Rural Development Centre, Nepal (RDC)

Rautahat District, Nepal are composed of communities that are made up of Muslim and Hindu populations and based on the UNDAF report, it lies within the top 10 of the most conflict-sensitive districts in the country. In particular, the district has high past records of tension between Dalit and non-Dalit communities which requires immediate attention to achieve social cohesion. Dalit communities are most severely hit, suffering both from low socio-economic opportunities, low levels of literacy, and social marginalization. The situation has the worst impact on children and women. Furthermore, infant and maternal mortality rates remain high, as do violence and labour exploitation.

Rural Development Centre is based in Rautahat, Nepal and supports rural development by influencing development actors and mobilizing resources for economic and environmental sustainability and empowerment of people. The CSO has proposed to help create a harmonious, cohesive society within the diverse communities of Rautahat by working with authorities to ensure that municipal-level laws and policies are conflict sensitive, conduct inter-caste and interfaith dialogues, and build understanding among communities on their rights and responsibilities.