Kathmandu, April 24

UN staff in Nepal will observe one minute’s silence on the first anniversary of the Nepal earthquake tomorrow at 11:56 am.

“We would like to commend the people of Nepal who responded so selflessly in the immediate aftermath of the quake.

They are to be applauded for their resilience and bravery, and deserve to be recognised for their actions, which saved countless lives,” said Craig Sanders, UN resident coordinator in a press statement.

During the relief and recovery period, the United Nations, government, NGOs and civil society had rallied to reach 3.7 million people in the 14 severely affected districts.

However, much work remains to be done and reconstruction will take years. The UN family is mindful that the monsoon season will begin in a few months and many vulnerable families remain without adequate shelter.

The Country Team endorses the goal of ‘Build Back Better’, supporting the National Reconstruction Authority as it strengthens its road map for reconstruction action, read the statement.

“We call on the need for the most vulnerable to be continuously involved as active agents of change in every step of the reconstruction efforts,” said Sanders, adding, “We wish to assure the Nepali people and the government of our solidarity and commitment to continue to invest in preparedness and to support development across the country.”