Martyr’s week for forgotten families
As we celebrate this week as martyr’s week, it’s crucial to reflect on the forgotten heroes and their families. Historically, a martyr is someone who sacrifices their life for a sacred cause. Martyrs are our heroes. As Benjamin Disraeli eloquently stated, “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.”
Deserving more than words
On 21 Sept 2023, during a program organized by the Martyrs’ and Disappeared Warriors Children’s Foundation in Sindhuli, I encountered the families of martyrs—vulnerable, elderly, illiterate, with no income, deprived of information, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and grappling with medical conditions. Despite these challenges, the children displayed exceptional natural intellect, particularly in the fields of law, engineering, agriculture and journalism—key positions that hold the potential to reform the country. It is crucial for the government to recognize and harness their potential through placements or further grooming, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to society.
In 2020, BMC International Health and Human Rights published a journal on the quality of life (QOL) of women from families of martyred individuals in Iraq. The study underscored the significance of QOL for the conflict-affected. The families of martyrs may carry an inner sense of pride for the supreme sacrifices made by their sons, husbands, and parents, but their QOL remains below par. They deserve more.
For CNN and the Times, the concept of ‘heroes’ might vary—they declare heroes annually. However, for Nepalis, our heroes are the families who continue to walk with pride, fully aware that their loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. Yet, their QOL needs improvement; some are oblivious to a government led by the ‘Maoist’ party. A prevailing concern is that these families do not sense a connection to government ministers led by the same leaders for whom their children and parents gave their lives.
International practices
International practices provide noteworthy examples. India not only compensates them financially but also offers jobs for their next of kin. On 26 July 2023, “The Times of India” reported that the next of kin of 19 martyrs were appointed to different government jobs on the grounds of compassion. Azerbaijan went further, providing separate housing for about 9,200 families of martyrs and distributing more than 7,200 cars to war-disabled individuals. Even conflict-torn countries like Afghanistan and Libya have passed bills honoring the martyrs and their family members. Afghanistan has a dedicated ministry overseeing the welfare of the martyrs’ families.
Nepal’s peace process
The recent visit of the UN Secretary-General to Nepal accentuates the urgency of bringing the peace process to a logical conclusion, an outcome incomplete without acknowledging the martyrs’ contributions. All leaders and dignitaries pledged support during his visit, and the time is now to translate those commitments into tangible action.
Article 42 (5) of Nepal’s Constitution guarantees the families of martyrs essential rights in education, health, employment, housing, and social security, accompanied by justice and respect. While martyrs receive commendable recognition at remembrance events, such as shawls and certificates, the focus must shift from being a platform for political speeches. These families, who are more than just affiliated with any political party, represent the nation’s heroes. Their sacrifices have granted us the freedom of expression and the ability to openly critique authorities. It is crucial that their status remains a national issue rather than being exploited for political gain.
The government must guarantee that the next of kin are not only honored as national martyrs but also provided benefits such as tax exemption, housing, placement in public services, employment, and, most importantly, free access to health and education. This is the minimum the nation can do to honor those martyrs who sacrificed their lives, bequeathing us the freedom and democracy we cherish today.
Nepal did well in Beijing and the UNGA
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visits to the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and China were a remarkable success despite considerable skepticism in the public domain.
This success came in the midst of a discourse in the media on how PM Dahal will deal with the issue of Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), a continuous pressure from the ‘elite communities’ busy creating a buzz through their social media posts, petitions on issues under the jurisdiction of TRC and Dahal’s own political statements.
By the way, these petitions will attain nothing beyond “show cause orders” from the judiciary. The petitioners, it appears, intend to create confusion amongst the general public and unintentionally clog the already clogged justice system. These opponents would have expected that PM Dahal won’t be able to cash in on the opportunity to engage the United Nations and its platforms.
Unsurprisingly, Dahal, known for his penchant and proclivity for unexpected political maneuvers, went ahead and not only attended the UNGA in New York, but also engaged in bilateral relations with several world leaders and high-level UN delegates. The message from the UN visit was clear: Dahal, the only signatory alive of the Comprehensive Peace Accord signed between the government of Nepal and the then Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) on 22 Nov 2006, remains committed to taking the peace process to a lawful and peaceful conclusion. Reiteration of his commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, and international humanitarian laws and fundamental principles and values related to human rights should be read in this context.
As the PM of Nepal, currently the chair of the Group of Least Developed Countries, Dahal used his address to the UNGA to not only raise issues facing LDCs like climate change, Sustainable Development Goals and development cooperation but also to touch upon Nepal’s peace process and TRC. His address, summarized on the UN homepage, clearly shows how tactfully he started it. In particular, his opening statement gave a powerful message to the international community.
Furthermore, Dahal demonstrated humility and sought help from the international community, which reiterates his commitment to the international community and his readiness to work together.
He also called upon the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the United Nations headquarters. His message was clear again: Commitment to ensuring that Nepal’s peace process abides by the “peace accord”.
Dahal also met with the UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima.
There’s a phrase from the Greek story “Daedalus and Icarus”—Kill two birds with one stone—this is exactly what Dahal did. He not only won the trust of international communities in Nepal’s peace process, but also raised pressing issues facing the LDCs as its chairperson.
Mission accomplished.
A warm welcome
The American diplomat and political scientist, Madeleine Albright, once famously said, “Diplomacy is not just about negotiations; it’s about understanding cultures and building bridges.”
After all the rush, hustle and bustle of such a hectic schedule in New York, Dahal knew the importance of his Sept 23-30 visit to China—the roaring neighbor, which has always been supportive of him. Notably, during his visit, Dahal also held a one-on-one meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, apart from talks with Premier Li Quant and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji. These engagements were crucial in strengthening mutual trust and signing of several memorandums of understanding (MOUs). The relationship building anchored on mutual social and economic development of peoples of the two nations was crucial in the context of delayed or postponed engagement on account of Covid-19.
Let’s focus on the outcome of the China visit. Some politicians, self-proclaimed elites and several media outlets have called it a ‘refreshment visit’. But all in all, PM Dahal’s China visit was a success.
To understand the importance of this visit, we need to get rid of this mindset--that success entails getting something instantly.
It’s true that the visit did not yield anything right away; it also fell short of people’s expectations.
But the Chinese side accorded Dahal a warm welcome and gave due importance to the visit. This is something to take note of against the backdrop of Dahal’s recent visit to India, in which the host country came under our criticism for a “low-level welcome” accorded to our PM. Our core objective should be to build on relationships and work for tangible results gradually. In diplomacy, the most important tool is “relationship,” and clearly Dahal has outdone all his predecessors on this front. His body language throughout the China trip made it clear that he came out as a “reliable leader and a trusted neighbor”.
The author is an expert on diplomacy and international relations with a background in law. He has worked with the UN for 15 years in Asia, Africa and Europe
