KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 10
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government and concerned authorities to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of relief package distribution.
In a press statement issued by the Commission's Spokesperson, Dr. Tikaram Pokharel, today, the NHRC highlighted the need to make post-earthquake relief distribution operations more effective by providing food and shelter to those severely affected by the recent earthquake.
It is worth noting that an earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter Scale jolted Jajarkot district on November 3, resulting in numerous casualties, fatalities, and significant property damage in the district itself and neighboring districts such as Rukum (Paschim), Salyan, Dailekh, and Jumla, among others.
The press statement emphasized the necessity of arrangements for safe shelter, warm food, water, and toilets for those rendered homeless due to the quake. It urged effective coordination among the three-tier government for prompt and efficient relief distribution to the quake-affected individuals, as well as protection from the potential risk of communicable diseases and epidemics.
The Commission, during on-site visits to the quake-affected areas, identified a lack of smooth coordination among the federal, provincial, and local-level governments, as well as the District Disaster Management Committees.
The Commission commended the active efforts of all three governments, political parties, human rights defenders, and civil societies in the rescue and relief operations, including the free and effective treatment of the injured.
It also noted that quake-affected women and children were still living in a state of fear, and menstruating girls and women were facing significant inconvenience in maintaining menstrual hygiene due to the lack of proper toilets."
