F OCHA Situation Overview

Issue No. 42, covering the period 16-28 February 2009 , 1 March 2009

Highlights:

• Strikes by Koshi Flood Displaced and Landless People disrupts Koshi response activities • Burning of Village Development Committee Offices and destruction of civil documentation records in Mid and Far-West • Proliferation of Armed groups and identity politics reported • Government declares second Avian Influenza outbreak

CONTEXT The Constitutional Committee (CC) of the Constituent Assembly (CA) summoned all the major political party Political Developments leaders, including UCPN-M, (NC), CPN- UML, Madheshi People’s Rights Forum (MPRF) and New political and armed groups continue to emerge in Madheshi Democratic Party (TMDP) to CA to present their different parts of the country, notably in the Eastern Terai views regarding issues to be incorporated into the new and Mid/Far Western region. On 16 February, two members Constitution. On 27 February, 4o teams of CA members of a lesser known armed group, the Liberation Tiger of Terai started missions to different parts of Nepal’s 75 Elam (LTTE) announced their existence at a press administrative districts to seek views, consult with conference in Lahan, . As a pre-condition for constituents, and complete questionnaires regarding issues talks with the government, the group reportedly demanded to be incorporated in the new constitution. the release of two of its cadres who are currently in jail in Parsa and Saptari districts. According to media reports, on 21 CPN-UML’s eighth national convention started in Butwal of February, the LTTE signed a 5-point pact with the from 16 February. The Convention, which Government. As per the agreement, the LTTE will cease ended on 25 February, also formed a 115 member central armed activities and the Government will release the group’s committee led by its newly elected Chairman Jhalanath arrested cadres after thorough investigation as well as Khanal. provide security to the group’s team during the talks period. On 20 February, 105 activists of Unified Communist Party of Safety and security Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M), Morang, defected to Matrika Incidents of bomb explosions, especially targeting public Yadav's faction of the party. On 24 February, a leader of places notably increased during this period. On 19 February, Jwala Singh led Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM- three children were seriously injured when a socket bomb Jwala Singh), announced the formation of his own party. The that they were playing with, which was left by an unidentified newly formed Terai Janatantrik Party (Revolutionary) will, group at Balara VDC, Ward No.4 of exploded. according to its leaders, work for the unification of Terai On 20 February, a socket bomb that was found at based armed groups to step up the struggle for a separate Dumarbana of was defused by the Nepal Army. Terai state. The party has also reportedly designated its On 23 February, an improvised explosive devise (IED) district officials in 16 Terai districts. exploded at the Municipal office building in , and On 22 February, local media reported formation of a group in Ganapur area of . A group calling itself calling itself ‘Chetry Army’ in Khajura village, Banke District. Madheshi Mukti Tiger took responsibility for the explosions. According to I/NGOs from , groups of 15-20 On 22 February, Security Forces (SF) safely detonated an people have been harassing residents in Athbiskot and IED planted in the premises of District Land Revenue Office Magma Village Development Committees (VDCs). In (DLRO) in Nepalgunj, Banke District. Janatantrik Terai , local human rights organizations reported Mukti Morcha-Jwala Singh (JTMM-Jwala Singh) is the movement of a group carrying weapons in the rural suspected of planting the IED in the premises. areas. In a group calling itself ‘Defence On 18 February, INSEC, a national human rights Army’ whose objective is to push for the revival of Monarchy organisation with networks throughout Nepal released its in Nepal was reported to be operating in Northern VDCs. human rights report for the year 2008. According to the Similarly, another armed group was reported to be report, political party cadres, including cadres of the ruling intimidating local people in Southern VDCs of District. political parties UCPN-M and CPN-UML were involved in Controversy and tensions between the Ministry of Defence various cases of murder and abduction that took place in and the Nepal Army (NA) over the recruitment of 2,884 new 2008. Of the 541 individuals killed and 729 abducted last NA personnel continues. On 22 February, following a public year, UCPN-M cadres killed 12 and abducted 304, and CPN- interest litigation filed by INHURED international, the UML cadres killed nine and abducted 22 individuals. Supreme Court issued an interim order directing the NA to According to the report, 50 individuals were killed by the stop recruitment until the case is concluded. On 28 February, state. INSEC also states that two persons were abducted by the ruling coalition government met and decided to uphold NC activists. While inaugurating the report, the Chairman of the Supreme Court decision and to work towards ensuring the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) expressed cordial relations between the NA and the government. concern over the involvement of political activists in criminal However, the NA stated that the recruitment process had activities. The report further highlighted the prevalence of been completed and the new recruits would start training crime in 20 Terai (Southern) Districts; where 369 individuals soon. were killed last year, with eighteen armed outfits have claiming responsibility for the 79 of the reported killings and 148 abduction cases.

