Conflict Resolution of Women in Sunsari District Through the Paralegal Committee

Abstract

Conflict is a social process. It arises among the different opinion, principles and will. Social conflict is common in every village which almost arises due to class caste and sex differences. Lack of awareness most of women compel to bear exploitation and violence,which has leaded to conflict. The cost of case handling, hiring of attorney and other miscellaneous expense is increasing day by day in the formal system, in these circumstances, approaching the formal justice system is beyond the access for common people. In this context, PLC is playing a vital role as an alternative justice provider,with the aim of solving the local problems with in the same community respecting human rights, norms and values of the local people. It is based on community security system.The general objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of PLC for conflict resolution in community level and specific objectives are; to analyze the different types of violence that happens on women and to find out the effectiveness of PLC for conflict resolution in community level. For get above objectives, this study has designed both exploratory and descriptive designs.Qualitative and quantitative tools and techniques, household survey with semi structure questionnaire, focus group discussion, key informant interview and direct observation have been applied. Primary and secondary data has been collected and to analysis this data, different types of figure and table are followed. According to the findings of field survey, conflict are occurring due to the social taboo, poverty, social structure, lack of awareness and understanding,scarcity of resources, snobbery and alcoholism. Among the disputes verbal abuse and insult is more frequent case, minor physical assault, land related and money transaction cases are common and tradition related cases also has taken place in both VDCs. Poor, women and Dalits are also taking enjoying by PLC.PLC is empowering to basic law and human rights resolution is based of local need and situation at the very spot. It helps to localize the problems in grass root level. So after mediation both disputing parties feel win/win situation.This study recommended PLC as the most appropriate model for this with the following recommendation;Create a coherent legal framework for the local resolution of disputes.Community mediation forum need to be formally recognized by the state by making appropriate legal arrangement to give them a legal standing. Members of PLC need more basic and refresh training of basic law, human rights and mediation skill as well as regular monitoring and evaluation of ward and VDC level mediation process. Revised the Local Self Government Act including the part of VEC arbitration and it should be published in the Nepal Gazette.