About NAFAN
National Forum for Advocacy, Nepal (NAFAN) is a common forum of right-based non-governmental organizations working to uplift the socio–economic condition, gender equality and access of underprivileged and marginalized community to environment, natural resource and biodiversity in Nepal. It was formally established as a registered NGO in June 2004 with comprising the professionals of Human Rights, law, Environment and Development experts. It develops itself as an action oriented institution capable to influence, encourage, share political, economic, socio cultural and environmental policies and decisions of the state in the best interest of poor, marginalized groups and communities, and eco system through improved governance, gender equity and equality, decentralization and equitable sharing of benefits. NAFAN is actively engaged in supporting community resource management, enhancing capacity for advocacy skills, environmental justice and human rights. It provides logistic supports by establishing a well-equipped resource center, benefiting the people across the country.
Background
The Regional Planning workshop on capacity Building of Community Based organizations in Advocacy held in Chittagong, Bangladesh from 3 to 6 November 2003 envisaged the concept of formation of a National Level Advocacy Forum by incorporating like minded non-governmental organizations, network institutions and federations. The workshop laid the foundation for NAFAN by making a country wise working groups to further expand the institutional process of national level advocacy group. The participants from Nepal decided to establish such a forum by involving potential institutions .Series of meetings and consultations were held from December 2003 to June 2004 to decide the focus and governance structure of the proposed advocacy forum. Finally, National Forum for Advocacy, Nepal (NAFAN) was registered on 22nd June 2004 with the initiatives of several NGOs and Federations working for resource management, advocacy, human rights, environmental justice and gender.
Rational
There was lack of a National level advocacy network for natural resource management, biodiversity, environment justice and access of marginalized communities and gender prior to the establishment of National Forum for Advocacy, Nepal (NAFAN) in July 2004.However, some of the non-governmental organizations have successfully advocated and persuaded the government to change some policies and legislations relating to forestry, women’s property rights and consumer protection issues. Some of these positive policy changes will have long- term impact on the protection and promotion of rights of the underprivileged, marginalized communities and women. Although some of the groups which joined hands and launched the movement for ensuring access to natural resources and benefit sharing arising out from the utilization of natural resources, and property rights for women they faced tough time during the movement. And, the members of civil society organizations do realize that Advocacy in isolation does not produce many results. Since then the need for a national level network to protect and promote the interest and human rights of different marginalized sections of Nepalese society was strongly felt.
Mission
To provide support to NAFAN members and partners in their efforts and to create an environment of gender equality, equity and environmental justice by establishing will equiped resource centre.
Vision
To create an improved quality of life of the marginalized and disadvantaged people through advocacy.