Humanitarain aid to Nepal

24 April 2019, The Hague – NEPAL: It has been 24 days since a deadly storm hit the Bara and Parsa districts of Nepal, which demolished approximately 2,400 houses and rendered many people homeless. Some of the affected families are still lacking food and shelter. Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) The Hague started a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for GHRD Nepal, whom is able to help the victims locally.

Yesterday, the GHRD head office in The Hague received a report from our chapter in Nepal, whose staff has been working around the clock to provide medical aid, food, clothes and shelter to those affected by the storm. Sukomal Bhattarai, member of the GHRD team reported to us today from Pheta in the Parsa District, where GHRD is active to provide relief aid.

GHRD Nepal made efforts to assess the damage and provide adequate help, as soon as the storm subsided. Food and tents were immediately brought to the affected areas and plans were put in motion together with GHRD The Hague to arrange a medical camp for victims. The Mayor of Parsa and the Chief District Office approved the relief aid, and on the 17th of April the medical camp opened. Ms. Sukomal tells us that the storm was a devastating natural calamity that left thousands of people homeless. ‘’To witness the condition these people were put in from up-close was heartbreaking,’’ he says.  Ms. Sukomal and her team, consisting of her colleges from the Nepal Medical College rented a van and drove to Parsa district along with the necessary relief aid and medical supplies. Getting there was quite a hustle, as he storm destructed part of the roads.

The relief aid consisted of school bags with notepads, pens, pencils and caps for 100 children, in order for them to resume their education as soon as possible. These supplies were handed out at the nearest intact school facility. Ms. Sukomal and her team immediately conducted general health checks upon arrival, and if in need victims received medicine tailored to their condition and with proper instruction on its use.

After two days of hard work, the health camp was completed. ‘’The people were very thankful for the help, and especially grateful for the supplies we brought for their children,’’ Ms. Sukomal says. ‘’We believe the camp was successful, it was an overwhelming experience but to be able to help those people was an honour. I would like to thank GHRD on behalf of the medical team in Nepal for the financial support for this camp. It is only when we come together that we can positively rebuild the affected communities. We hope to be able to help more people in the days to come.’’

GHRD The Hague is grateful for the funds that have been donated through the crowdfunding campaign. Furthermore, we are proud of the perseverance of members of GHRD Nepal who continue to provide assistance and aid to those in need. Although the medical camp is completed, more support is needed to continue rebuilding the lives of those affected by this storm.

As said by Ms. Sukomal, together we can achieve more. Please share this campaign.