Promoting Dignity and Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Nepal- The CLAIM

Context: 
Nepal’s three-tier federal governance system, with its constitutional commitment to human rights, social justice, and inclusive democracy since 2015, raised aspirations among traditionally marginalized and excluded groups, including persons with disabilities, to participate in political processes and state structures. However, despite adoption of inclusion principles in the Constitution of Nepal and ratification of CRPD, significant legal gaps persist in establishing mandatory provisions for the political participation and representation of persons with disabilities. Beyond legal gaps, stigma and limited awareness perpetuate indifference among political parties and policymakers towards disability inclusion. Moreover, internal policies and practices of political parties remain largely inaccessible and non-inclusive. As a result, the representation of persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups remains largely tokenistic. The Gen-Z movement in September 2025 disrupted the status quo and altered power dynamics within federal governance; however, its outcomes are yet to be seen.

Therefore, the real problems that the CLAIM project aims to address are: 
•    There are limited and fragmented efforts among CSOs of target groups, to promote the political participation and representation of persons with disabilities.
•    The broader community lacks awareness and sensitivity toward political rights and representation.
•    Key institutions such as political parties, electoral bodies, parliamentary committees, NHRIs, and government agencies, are often not responsive to address the issues.

Expected Overall objective(s) (i.e. Impact) and Specific objectives (i.e. Outcomes) of the project are:
Impact: Enhanced effective and inclusive political participation and representation of marginalized groups, particularly persons with disabilities, in Nepal by empowering rights-holders, strengthening the collective voice of civil society organizations (CSOs), and enhancing the accountability and responsiveness of political institutions.
Outcomes: Outcome-1: Enhanced capacity of organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) led by marginalised groups (e.g. women, youths, Dalits) to advocate and promote the political participation and representation.
Outcome-2: Increased sensitization among communities of action areas on gender equality, political participation, and representation, recognizing the intersectionality faced by marginalised groups and persons with disabilities.
Outcome-3: Improved responsiveness of political parties, electoral bodies, parliamentary mechanisms, national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and government entities to address effective and inclusive political participation and representation of marginalised groups and persons with disabilities.

Solution:
This project is designed and led by Nepali CSOs representing marginalized groups. It promotes a ‘from marginalized to the most marginalized’ approach to solutions. 
The project will primarily:
•    Addressing attitudinal and communication barriers for disability rights, inclusive practice and civic and political rights.
•    Strengthens institutional capacity and collaboration among organization of person with disability (OPDs) and Civil society organization (CSO) led by marginalised group.
•    Promotes cross movement collaboration between person with disabilities and other marginalised groups.
•    Support target groups in obtaining legal identity and claim rights and entitlements at local levels.
•    Build leadership skill and confidence of leaders with disabilities and other marginalised groups.
•    Deepen the understanding on the issues of disability, intersectional and inclusive political participation and representation of marginalised. 
•    Promotes dialogues and evidence-based advocacy to enhance intuitional responsiveness and accountability to the issues.