NHRC urges all three levels of government to intensify rescue, relief and rehabilitation in flood-hit areas

EDUCAST, The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged all three levels of government to make rescue, relief, medical treatment and rehabilitation efforts more effective in areas affected by the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.

Issuing a statement, NHRC Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokhrel stressed that post-disaster rescue, relief, treatment and rehabilitation activities must be conducted in a human rights-friendly manner, with the protection and dignity of affected people given priority.

The NHRC said it has deployed monitoring teams to flood-affected districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan. The teams are carrying out initial monitoring of rescue operations, treatment of injured people and the human rights situation of individuals being kept in holding centres.

The Commission expressed condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the floods and extended sympathy to the grieving families. It also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the disaster.

The NHRC appreciated the efforts of security personnel, health workers, civil servants, psychosocial counsellors, national and international organisations, and members of the general public involved in rescue and humanitarian assistance.

The Commission has also called on all three levels of government to strengthen coordination and collaboration with the private sector to ensure effective rescue, relief, treatment and rehabilitation in the affected areas.

Urging the public to support government-led rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, the NHRC called for greater participation in humanitarian activities during the crisis.

The Commission further appealed to the public to refrain from making negative or insensitive comments on social media about the suffering of disaster-affected families. It also urged everyone to avoid spreading rumours, misinformation and unverified news that could further distress affected communities during the difficult situation.