaceful future. The families of enforced disappeared persons in Nepal are still in search of truth and justice from the concerned authorities and want the government to be accountable to deal with their problem with respect and sensitivity. They want transitional justice to be the utmost priority of the government without further delay.
Indigenous Confict Resolution Mechanism: Study of Lohorung Rai Community
(Faculty of Conflict, Peace and Development Studies, 2021) Dahal, Mibit
In Nepal, there has been attempt to uncover huge number of indigenous communities through academic gates, yet the numbers are not sufficient. There are more hidden mysteries than anyone can think of, given the geographical area of Nepal. The diversity in cultures and ritual application has made each group different with one another. Under the given premise, this study focused on conflict resolution practices by Lohorung Rai community. The main focus of research was to understand the procedure of conflict resolution within Lohorung Rai of Nepal. With only two literatures on Lohorung and silent about conflict resolution as of today made the task even more difficult. This confirmed that non of the primitive mechanisms exists today. The task was set with following some of the key literatures within the area of conflict resolution, culture and other social context. As perceived, it was hard to differentiate the path of inquiry. The inquiry into the research question following qualitative method adopting phenemenological approach proved supportive yet challanging. The data were collected through observation and interview and collecting stories, myths, songs, jokes, narratives and all other forms of orally transmitting ideas. Deep inquiry were done with the older generation people to evaluate the collected materials. The oral informations proved to be stock of valuable informations explaining how things were done in the past. With the informations obtained, it was clear that Lohorung people had understood conflict and conflict resolution in much better ways than one can imagine. In their own way of understanding, Lohorung community divided conflict into three structures: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal and Intergroup. The division of conflict as such was based on the parties attached to the conflict. In the same way they had already defined different mechanisms to address the problems. Use of techniques like “Sheer Uthaune” is still taken as a means to address intra-personal conflict as of today. For interpersonal and intergroup conflict, approach similar to mediations were used. But, in primitive sense, those issue addressing sessions meant more than just resolving conflict. The act of resolving conflict amongst Lohorung resembles near to that of modernday mediation practice. However, it differs in many scenario as option to resolution and reaching the consensus were less, they had to adopt either complete settelment through compensation or through friendship (meet laune) or through pardoning the person or party or even through punishments. The process of resoultion done by Lohorung community cannot be easily explained by modernday theoritical approach, specially in intrapersonal conflict.It’s role is not to narrate wrong doings but also restoring communal bond and faith within each other. It implies rituals and other platforms to aware people about the consequences and difficulties associated with it. Also, social activities were added advantage to ensure proper community participation for other actions as well. The use of rituals as platform to perform and culture to carry it to next generation was solid approach to transmit the knowledge. Yet, with difficulty in knowledge transfer due to modernization and migration, Lohorung have managed to reel off their knowledge through greater participation. The value that Lohorung Rai people within the cultural activities have is much more than what the outcome shows. The way they solve their problem by themselves and vlaue their system is complex yet can be a source for modern techniques of conflict resolution.

Browse

Recent Submissions