|   04 .10. 2010   |   Rights and Resources Initiative

FECOFUN Press Release

4 October 2010

Kathmandu” Nepal 

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To diminish the rights of Community Forest Users Groups (CFUGS)” the ad hoc government is in the process of amendment the Forest Act 1993 without any consultation with stakeholders. In this regards” Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN)” an umbrella organization of 15″000 Community Forestry User Groups around Nepal” advocating for the rights of user has been protesting against the proposed amendment since August 18th 2010.

In this process on October 3rd 2010″ the peaceful demonstration was held in Kathmandu in the leadership of Chairperson Apsra Chapagain. All of the sudden Government/Nepal mobilized security forces and crushed the peaceful demonstration” around 200 people including Chairperson Apsara Chapagain and all National Executive Members /Forest Users detained for eight hours. Some activists are seriously injured. We strongly condemn on this action of government. And also wish to recover all injured personals during crushed of security forces on peaceful demonstration.

The government violated the right of peaceful protest that has been guaranteed by Interim – constitution of Nepal. The action of the Government /Nepal has clearly shown the fatal intension of Department of Forest to retain the power and rights of forest users. To protect the rights of users and end titanic domination of Department of Forest over natural resource (forest)” the FECOFUN highly demands to stop the process of amendment of the Forest Act 1993. We also request to all national and international stakeholders” forest activists” and civil society organizations to support and express solidarity on peaceful movement of FECOFUN forest user groups over the community forests.

The FECOFUN has announced further activities of campaigns and movements against the autocratic behaviors of Nepali Government to protect the rights of the community over forest resources. The announced activities of campaigns and movements are as follows:

  • Interaction meetings with civil society organizations/ INGOs and donor communities
  • Delegation to political parties” constituents members
  • Press meets
  • District Level demonstrations ( at 75 districts- districts chapters of FECOFUN are free to plan additional activities as per their need and situation)
  • Encircle the parliament building
  • Boycott all the programme and activities of Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation