Dear Senior human rights advisor Leslie,
National Human Rights Commission, Nepal.
We are pleased to read your draft copy. Really very nice and appreciable.
Thank you.
With best regards and sincerely yours
Jaya Shor Chapagain
Protection Officer
NHRC – Nepal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Keith Douglas Leslie [mailto:keith.leslie@nhrcnepal.org]
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2007 2:35 PM
To: jaya.chapagain@nhrcnepal.org; Leela Pathak
Cc: 'tek.tamrakar'; 'Chandra Roy'; 'Sharad Neupane'
Subject: Dr. Pathak's Speech for Tomorrow
Dr. Pathak and Jaishworji,
As promised, here is the two page speech for Dr. Pathak for tomorrow’s inauguration of the Indigenous Peoples Program workshop.
If you have any comments, plse let Tekji and I know. Thanks!
Best, Keith
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Righting Human Wrongs in Nepal
It's 7:35 am and I've seen Ez out the gate at 6:10 am, then Ms. Leah at 7:05 am. Now, I'm watching the Yankees pummel the Devil rays on the internet. So cometh another bright, lush late monsoon morning in the foothills of the Himalaya...
It's a Thursday, the final stretch in a busy week as I'm still flaying away in the world of human wrongs. Yet, I'm pleased to say that in some important ways, my working world became much more stimulating last week when, finally, after a year in my Sr. Advisor job w/o commissioners at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the govt finally appointed five individuals to lead the Commission.
One of them, Gauri Pradhan, founder of Child Workers in Nepal, is an old friend & colleague, who will be a pleasure to work with. Plus a retired chief justice of the Supreme Court, Kedarnath Upadhaya, who is the new Chairperson of the Commission, who also seems quite sincere & impressive. Then there is a Maoist-inclined Christian who may be the equivalent of a Nepali liberation theologian. Another retired Supreme Court judge from the eastern Terai. And, a senior government woman bureaucrat who may help us negotiate our way around the labyrinth that represents the government of Nepal. Quite an interesting collection, particularly as each seems to be eager to start their work!
So, at long last, after a year of muddling around, trying to influence a constitutional body without a head, learning my lessons in the world of human rights (and wrongs...), reciting the 'Paris Principles' on national rights institutes, staring out into the courtyard of Harihar Bhawan, an olde Rana palace here in Kathmandu, often feeling demotivated by the lack of leadership in the Commission, there is finally some real cause for anticipation & satisfaction -- ironically, just when my contract ends and the job may disappear.
Funny old world, isn't it...
For now, my UNDP one year contract has been extended from Sept. 3rd to Nov. 3rd, but nothing is clear after that. The whole Capacity Development NHRC project ends with December, so even a short extension ends then.
Of course, there's the likelihood of a new UNDP project from the new year, but no certainty if they want a Sr. AHuman Rights dvisor again; or, in truth, what I really want for myself...
At the moment, I'm planning on going to the US on Oct. 25th to attend Josh's first Family W/end at NMH, then probably visit Claudia while attending the American Bamboo Society (ABS) meeting outside Philly, followed by an important sidetrip to see M&D in Palm Beach Gardens before coming back to Nepal by mid-November.
If nothing changes or appears on the horizon, I could be back in Kathmandu sans work for the first time since 1983, which would be curious...
In some ways, mentally, emotionally, I'm just free-floating. I'm digging into certain aspects of work, which is stimulating, esp. given the large-scale & ugly forms of human rights abuses going on in Nepal (there was a prominent murder then a rampage in Kapilvastu, near Lumbini, last week with over 20-30 innocents murdered...), not to mention the backlog of human rights cases that remain either unresolved or without serious action by the GON. If one thinks too deeply on such events, it's not good for one's well-being, if you know what I mean. I read a Michael Onjantee (sp?) novel about such abuses in Sri Lanka a few years ago -- not pretty, to say the least, nor elevating of the human condition, that's for sure...
Politically, Nepal seems more & more befuddled or living under a dark star. Nothing really goes forward and the center hardly holds. Of course, our own personal botanical garden remains a delight, but the country around us seems to be dissolving into petty fiefdoms of venality or traffic jams (even sans petrol...) in the capital city.
There's supposed to be a national Constituent Assembly election on Thanksgiving Day, but no one really believes it's going to happen, esp. now that the Communist Party Nepal/Maoist have pulled out of the coalition government.
So many games, too many tricks, a heap of insincerity among the super-sized egos of the politicians, while the western community plays along, hoping for the best, fearing the worst, then heading off for a new assignment in another country while the UN pours in tens of millions of dollars and hundreds of 'monitors' and 'specialists' with experience in Kosovo, Timor and other examples of the UN's recent state-building experiences.
We all have our fingers crossed, but there is an equal amount of uncertainty ahead, sans doubt.
Where's a good thick Dumas novel when one needs one?
