Kathmandu: The US has pledged USD 1,050,000 to support Nepal`s peace process and the post-conflict rehabilitation efforts of the government.
US Ambassador Peter W Bodde today signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction, committing the contribution by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
The contribution will go to the Nepal Peace Trust Fund (NPTF) and the Technical Cooperation Pool for Capacity Development (TC Pool), said a statement by the US embassy.
USAID`s initial commitment is USD 550,000 to the TC Pool and USD 500,000 to the NPTF, for a total contribution to the MoPR of USD 1,050,000.
The assistance will support conflict-affected communities, transitional justice, future elections, public infrastructure reconstruction, and other peace commitments.
As part of the TC Pool, USAID will also hire a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Advisor who will serve to strengthen the ongoing work within the Ministry and Peace Fund Secretariat gender units and address gender and inclusion.
"The US Government`s partnership with the Government of Nepal in this effort further demonstrates our commitment to helping the people of Nepal realise the benefits of peace and the promise of prosperity.
"We recognise the Ministry`s and the Peace Fund Secretariat`s work to implement the commitments of the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Accord through the Fund`s programming," said Ambassador Bodde.
Nepal is the first and only country to lead a joint donor- host government trust fund.
Since its inception in 2007, the NPTF has funded Government of Nepal institutions to implement Comprehensive Peace Accord programmes such as support to conflict-affected people, elections, cantonment management, and infrastructure reconstruction.
PTI