OCHA Nepal Situation Overview, Issue No. 42/ 1 March 2009 1

Extended Strikes ( bandhs) due to various reasons continued central government. On 17 February, the Districts Centre for to disrupt humanitarian and development activities as well Protecting and Rights of VDCs stated that failure in restoring as affect the daily lives of individuals in most districts of many damaged VDC offices in Kapilvastu as well as lack of an Nepal. The bandhs with the worst impacts were notably the environment to work with local political parties and other ones organized by the Koshi flood Victims Struggle stakeholders in the district has affected the task of forming Committee (KVSC) in Eastern Region and the Landless village councils. According to the District Development people In Mid/Far Western Region. From 18 February, the Committee (DDC), about 150 million Rupees that was KVSC demonstrated in demanding the allocated to the VDCs for development activities in the implementation of a 13 point programme by the government, district this fiscal year by the government will be frozen if the which includes full compensation for the flood-affected land village councils can not hold its meetings. Last year, the and crops, resettlement to alternative land for those unable government froze NPR 13 million from the districts’ to return, livelihood support and continued provision of development budget for similar reasons. assistance in the camps. On 19 February, a clash between protestors and security forces resulted in 15 protestors Extortion drives, especially in Eastern region and parts of the suffering minor injuries. Thereafter, KVSC continued to Terai continue to be reported. According to local media, the block the main East West highway and all other major roads Federal Limbuwan State Council (FLSC) imposed leading to and from the camps, seriously disrupting compulsory donations of between NPR 5,000-70,000 on all humanitarian access, the important embankment businessmen of Urlabari, . A letter signed by reconstruction work and other activities. Hundred of the Morang Chairman of the Council stated that the donation passengers were stranded, including women and children at was required for the second national gathering of the various points in Sunsari district. On 28 February, the Limbuwan to be held in Panchthar from 1-3 March. The protest was suspended for 10 days after the Government Council warned that there will be consequences if the announced that it had transferred the CDO and established a businessmen ignore the letter. Similarly, Kirati Janawadi high level committee to address the grievances and resolve Workers’ Party (KJWP) cadres continued threatening people the strike. On 19 February, Seti Mahakali Landless People’s of Bhojpur District if donations the KJWP had demanded Committee (SMLPC) started an indefinite strike at the DAO earlier were not paid. office Kailali, seriously disrupting normal administrative and To press for the implementation of a federal education other activities in the District and adjoining areas. system, FLSC announced and implemented closure of On 18 February, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) academic institutions in parts of from 19-23 wrote a letter to the Prime Minister expressing concern over February. On 24 February, locals of Bhaise VDC in the rise in unpunished attacks on journalists in Nepal and padlocked the office of Kulekhani-III requesting the Prime Minister to fulfil the earlier promises he Hydroelectric Project demanding that the recent made, including ensuring safety of journalists. However, appointments made by local political bodies be scrapped and attacks continue. On 19 February, an unidentified group shot that local villagers be employed in the project instead. at a journalist and coordinator of -based Gadhimai Claiming that there was discrimination in budget allocation FM, near Pratimachowk of the southern district of Parsa. On for Poverty Alleviation Programme, on 23 February, UCPN- 19 February, ‘Koshi Victims' Struggle Committee’ (KVSC) M’s Young Communist League (YCL) padlocked the demonstrators vandalised a Kantipur Publication’s vehicle at Amargadhi Municipality Office (AMO) in Dadeldhura Haripur VDC along East-West highway in Sunsari district on District, claims that the media house did not publish their news. Operational Space Reach of the State Between 18 and 28 February, the KVSC strike continued, The trend of setting the Village Development Committee obstructing Koshi flood displaced relief operations. Whereas (VDC) offices on fire, destroying civil and other documents the strike organisers granted access to UN vehicles, the that started last month, mainly in the Mid and Far Western unpredictable security situation and obstruction of the road regions continued. On 16 February, an unknown group burnt by commercial trucks cut off the humanitarian workers from down the VDC building in Pashupatinagar of Pathabhar, the displaced people’s camps. Several clusters stated that on- . On 18 February, the office of Latikoili VDC going activities were stopped in these areas as there is no of was torched by an unidentified group, transportation access for materials or staff movement. The destroying all documents and furniture. Similarly, on 27 strike also caused the postponement of planning processes February, a group calling itself Pahadi Mukti Morcha was for next steps in recovery due to lack of access to reported to have set on fire the Uttarganga VDC offices in communities. Following the strike, fire fighters could not be Surkhet District. In the first half of January, three Village mobilised to a site in Haripur Village, where fire gutted 20 Development Committee (VDC) offices in of houses. The injured could also not access hospital due to the the Far-Western region were burnt by a group of unidentified blockade, which affected ambulances as well. persons. On 18 and 19 February in two VDCs of , public The 8 VDC offices that were padlocked by Tharuhat health posts run by an I/NGO was occupied by security Autonomous State Council (TASC) in Dang District on 12 forces, thereby disrupting the activities of the I/NGO and the February as reported in the last Situation overview remained attendance of patients in these health posts. The DAO closed. TASC claimed that the VDC offices will remain closed intervened and the security forces moved to an adjoining until the affected VDC Secretaries provide TASC with field, but the continued presence of the security forces in the ‘donations’ and invite TASC representatives to VDC council vicinity of the health posts continue to have an impact on the Meetings. On 16 February, all VDC Secretaries of Sunsari delivery of services to the affected. District, Eastern region halted work citing security reasons On 28 February, a UN office located in Gaur of Rautahat and demanding a guarantee of security before they start the district, received a donation call from a person identifying process of formation of local bodies. Meanwhile, in himself as a member of ‘Terai Cobra’. He also asked for the , failure to form VDC councils in all but contact details of staff members. two VDCs has seriously affected the ability of the councils to budget and spend the funds allocated to the VDCs by the

