Damak, September 23:

Security guards working for various international organisations and UN-affiliated offices in Damak said they were being exploited by the security agency they are affiliated.

All Nepal Security Workers’ Association (ANSWA), Jhapa chapter, said more than 100 security guards working for UN offices and INGOs were being exploited.

Issuing a press statement, ANSWA treasurer Suresh Lawati said the security guards hired by Group Four Falk Nepal (GFFN) and deployed for the security of international offices were not getting the salaries mentioned in the contract letters.

“Though the GFFN is supposed to provide $600 (RS 36,000) monthly salary for employing the security guards in the UN and other international organisations, the security guards are drawing a mere Rs 2,200 a month from the security agency,” the ANSWA said.

The guards’ umbrella body said security guards working in the Damak-based offices of UNHCR, International Organisation of Migration (IOM) and World Food Programme (WFP) were not getting the salary as per the contract. Twenty-five security guards are working for UNHCR, 58 for IOM and four for WFP, according to ANSWA.

“Though the security guards are working 12 hours a day, they are receiving salaries far below than the agreed amount,” ANSWA said. ANSWA threatened agitation against GFFN if there was no end to labour exploitation at the earliest. Pleading the local administration to resolve the matter, ANSWA submitted a memorandum to Jhapa District Administration Office yesterday.