It's a Thursday, the final stretch in a busy week as I'm still flaying away in the world of human wrongs. Yet, I'm pleased to say that in some important ways, my working world became much more stimulating last week when, finally, after a year in my Sr. Advisor job w/o commissioners at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the govt finally appointed five individuals to lead the Commission.
One of them, Gauri Pradhan, founder of Child Workers in Nepal, is an old friend & colleague, who will be a pleasure to work with. Plus a retired chief justice of the Supreme Court, Kedarnath Upadhaya, who is the new Chairperson of the Commission, who also seems quite sincere & impressive. Then there is a Maoist-inclined Christian who may be the equivalent of a Nepali liberation theologian. Another retired Supreme Court judge from the eastern Terai. And, a senior government woman bureaucrat who may help us negotiate our way around the labyrinth that represents the government of Nepal. Quite an interesting collection, particularly as each seems to be eager to start their work!
So, at long last, after a year of muddling around, trying to influence a constitutional body without a head, learning my lessons in the world of human rights (and wrongs...), reciting the 'Paris Principles' on national rights institutes, staring out into the courtyard of Harihar Bhawan, an olde Rana palace here in Kathmandu, often feeling demotivated by the lack of leadership in the Commission, there is finally some real cause for anticipation & satisfaction -- ironically, just when my contract ends and the job may disappear.
Funny old world, isn't it...
For now, my UNDP one year contract has been extended from Sept. 3rd to Nov. 3rd, but nothing is clear after that. The whole Capacity Development NHRC project ends with December, so even a short extension ends then.
Of course, there's the likelihood of a new UNDP project from the new year, but no certainty if they want a Sr. AHuman Rights dvisor again; or, in truth, what I really want for myself...
At the moment, I'm planning on going to the US on Oct. 25th to attend Josh's first Family W/end at NMH, then probably visit Claudia while attending the American Bamboo Society (ABS) meeting outside Philly, followed by an important sidetrip to see M&D in Palm Beach Gardens before coming back to Nepal by mid-November.
If nothing changes or appears on the horizon, I could be back in Kathmandu sans work for the first time since 1983, which would be curious...
In some ways, mentally, emotionally, I'm just free-floating. I'm digging into certain aspects of work, which is stimulating, esp. given the large-scale & ugly forms of human rights abuses going on in Nepal (there was a prominent murder then a rampage in Kapilvastu, near Lumbini, last week with over 20-30 innocents murdered...), not to mention the backlog of human rights cases that remain either unresolved or without serious action by the GON. If one thinks too deeply on such events, it's not good for one's well-being, if you know what I mean. I read a Michael Onjantee (sp?) novel about such abuses in Sri Lanka a few years ago -- not pretty, to say the least, nor elevating of the human condition, that's for sure...
Politically, Nepal seems more & more befuddled or living under a dark star. Nothing really goes forward and the center hardly holds. Of course, our own personal botanical garden remains a delight, but the country around us seems to be dissolving into petty fiefdoms of venality or traffic jams (even sans petrol...) in the capital city.
There's supposed to be a national Constituent Assembly election on Thanksgiving Day, but no one really believes it's going to happen, esp. now that the Communist Party Nepal/Maoist have pulled out of the coalition government.
So many games, too many tricks, a heap of insincerity among the super-sized egos of the politicians, while the western community plays along, hoping for the best, fearing the worst, then heading off for a new assignment in another country while the UN pours in tens of millions of dollars and hundreds of 'monitors' and 'specialists' with experience in Kosovo, Timor and other examples of the UN's recent state-building experiences.
We all have our fingers crossed, but there is an equal amount of uncertainty ahead, sans doubt.
Where's a good thick Dumas novel when one needs one?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
A Note from Joshua, our Massachusetts Pilgrim Son
Hey Mum and Dad,
Sorry i missed the call on Saturday, but we had a school dance and the texting back to Nepal did not really work.
The last few days have been really fun, but tough. It was my first proper weekend here at NMH and i enjoyed it. On Friday, we had this dodgeball game and it was really fun. It was against the freshman and we have so much dorm spirit. It was like going to a soccer game and having all the fans chanting. We ended up demolishing the freshman 4-1 or something like that. The fourth floor embarassed us by losing to them very badly.
The next morning i missed part of soccer practice because I forgot to turn on my alarm clock, so I ended up missing the first half and could only play about another half hour because I had to go to the mall in order to pick up somethings that I needed to buy. The mall was pretty fun, I went with a few of my friends, but ended up shopping alone. It was a nice escape from being around everyone all the time. I bought a computer mouse, dress shoes and a tie on the credit card so if you get any bills that should be it.
Then on Saturday we had a dance and it was so crazy, I mean 600 people in the gym I literally just stared for five minutes feeling so much culture shock and out of place. I mean this was dancing in a very sexual way, and in Lincoln that never happens, so I was a little bit stunned. I decided to hang with the other equally shocked people and I just relaxed and danced and had a really good time.
