Surkhet. A one-day regional consultation workshop was held in Surkhet, Karnali province, on August 16, 2023 to collect suggestions and feedback on development of the Disability inclusive disaster risk reduction resource book focusing on effectively rescuing and assisting persons with disabilities during both natural and man-made disasters.
The consultation program was organized by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MOFAGA), in collaboration with USAID’s Tayar Nepal and with the technical support from Atullya Foundation. Persons with disabilities are most vulnerable during times of disaster and this workshop focused on discussing ways to mitigate these risks.
Bishnu Sharma, Chairperson of the National Federation of the Disabled Nepal, Karnali Province said in the program that the manual to be developed after incorporating the topics and issues raised through this discussion will become a basis to help persons with disabilities. He further mentioned that this would also provide solutions to the problems faced by people with various disabilities and address issues related to their vulnerabilities.
Santosh Kumar Khatri of the MOFAGA, provided information on the constitutional rights given to individuals with disabilities in Nepal’s federal system. He further explained the constitutional provisions regarding disabilities within the Constitution of Nepal and about the rights and responsibilities on how the constitution has assigned significant responsibilities and rights concerning disability-related matters to local governments. According to the provision specified by the constitution, the local level has the sole authority and he also said that the local level has been given more responsibility in the matter of disability.
During the program, Pallav Pant, Chairperson of Atullya Foundation, said – ‘We have been working on the disability inclusive disaster risk reduction for a long time, and the resource book that is being developed will focus on addressing larger number of issues that before with a keen emphasis on finding solutions.” He further expressed his happiness towards development of the resource book with the guidance and insights from relevant stakeholders. He then appreciated the efforts of the Nepal Government in addressing disability issues. The resource book will helps to orient personnel at all local levels on how to support persons with disabilities in disasters. He said that this provincial level consultation will play a significant role to ensure that the upcoming resource book is applicable for all places in terms of geography.
In the program, the representatives of various concerned organizations shared the issues and challenges faced during the earthquake and Covid-19 pandemic. They also gave their opinions, suggestions and advice on how to provide help during such disasters, mentioned about the gaps and the shortcomings and ways to solve them.
Various representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations in the program shared their knowledge on issues related to earthquakes and problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. They provided insights, suggestions, and recommendations on how to help during such crises, considering their past experiences and vulnerabilities.
In the program, persons with all ten types of disabilities as classified by the government of Nepal, concerned bodies, donor agencies and experts gave suggestions and advice to address the concerns of persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction and disaster management.