The displacement caused by the internal conflict and the need for promoting the rights and contributing to protection of the internally displaced Nepalis were NRCs reasons for entering Nepal, the council said.
As a response to the problems, NRC initiated a program for Information, Counseling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) and material assistance to IDPs. "Throughout the life span of the country program, NRC has been a tireless advocate for the rights of IDPs, and thereby contributed to sensitize the Nepali Society on this issue," it said.
The NRC is a nongovernmental humanitarian organization that has worked actively for more than 60 years to create a safer and more dignified life for refugees and IDPs. In Nepal, NRC had six offices in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, Biratnagar, Rukum, Surkhet and Lahan covering 17 districts.
Until the closure of its ICLA program, NRC has reached out to a total of 6291 clients thus benefiting 22,444 beneficiaries, the council said.
NRC has assisted vulnerable IDP families with material assistance such as reconstruction of shelters and distribution of non food relief items to 6,135 beneficiaries. Out of this figure, 150 families affected by the Koshi flood in Saptari district received non-food relief items.
"NRC has decided to close down its programs in Nepal for two major reasons - The Nepali government should be in a position to take the full responsibility in upholding the rights of the IDPs. As priorities have shifted to development programs, funding for humanitarian operations are decreasing," says Philippe Clerc, Country Director of NRC Nepal.
"Even though NRC has decided to leave Nepal, the issues and concerns of conflict induced IDPs still exist. NRC believes that the needs of IDPs can be addressed by the government of Nepal with the support of the donor community," he said.
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