OCHA Nepal Situation Overview, Issue No. 42/ 1 March 2009 2

HUMANITARIAN SITUATION badly affected maize crops in Chunwang, Khara, Mahat, Hokam and Pipal VDCs. Due to insufficient rainfall and poor Koshi River breach Floods, Eastern Region: harvest the food security situation is anticipated to worsen The government’s flood-affected population verification this year in highly and moderately food insecure hilly and exercise and the mass public information campaign resulted mountains Districts in Mid and Far Western regions. The in about 35% (2670 Households) of the Koshi displaced decision of the Nepal Food Corporation (NFC) to open food populations applying for voluntary return to their places of origin once they receive the government’s return package. depot once a month for the distribution has further Similarly, a substantial number of Indian nationals received made annoyed local people, who are already in a precarious the government return assistance and subsequently returned situation. to , leading to the closure of three camps in Saptari Sunsari : WFP reported that the 7 th round of 15 days food District. ration distribution was completed in the second week of February. WFP is in the process of designing a plan for “Food for Work” for the next phase. Consultations planned for Haripur and Shreepur VDCs for such programs were however substantially disrupted due to KVSC strike. The option for food ration distribution for March is yet to be discussed with the local Government. Saptari: Following the completion of the 8 th round of 15-day food ration, WPF through its cooperating partner DEPROSC had planned to start consulting with returning communities in Haripur VDC regarding Food for Work programmes. Agriculture/Livestock The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is continuing its commitment to support flood affected farmers in the Koshi area. In collaboration with the District Livestock Service Office (DLSO), FAO is currently procuring an Camp being cleared for closure in : Photo credit- additional 1,000 MT of rice straw to be distributed in Sunsari OCHA and Saptari districts in order to sustain livestock through

