FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF NEPAL: End discrimination in earthquake relief effort

4 Jun 2015

[International Secretariat]

Region: FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF NEPAL

Topic:

“The devastating earthquake that hit Nepal has killed thousands and left hundreds of thousands in dire need of aid. Nepali and international actors – including civil society - have responded to this humanitarian crisis heroically, but there are some serious issues brewing that need to be addressed urgently,” said Richard Bennett, Amnesty International’s Asia Pacific Director.

“A human rights compliant approach to the disaster response will be critical to ensuring that the quest for equality, justice and accountability in Nepal does not lose ground as the country struggles to recover from the devastation.”

An Amnesty International delegation that visited Nepal in the aftermath of the 25 April earthquake found that groups who are often the target of discriminatory treatment in Nepal, including women who head households, Dalits, Indigenous Peoples or people with disabilities, are also facing increased challenges when accessing urgently needed relief.

“Survivors report that in some communities the aid effort has been politically manipulated. Those with ‘muscle’ – political connections – end up claiming desperately needed supplies meant for everyone.  All actors involved in the relief and reconstruction effort must ensure that human rights principles are fully respected,” said Richard Bennett.

Protection and respect for human rights have been severely weakened by Nepal’s unsettled political climate leading to a governance vacuum at local levels. Impunity persists for alleged gross human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances, a hallmark of the country’s decade-long armed conflict that ended in 2006, as do longstanding problems of discrimination and social exclusion that affect large segments of Nepali society.

Amnesty International also cautioned the Nepali government and army against playing politics over the relief efforts. In early May, Nepali authorities denied access to three UK Chinook helicopters meant to assist in aid delivery, even though many affected villages were only accessible by air.

“Under international law, Nepal has a duty to ensure that aid reaches those who need it – regardless of where it is coming from. Playing politics with people’s lives is deplorable,” said Richard Bennett.

1 June 2015
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE