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The ICRC in Nepal
01-07-2012 Overview
Since the end of Nepal’s armed conflict in 2006, the ICRC has been addressing the humanitarian consequences of the conflict and helping people affected by current unrest. We help the Nepal Red Cross Society, State authorities and other bodies to boost their emergency capacities, and we promote international humanitarian law. The ICRC carries out most of its work jointly with the National Society.
Current situation
Although a peace accord ended Nepal's armed conflict in 2006, the drafting of a new constitution remains uncertain following the dissolution of the Constitutional Assembly as a consequence of fundamental disagreements among Nepal political forces over the terms of the new Constitution. However, the parties did agree on the integration and rehabilitation of former People's Liberation Army members. Political, ethnic, caste, and sometimes armed groups continue to express discontent and demands through strikes or violence. As a country prone to natural disaster and facing the ever-present threat of a devastating earthquake, Nepal is upgrading its preparedness for such events.
ICRC operations
During the early years of the civil war, the ICRC operated through its regional delegation in New Delhi before opening a delegation in Kathmandu in 2001. Visiting security detainees constituted a major element of the ICRC's work during the conflict. In association with the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), we continue to enable Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal to stay in contact with and visit relatives detained in Bhutan.
Missing persons
Helping the families of people missing in connection with the conflict remains a priority. We intercede with various bodies on behalf of families seeking information on the fate of missing relatives. We also encourage the authorities to help the families and we support forensic work, such as exhumations and the identification of remains. In cooperation with the National Society and other organizations, we provide psychosocial, economic and legal assistance to the families of missing persons. As the major political parties have agreed to merge the Commission of Disappearance into the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it is likely that this body will be dealing with the cases of people who disappeared during the conflict.
Physical rehabilitation
The ICRC and the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) help people injured or disabled during the conflict to access government reparation schemes and refer some of them to one of two physical rehabilitation centres that the ICRC supports by providing equipment, consumables and training, so that the centres can supply custom-made artificial limbs and support devices.
Weapon contamination
Unexploded weapons continue to kill and maim civilians, and the ICRC is supporting the NRCS Emergency Mine Risk Education Programme, which aims to prevent injuries by making communities more aware of the threat.
Cooperation with the Nepal Red Cross Society
The ICRC is helping the NRCS boost its capacity to help the victims of violence and natural disaster. Areas covered include first-aid and ambulance services, restoring family links and managing human remains to ensure that the dead are properly identified.
Support for other Nepalese organizations
We also help other Nepalese health and rescue services improve their emergency preparedness and response, training hospital personnel to manage emergency trauma cases and handle mass casualties.
Promotion of international humanitarian law
The ICRC promotes IHL to the authorities, the armed forces and influential members of civil society.
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