To All
Nepal Government
National and International Humanitarian Aid Agencies
UN Agencies
International Non Government Organization
National Non-Governmental Organizations
Private Sectors and Individuals
Today, the whole country has sunk into the deep grief of the massive loss of lives and physical properties caused by the devastating earthquake triggered on 25th April 2015. This unbelievable sorrow faced by the nation has given a deep pain to NFDN's family and all the Nepalese Persons with Disabilities as well. In this moment of mourning, on behalf of NFDN's family and me, I would express the deep tribute to all known and unknown demised persons by wishing perpetual peace of their soul and express hearty condolence to all their family members praying with God to provide them lots of power to tolerate this grief and obtain patient in this moment of sorrow. I also would wish for health recovery of those who have become injured in this undesired accident as soon as possible. We believe that, the government has understood the sensitivity and emergency of this sadly moment. I request to the government to intensify the rescue and relief work in the earthquake affected area as soon as possible.
In the situation of such devastating disaster, mostly the persons with disabilities, senior citizens, children, pregnant women and patients use to be at very high risk since they are less cared during the time of rescue and relief work. In this sensitive situation, as the national umbrella organizations working for promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, the deep concerns of NFDN has gone to the degree of effect caused by the recent earthquake in the life of persons disabilities, their situation after the quake, and obviously their equal access to the rescue and relief service. The information that we have obtained from different districts has shown that, many persons with disabilities have lost their life and those who have lost their physical properties, houses and family are at high risk since they have not been cared specially while providing relief service after the earthquake.
So, in this serious and sensitive situation, I would request to all the government agencies, national and international organizations, humanitarian agencies, private sectors, INGOs, local NGOs, CBOs, groups and individuals who are engaged for rescue, relief and medical support, to keep persons with disabilities in special priority while performing their duties and also request to keep separate records of persons with disabilities in such cases as far as possible. Recalling the international legal provision "States Parties shall take, in accordance with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and the occurrence of natural disasters" spelled out in the article 11 of the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) – 2006, ratified by Nepal government, I further request to all media houses and persons to courage and sensitize all stakeholders to work accordingly regarding this issue.
NFDN is always committed to provide necessary cooperation and coordination through our regional offices and district level member organizations to the relevant stakeholders in the case of persons with disabilities if they want. We are always alert and serious to take information regarding to the situation of persons with disabilities to stop any kind of discrimination towards them on the basis of disability; and through this press statement I also want to inform you that, NFDN is also working to collect and provide relief packages to the affected persons with disabilities in cooperation with other relevant stakeholders.
Thank you
Anticipating a positive cooperation for the rights promotion of persons with disabilities from all relevant stakeholders
Shudarson Subedi
National President
National Federation of the Disabled Nepal/DPI-Nepal
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