KIRDARC aims to promote democracy, peace, human rights, development and good governance in Nepal. They see development as one of the key components of peace and therefore focus on enhancing socioeconomic capacity, civil and political rights, and holistic community development through social mobilization for community empowerment, human rights promotion & protection, research & evidence based policy advocacy, providing complimentary services to local government plans and programs. KIRDARC believes in human rights principles and hence follow human rights based development approach to bridge the gap between right holders and duty bearers through localizing the human rights based development in the local development process. As KIRDARC considers poverty is result of human rights violations, peace is only possible where all citizens have equal right to life opportunities, citizens are considered as core of development process and they share the benefits equitably. Persistent inequality and injustice are the major causes of violence and hence can be minimized through promotion and protection of all human rights in an integrated manner.
KIRDARC are involved in the Nepal Rapid Response Fund, and are responsible for the upper region of mid-west Nepal – the most inaccessible region in the country. They also operate a network of “Human Rights Defenders” across the region, and in every one of the 134 villages in their area of operation. Their reach, access and network of volunteers is impressive given the inaccessibility of the region due to lack of roads and literally no communication networks in most of their project sites.
To support their work KIRDARC runs two radio station (Jumla and Kalikot) which runs entirely on the concept of Community Radio and it has partnership with community radios in other districts. If local level conflict breaks out and if KIRDARC feels there is a need to mobilize the local people, they broadcast the news through the radio and local Human Rights Defender and/or Human Rights and Peace group immediately reach the scene.