However, on 18 February, the Koshi Victims’ Struggle improved nutrition. It is expected that the fodder provided Committee (KVSC) organised demonstrations at the District will serve the needs of 39,269 livestock belonging to 7,313 Administration offices in Sunsari District with the households. Actual distributions of compounded feed and participation of a group of the displaced who are opposed to urea-molasses blocks were and are still delayed due to the the government returns activities. Due to these protests, a ongoing blockades and demonstrations in Sunsari District. A clash between the protestors and security forces that recently approved project funded by the Government of continued on 19 February, 15 protestors suffered minor Sweden will initiate shortly in the Koshi area in order to injuries. For eleven days, the KVSC continued to block the assist flood affected returnees in the rehabilitation process of main highway and all other major roads leading to and from the agricultural sector. the camps, seriously disrupting humanitarian and other In five districts (Salyan, Rolpa, Rukum, Jajarkot, Pyuthan) of activities. On 28 February, KVSC suspended their strike for the Mid-Western Region, FAO has recently started a project 10 days to facilitate dialogue with the authorities. funded by the Government of Spain, aimed at the support of The joint team led by UNESCO and funded by UNDP 18,000 households affected by internal conflict and natural completed the Koshi hazard risk assessment. The disasters. The project activities concentrate on the support to preliminary report indicates that whereas laudable progress the agricultural and livestock sectors through the provision has been made to repair the breach that caused flood in of seeds of improved varieties, small ruminants and the August 2008, two areas on the upstream along the development of a strategy to address nutritional issues in the embankment require strengthening to avoid any future target districts. breach. Health Food security District Health Office (DHO)/District Public Health Office The World Food Programme (WFP), in its latest staple Food (DPHO) in Sunsari and Saptari districts continued providing Market Review of 2008 and Outlook for 2009 released on 26 continuous health services in the districts. World Health February stated that despite relatively strong agricultural Organization (WHO) and Epidemiology and Diseases harvests in 2008, food stock levels in both Nepal and Indian Control Division (EDCD), Department of Health Services feeder markets are generally low and are not likely to be jointly supporting for the provision of medical support for replenished soon. Therefore, possibility of further sharp flood affected population as well as monitor the diseases price hikes and price volatility through 2009 remains high. patterns through the diseases surveillance system established in these districts. To re-enforce on going response WHO The WFP information is confirmed by recent reports OCHA handed over three Inter-agency Emergency Health Kits, obtained from government officials in Mid and Far Western seven diarrhoeal kits and a malaria kit to the Ministry of Districts. According to the Jajarkot District Agriculture Health and Population. The capacity of a Inter-agency Development Office (DADO), a renewed drought has badly Emergency Health Kit and Malaria Kit are for 10,000 hit Daha, , Laha, Gurkhakot and Dadagaoun VDCs. population for three months and a diarrhoeal kit can cover The maize and wheat crops in areas that rely solely on rain up to 400-500 diarrhoeal cases. During this period, were all dried up. In Rukum District, leaf strip diseases has