Sunday it rained so hard and I got really wet coming up from psat practice. However, before convocation, it stopped, so it was on. I had new dress shoes which are pretty nice, a pink/purple tie, my suit and the black overcoat mom made. I looked really good, and it felt nice dressing up.
Then on Monday class resumed and it has been going pretty well. My favorite class is US history because the teacher is absolutely fabulous. He is so much like C-fair at Lincoln, but from the Northeast. He is really funny, and knows how to make the class enjoyable, but serious.
Yesterday was the best soccer practice i had in my life. I was not even tired at all and I just ran and ran and played awesomely. The weather was cold and rainy, so perfect to play football. The JV team is really fun. I made one really good friend through it. He is from Egypt and he is a nice guy. I chill with him a lot too.
Tomorrow is a really nice day as class ends at 9:15 for me. I have a bit of homework to catch up on, so I will do that. I will also probably take a nap to catch up on sleep that I have been deprived of. Tomorrow is also our first game so I am really excited; it should be fun. I can't wait. Anyway, I am going to get to some homework.
Love you guys very much and I miss you a lot, Joshua
Sorry i missed the call on Saturday, but we had a school dance and the texting back to Nepal did not really work.
The last few days have been really fun, but tough. It was my first proper weekend here at NMH and i enjoyed it. On Friday, we had this dodgeball game and it was really fun. It was against the freshman and we have so much dorm spirit. It was like going to a soccer game and having all the fans chanting. We ended up demolishing the freshman 4-1 or something like that. The fourth floor embarassed us by losing to them very badly.
The next morning i missed part of soccer practice because I forgot to turn on my alarm clock, so I ended up missing the first half and could only play about another half hour because I had to go to the mall in order to pick up somethings that I needed to buy. The mall was pretty fun, I went with a few of my friends, but ended up shopping alone. It was a nice escape from being around everyone all the time. I bought a computer mouse, dress shoes and a tie on the credit card so if you get any bills that should be it.
Then on Saturday we had a dance and it was so crazy, I mean 600 people in the gym I literally just stared for five minutes feeling so much culture shock and out of place. I mean this was dancing in a very sexual way, and in Lincoln that never happens, so I was a little bit stunned. I decided to hang with the other equally shocked people and I just relaxed and danced and had a really good time.
Sunday it rained so hard and I got really wet coming up from psat practice. However, before convocation, it stopped, so it was on. I had new dress shoes which are pretty nice, a pink/purple tie, my suit and the black overcoat mom made. I looked really good, and it felt nice dressing up.
Then on Monday class resumed and it has been going pretty well. My favorite class is US history because the teacher is absolutely fabulous. He is so much like C-fair at Lincoln, but from the Northeast. He is really funny, and knows how to make the class enjoyable, but serious.
Yesterday was the best soccer practice i had in my life. I was not even tired at all and I just ran and ran and played awesomely. The weather was cold and rainy, so perfect to play football. The JV team is really fun. I made one really good friend through it. He is from Egypt and he is a nice guy. I chill with him a lot too.
Tomorrow is a really nice day as class ends at 9:15 for me. I have a bit of homework to catch up on, so I will do that. I will also probably take a nap to catch up on sleep that I have been deprived of. Tomorrow is also our first game so I am really excited; it should be fun. I can't wait. Anyway, I am going to get to some homework.
Love you guys very much and I miss you a lot, Joshua
A Flower Gazer I Become...
For a momento of my existence
What shall I leave
(I need not leave anything)
Flowers in the spring,
Cuckoos in the summer
And maple leaves
In the autumn.
-- Ryokan
A hundred flowers are in Spring,
in Autumn is the moon,
In Summer is the cool wind.
the snow is in Winter;
If nothing is on the mind to afflict a man
That is the best season for the man.
-- Wu-men-kuan (The Gateless Gate)
Wu-men Hui-K'ai
Making the shades of trees
My dwelling place,
A flower gazer
I naturally become.
-- Emperor Kazan
Tales of Splendor, Futile Dreams
What shall I leave
(I need not leave anything)
Flowers in the spring,
Cuckoos in the summer
And maple leaves
In the autumn.
-- Ryokan
A hundred flowers are in Spring,
in Autumn is the moon,
In Summer is the cool wind.
the snow is in Winter;
If nothing is on the mind to afflict a man
That is the best season for the man.
-- Wu-men-kuan (The Gateless Gate)
Wu-men Hui-K'ai
Making the shades of trees
My dwelling place,
A flower gazer
I naturally become.
-- Emperor Kazan
Tales of Splendor, Futile Dreams
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Leah's Words of Love
oh, the words of the very young and very wise.... xoxo, k.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
dear josh,
i am sending you a painting that i'm going to make on the computer.
i wish you'd come back.
i'm having a lot of fun.
but i'm not having fun when you're not here.
love from leah
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
dear josh,
i am sending you a painting that i'm going to make on the computer.
i wish you'd come back.
i'm having a lot of fun.
but i'm not having fun when you're not here.
love from leah
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