ISSN: 2151-0806
Intentions The MFP project wants uses communications media to support peacebuilding and democracy in Nepal. MFP seeks to provide timely and accurate information to people in Nepal about Nepal. ‘This project is positioned within Japan’s program to support democracy in Nepal and aims to create an accurate, impartial and fair media for the democratization process through the revision of media policy and developing the capacity of media.’ Instruments Using radio broadcasts and online streaming MFP provides access and programming content for Radio Nepal. Radio Nepal broadcasts by short wave and FM radio to 80% of the Nepal and is available by Internet broadband and WIFI where available. Radio Nepal broadcasts in English, Sanskrit and Nepali. Outcomes Launched in 2011 as a way of addressing misinformation regarding the peace process, intergroup rivalry and the constitutional progress the MFP initiative has yet to list impact testimonials on their website.
Evaluating Reciprocity In order for a peace process to achieve symbolic reciprocity it must either seeking or resulting in a long-term relationship, it has to provide benefit to those targeted in the reciprocal exchange and it has to contribute to the goals of positive peace and act to prevent future violence. By these standards only one of the aforementioned peace processes is a reciprocal peace processes. Several peace processes provide benefits and all contribute to positive peace and a reduction in violence but only the Track 4 Sulha Peace Project (Israel/Palestine) seeks to create long-term bridge building between cultures, communities, and individuals through frequent encounters and commitment to peace. The Ulster Project has long-term goals but there is no evidence that the cultural exchanges are repeated. Therefore, the Sulha Peace Project, because it has been running for over a decade and functions to create space for an exchange to benefits in frequent and ongoing encounters creates affective reciprocal bonds. In addition, because Sulha exchanges are uncertain, voluntary and occurring over a period of time they obtain symbolic reciprocal value. The value of these gatherings is greater than the meal or companionship or engagement of ‘otherhood,’ participants of the Sulha Peace Project are a symbol of positive encounter between two groups who have endured decades of ethnic conflict and therefore they are forging the relationships of the future, in peace.
Peace Studies Journal, Vol. 6, Issue 3, July 2013
Page 80