Amnesty: Discrimination hampers Nepal aid efforts

Members of the Nepalese Army and locals clear debris after demolishing the remains of collapsed houses, a month after the April 25 earthquake, in Kathmandu. File photo

Aid in quake-hit Nepal is being hampered by gender, caste and ethnic discrimination, Amnesty International has said.

“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,” he said.

An Amnesty International delegation that visited Nepal in the aftermath of the April 25 earthquake found that groups who are often the target of discriminatory treatment in Nepal included women, Dalits, indigenous people or people with disabilities.

“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 Mr. Bennett.

The Hindu's extensive coverage of the earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015.

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