The Atlanta-based Carter Center, which is named after former US President Jimmy Carter, had deployed its long-term observers in 33 districts between September 2010 and March 2011 to study the current situation of the local peace committees (LPCs). [break]
“Some LPCs exist in name only, others continue to face internal disputes, and many have focused narrowly on collecting data and reviewing applications for interim relief from conflict-affected persons. A small number have embraced the broader peace building mandate of LPCs and engaged in successful conflict prevention and mediation efforts,” the Carter Center said in its report released on Tuesday.
Established in 2006, LPCs are mandated to work for peace building and conflict resolution activities, interim relief to conflict-affected people and reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed during the ten-year long Maoist insurgency.
“However, in reality, the majority of LPCs see their main role as reviewing and verifying conflict-affected persons´ (CAP) applications for interim relief. Many have undertaken some additional activities, but only a small number appear to have made conflict resolution activities a major focus,” the Carter Center said.
The report, while identifying the challenges of LPCs, adds that the local peace committees continue to face local skepticism about their relevance and utility. Similarly, political dominance has led many to question neutrality of LPCs in the process of interim relief for conflict-affected persons.
“Complaints that the “peace committee” was actually a “party committee” were common,” the report states.
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