OCHA Nepal Situation Overview, Issue No. 42/ 1 March 2009 3 consultations in the Health service centres in Camp G and being taken from camps and also existing structures in areas Bhardaha reduced substantially owing to movement by IDPs of return by IDP families for their shelters in Shreepur Ward to other camps as well as return to India. 7, Kumyahi. Hygiene and sanitation promotion activities Avian Influenza continue in camps and areas of return supported by UNICEF and implemented by local partners. On 20 February, the government of Nepal declared that a new Avian Influenza outbreak had been confirmed in Saptari: A gap exists in Camp G compared to Sphere Sharanamati Village, Jhapa District in Eastern Nepal. guidelines due to the influx of IDPs from other camps. The Following the outbreak, the government declared a state of installation of tube wells and decommissioning is in emergency in the area and deployed rapid response teams to progress. Training on maintenance and spare parts has been the area. In consultation with the local people, the teams provided but materials have not yet been received by the have started culling birds in the affected area. This is the Camp Management Committees (CMC) as the transportation second outbreak of AI in the district in as many months. of WASH facility materials from India has not been possible OCHA supported FAO with the preparation of new maps of due to the protest programmes. the recent outbreak. After the first AI outbreak, production in Protection the poultry sector plummeted by 70 percent. Following calls by the government through the DAO, More Camp Coordination and Management (CCCM) than 4,000 people registered applications in for Saptari: OXFAM completed camp-related support activity compensation as conflict affected. According to the Ilam and have finalized the data in each camp with its partner DAO, NPR 82 million has been spent in compensating 20 Koshi Victims Society (KVS). The final DTM report is under displaced families in the District. This is part of the preparation. The joint monitoring exercise that was planned government package, based on a decision to provide 150,000 for 22-28 February was postponed due to protest programme NPR per family to those families whose members were killed by KVSC. by the CPN-Maoists and 100,000 NPR for each family whose members were killed by the Nepal Army. The applications Emergency Shelter/NFI submitted included a wide range of cases like extortion, damage to physical property, seizure of land and house. 67 of On 22 February, land slide and flood affected 54 families of the applicants also requested funds for medical treatment. Pandone VDC of Kailali District, received relief materials of 12 quintal of rice, blankets and utensils from Nepal Red in Khadgapur VDC of Saptari District are facing Cross Society (NRCS) in Bahuniya Kailali. On 25 February, difficulties, including being compelled to use water from with the support of ADRA-Nepal, Safe Motherhood Network nearby pond that might be contaminated, after people from and BASE distributed relief materials including bed sheets, higher reportedly refused to allow them to use wells mosquito nets, baby clothes, blankets, and clothes to 520 that are serving the community. According to local media flood affected families of Sadepani, Khailad and Lalbhoji reports some families were in the past forced out of the VDCs in Kailali District. area due to lack of drinking water as a result of similar practices. The 200 families who were displaced as a result of Sunsari: The Emergency Shelter cluster lead UNHABITAT threats and intimidation by armed Madheshi Tigers two estimates that an additional 500 tool kits will be required to years ago from Haripur VDC, Sunsari District and are filly the gap of providing all returning families with the currently residing at Baraha Chhetra and the Chatara Canal shelter package. The original projection was to have 7,000 embankment expressed their inability to return to their shelter kits, but this is now deemed insufficient. homes owing to lack of improvement in the security Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) situation. On 18 February key findings of a study that was conducted in 20 Terai Districts on the quality of water was released. According to the report of the study that was conducted by the and Environment and Public Health Organisation (ENPHO), arsenic content in water in 70 VDCs in 12 districts was above 100 ppb, 10 times and double the standards recommended by WHO and Nepal authorities respectively. According to WHO standards, up to 10 ppb arsenic in water is safe for drinking, while in Nepal up to 50 ppb arsenic content in water is considered safe. In tests conducted on 1,120,000 people in 20 districts across the Terai, 590 people, including 190 women, were found suffering from arsenic related health problems. In , one of the Terai districts where the study was conducted, water in 15 VDCs was found containing high amount of arsenic. Among 1,995 taps fitted in 62 VDCs of the Indian Flood Displaced registering and receiving return money in district, 201 had arsenic content in between 10 and 50 ppb, Sunsari: Photo credit-OCHA 136 had arsenic content above 50 ppb and water in 336 taps was found contaminated with bacteria. The Poverty During the reporting period, The Haliya Census Committee Alleviation Fund, the Nepal Red Cross Society and UNICEF (HSCC), formed by the Government, continued undertaking have been distributing filters to people at subsidised rates so the census of the Haliyas in nine districts of the Far Western that they can protect themselves from the harmful effects of Region. The situation of Haliyas after emancipation has high arsenic content in drinking water. improved in some respects as they acquired freedom of choice and dignity. But some aspects have worsened as their Sunsari : Mandro, a locally made construction material used employers stopped providing emergency assistance such as for the temporary walls for latrines and bathing spaces, is food, construction materials or additional loans. Their major

