KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 23

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has announced the appointment of Monique Sokhan as the new UNHCR Representative in Nepal.

Sokhan officially assumed her duties on 22 October 2024, after presenting her letter of credence to the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba.

Upon taking up her new role, Ms. Sokhan said, 'I am greatly honoured to serve as UNHCR Representative in Nepal. UNHCR and Nepal have a long history of close cooperation on refugee matters since the 1960's. Over these years, in a spirit of humanity and compassion, we have worked together tirelessly to bring a better life for hundreds of thousands of people uprooted by conflict and persecution. The people of Nepal have set an exemplary tradition of hospitality, and of protecting refugees and finding solutions to their plight, despite many challenges. I am deeply committed to continue the constructive dialogue and collaboration with the Government of Nepal and all partners to solve outstanding issues pertaining to the wellbeing of refugees and other people with and for whom UNHCR works.'

Sokhan, who holds Cambodian and French nationality, arrives from her previous role as the Regional Senior Protection Coordinator at UNHCR's Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand. With over 25 years of experience in humanitarian and refugee work, she has served in various countries, including Cambodia, Thailand, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Lebanon, among others. Her career with UNHCR has been focused on the protection of refugees and stateless individuals, as well as finding durable solutions to forced displacement, the UNHCR said.

Sokhan's extensive experience and commitment to refugee protection will guide her efforts in Nepal as she continues UNHCR's mission to support refugees and those affected by displacement.