Our Approach

Foundations of Our Advocacy:
Pillars of CAPN

Legal Advocacy

CAPN has been active in legal advocacy for gender equal nationality rights in Nepal. It started as a loose network of affected individuals in 2015 and till date, CAPN has been involved in legal advocacy through policy roundtables, lobbying and discussions with lawmakers, Civil Society Organization (CSO) members, legal experts and government stakeholders. Thus, CAPN’s legal advocacy efforts are backed by evidence-based advocacy, lobbying with policy makers, research and legal assistance through paralegals.

"Although notable achievements have been made towards inclusivity in nationality laws. Gender equality in every aspect of citizenship laws is yet to be ensured."

Key Areas of Work

Evidence Based Advocacy

Research helps CAPN support gender-equal citizenship. Recent studies looked at how new citizenship laws are applied and how COVID-19 affected people without citizenship.

Grassroot Advocacy

Paralegal Program expands CAPN’s legal support by training affected individuals to help others navigate the citizenship process. These paralegals offer free, personalized assistance and gain a means to support their own livelihood.

National & International Efforts

CAPN advocates for gender-equal citizenship by engaging with policymakers and pushing for legal reforms. It also contributes to global forums like CEDAW, CRC, and UPR, sharing research and lived experiences to influence change.

Safe Haven

Safe Haven is a CAPN initiative that empowers individuals affected by lack of citizenship with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed for stable economic opportunities. It addresses barriers to education, healthcare, employment, and legal rights through a holistic approach.

"Without citizenship, individuals are pushed to the margins of society, unable to lead a dignified and sustainable life."

Key Areas of Work

Livelihood Support

Livelihood Support provides affected individuals with practical skills, training, and resources to help them earn a stable income and achieve economic independence. It empowers them to build sustainable future through skill development.

Psychosocial Support

Lack of citizenship causes stress and trauma, leading to social exclusion and setbacks. CAPN provides psychosocial support through counseling and referrals to mental health professionals, helping individuals improve their well-being.

Change of Narrative

The initiative challenges the view of affected individuals as helpless by highlighting their skills and lack of opportunity. It also exposes how unequal citizenship laws limit many from contributing to Nepal’s economy.

Social Awareness

Social awareness is a very integral part to promote equal access to citizenship for all. While it is believed that citizenship issues have already been resolved, individuals continue to face legal and procedural difficulties to acquire citizenship. CAPN aims to educate and aware individuals about these myths and mainstream the public discourse on citizenship. CAPN also shares research-based information and data to the public, raising awareness about key issues and recent findings related to citizenship. Through initiatives like Vox Pop, podcasts, multimedia engagement, myth-busting campaigns and School Outreach Programs, CAPN aims to empower individuals with accurate information, amplify diverse voices and promote understanding.

"Awareness of required documentation and the citizenship acquisition process can lead to a smoother acquisition process."

Key Areas of Work

School Outreach Program

The School Outreach Program educates students about birth registration and citizenship, teaching them early about legal identity and its impact on their future opportunities.

Myth Busting Campaigns

CAPN runs myth-busting campaigns to clear up misinformation about citizenship laws. Using multimedia, these efforts provide accurate, easy-to-understand information that helps the public and reduces confusion.

Awareness Raising

CAPN raises public awareness through videos, podcasts, outreach materials, and events. Its visual podcast “State of Statelessness” shares personal stories and expert insights to promote gender equality in citizenship laws.