OCHA Nepal Situation Overview, Issue No. 42/ 1 March 2009 4 concerns are access to food, land, housing, education and emerging challenges. During the period under review, the employment opportunities IASC cluster leads continued with these strategic meetings. From 18 February, District Forest Office (DFO), Kailali On 26 February, the Nepal Humanitarian IASC Country started evicting the people (flood displaced, landless and freed Kamaiyas) living in the settlements in the forest area. team met and decided to conduct a simulation exercise for Following flash floods in September 2008, the flood affected the draft IASC contingency plan in April. The IASC also people and some non-flood affected people were occupying agreed to strengthen the cluster systems and their the forest areas in Kudi and Khailad of Kailali District. The contingency plans and to involve more I/NGOs in the forest eviction teams burnt huts and other belongings of appeals process during the Mid Year Review. certain individuals ho were living in the forest areas. Following the evictions, a number of people were displaced UPCOMING EVENTS / MEETINGS and moved elsewhere in the district, but a few families returned and started reconstructing shelter in the forest • March 13, 2009: Operational IASC Meeting, 10:30 am – areas again. Protection working group members including 11:30 am, OCHA Conference room OHCHR are monitoring the situation and engaging the • authorities to look for better solutions for the displaced and March 20, 2009: Operational IASC Meeting, 10:30 am – landless. 11:30 am, OCHA Conference room • Local Peace Committees (LPC) continue to be formed in March 23, 2009: Koshi Lesson Learnt Workshop, Mid/Far western region. On 16 February, 23 member- LPC Inaruwa, Sunsari District with 3 representatives from ‘NC, UML and CPN-M and one • March 27, 2009: Contact Group Meeting – Eastern representative each from RPP, and National People’s Front Region/Central Terai, 13:00 hrs, OCHA Office, (Janamorcha) was formed in Darchula District. Similarly, on 26 February, Chief District Office (CDO) of Banke District facilitated the formation of 23 member LPC comprising of RECENT MAPS AVAILABLE : different political party members, conflict affected victims, civil society, human rights organizations and I/NGOs, OCHA IMU produced a number of mapping products some minority groups (Aadibasi, Janajati and Muslim Community) of which are listed below and also available on NIP. and Federation or Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). The LPCs are expected to, inter alia, identify the NEPAL: Public Outreach Programme of the Constituent Assembly - displaced persons and support the distribution of Team Deployment Plan http://www.un.org.np/maps/metadata.php?id=630 government supported package to the conflict affected and

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). South East Asia: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in India and Nepal (2008 Nov - 2009 Feb) DISASTER PREPAREDNESS : http://www.un.org.np/maps/metadata.php?id=629 OCHA continued supporting the government and other NEPAL: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) Outbreak (as of clusters in the preparation of Contingency plans based on the 20 Feb. 2009) recent lessons learnt in the floods response. On 22 February, http://www.un.org.np/maps/metadata.php?id=627 the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC) organized a one day Workshop to Nepal: Operational Space- 01 January-31 January, 2009 review and revise IASC Emergency Shelter Contingency Plan http://www.un.org.np/maps/metadata.php?id=628 based on the experience of Koshi floods. The workshop was attended by government and non-government actors RECENT REPORTS AVAILABLE : involved in relief and rehabilitation activities including IFRC Some of the recent reports available on NIP are listed below. and UNHABITAT. The documentation of experiences in such workshop is relevant in the Nepal context now to provide a ICG Report: Nepal’s Faltering Peace Process basis for improved preparedness and response to future http://www.un.org.np/reportlibrary/table_metadata.php?mid=522 disaster risks, which Nepal faces on a yearly basis. The workshop also provided a forum for sharing information on UNICEF: Knowledge, Attitude & Practice Survey - Improvised Explosive Devices Landmines and other Explosive Remnants of War how the ongoing humanitarian activities in the Koshi area (NEPALI version included) can interface for smooth transition to development activities. http://www.un.org.np/reportlibrary/table_metadata.php?mid=521

COORDINATION UN: National Avian Influenza and Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan Coordination meetings based on the cluster approach are http://www.un.org.np/reportlibrary/table_metadata.php?mid=520 being held in both Eastern region and at the central level in Kathmandu to coordinate response, fill gaps and tackle

Disclaimer: The information in this report is consolidated from media, UN, NGO, and other humanitarian partners, subject to availability of data. Although OCHA aims to confirm reports independently, occasional factual inaccuracies can occur. For inputs, questions or comments please contact: Vincent Omuga, Humanitarian Affairs Officer on ph. 9851072870, [email protected] Wendy Cue, Head of Office OCHA Nepal Tel. +977 (1) 559-2311 [email protected] Visit the Nepal Information Platform at http://www.un.org.np

OCHA Nepal Situation Overview, Issue No. 42/ 1 March 2009 5