Rights Activists Urge PM to Raise Voice in UNGA for Support along with Compensation

Representatives of civil society have urged Prime Minister Balendra Shah to raise the voice at the 81st UN General Assembly for international support, including compensation, to help restore and rebuild communities affected by the Bhotekoshi flood and to reduce the risk of future disasters. Prime Minister Balendra Shah is set to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday morning, leading the Nepali team.

Civil society representatives and human rights activists today issued a statement emphasizing the need to raise voice globally to ensure access to the loss and damage fund and create conditions for proper redress.

Expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and property in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading due to the flood, they emphasized the need for effective coordination among government mechanisms in the search, rescue, relief, and temporary shelter, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts, according to the statement.

The statement urged making the role of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) more effective, ending delays in relief and rehabilitation for affected communities, and prioritizing programmes to reduce risks arising from climate change.

The statement has been signed by Abhishek Adhikari, Ayush Baral, Indu Tuladhar, Krishna Gautam, Dinesh Tripathi, Nitu Pokhrel, Bhagwati Adhikari, Monika Niraula, Ramesh Adhikari, Riayav Baniya, Savitri Thapa, Shiva Khakurel, Shyam Kumar Sah, Sushil B.K., Sushil Pyakurel, Som Niraula, and Shobhakar Budhathoki. (RSS)