INTRODUCTION ::

Nepal is currently in a transitional period in every sense of the word. Its government is still reeling from the horrific internal conflict which engulfed the nation. The uncertainty of party politics has created an essential preoccupation with the painfully slow establishment of democratic governance. The piecing together of a broken country is a monumental task, it requires an immense effort from all. The war and subsequent peace settlement has created a lacuna in humanitarian concern flowing from governmental sources. In terms of essential aid the government simply lacks the means necessary to attend to the multifaceted problems existing in its society. As if constitutional ambiguity was not enough, the government is also virtually bankrupt, relying on international aid for its continuation. It is clear that if human rights are to be adhered to at the secondary (food, water, shelter), as well as the primary level (life, freedom from torture, of expression) it is vital, for the good of the people, that there are auxiliary methods to provide this.

This then underscores the critical importance and need of non-governmental organizations operating in Nepal. These national and international organizations attempt to assist the citizens of Nepal in a plethora of differing areas. The NPADSN is one such national organization; established in 2002 its members work tirelessly to secure much needed support to its community in the areas of health care, the rights of women, the rights of the child, and the right to education among other areas.