Nepal

Background

Following the April 2006 People’s Movement uprising, the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) interim government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal/Maoist (CPN/M) entered into a bilateral cease-fire and 25-point Code of Conduct on 26 May 2006. Further negotiations concluded with a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the interim government and CPN/M on 21 November 2006, and a tri-partite agreement with the United Nations on the Monitoring the Management of Arms and Armies process on 8 December 2006, ending a decade of civil war.

Mine Ban Policy

Nepal has not acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty. The May 2006 bilateral cease-fire and accompanying Code of Conduct committed both sides to forego use of landmines. Under the November 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement the parties committed to neither use nor transport mines and to assist each other to mark and clear the landmines and booby-traps used during the conflict.^[1]

Nepal has become more involved with ban treaty meetings following the April 2006 People’s Movement uprising, the establishment of the SPA interim government, and the subsequent peace process. Nepal attended as an observer the Seventh Meeting of States Parties in September 2006 and the intersessional Standing Committee meetings in April 2007, both in Geneva, Switzerland. At the April 2007 meeting, Nepal made a statement on its “National Implementation of the Spirit” of the Mine Ban Treaty. It said that Nepal was in the process of consultations on joining the treaty, and declared, “It is an established fact that the use of antipersonnel mines is an act of severe criminal nature. The international efforts being made to end the calamity cause by antipersonnel mines deserves commendation.”^[2]

Nepal also participated in regional mine ban events, including seminars, Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War: Human Costs and International Responses, in New Delhi, India in October 2006, and Mine Action and Implications for Peace and Development, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in March 2007. At the Phnom Penh meeting, Brigadier General Lok Bahadur Thapa stated that Nepal is “moving towards” the Mine Ban Treaty and that it would seek assistance from the treaty’s Implementation Support Unit to become a member.^[3]

Nepal was absent during the vote on UN General Assembly Resolution 61/84, calling for universalization and full implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, on 6 December 2006. It had voted in favor of the resolution every year since 1997, except for 2004 when it was also absent.

Nepal is not a party to the Convention on Conventional Weapons.

Advocacy efforts by the Nepal Campaign to Ban Landmines (NCBL) have focused on implementing the clearance commitments in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and promoting accession to the Mine Ban Treaty. In December 2006 NCBL organized a seminar with major stakeholders to discuss the destruction of mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) under the CPA.^[4] In April and June 2007, respectively, NCBL published interviews with the Head of the Engineers Directorate of the Nepal Army and with the UN Secretary-General’s Representative in Nepal. Prior to the signing of the CPA in November 2006, NCBL lobbied the Peace Committee to assure the issue of landmines and IEDs would be addressed in the document. An NCBL delegation placed a memorandum before the interim parliament to request action on victim assistance, clearance and mine risk education, as well as monitoring of any use of mines.^[5]

Production, Transfer, Stockpiling and Use

Nepali officials have given conflicting information about production of antipersonnel mines. In 2003 Brigadier General Kul Bahadur Khadka told a visiting ICBL delegation that Nepal produced antipersonnel mines.^[6] In August 2005 a former government official told Landmine Monitor that landmines were produced at the weapons factory at Sunchari in Makwanpur district south of Kathmandu.^[7] In April 2007 Brigadier General Lok Bahadur Thapa, Head of the Engineers Directorate, contradicted that information, telling Landmine Monitor that Nepal does not have the capacity to produce factory-made landmines, and that the Sunachari factory only produces plastic grenades.^[8] Brigadier General Thapa’s March 2007 presentation in Phnom Penh listed only three types of antipersonnel mines found in minefields, none of them of Nepali manufacture.^[9]

However, Brigadier General Thapa also acknowledged that soldiers frequently made command-detonated IEDs at barracks using obsolete weapons such as mortar shells, rockets, bombs and antivehicle mines.^[10] It is not known if they also manufactured victim-activated IEDs.

Nepal is not known to have exported antipersonnel mines. According to the army, Nepal imported mines from India, China and the former Soviet Union, mostly in the 1980s. It imported blast, fragmentation and command-detonated mines, including M14, POMZ-2 and Claymore-type antipersonnel mines. The media has also reported that security forces use PMD-6 and Type 69 antipersonnel mines.^[11]

According to Brigadier General Thapa, the Nepal Army has a stockpile about 3,000 antipersonnel and antivehicle mines, including POMZ-2 and PMD mines.^[12] This is the first time a stockpile number has been officially cited.

There have been no reports of new mine use by the Nepal Army since the May 2006 cease-fire. Previously, the Nepal Army used IEDs assembled in Nepal, as well as antipersonnel mines, around military installations and infrastructure.^[13]

The Nepal Army has stated that it started using mines “only as defensive measures” in 2002. The army estimates it deployed around 14,000 antipersonnel mines (including 11,000 PMD-6 mines and 3,000 POMZ-2 and NMM 14 mines). It also estimates that it used about 25,000 command-detonated devices, made from bombs, mortars, and rockets. The Nepal Army says it laid minefields around 53 security posts and installations, and protected more than 280 other sites with command-detonated Claymore mines and IEDs.^[14] 

The Armed Police Force reportedly did not have antipersonnel mines but did deploy command-detonated devices called Ordnance Explosive Devices (OEDs) for perimeter protection of its posts.^[15]

Non-State Armed Groups

The former rebel Communist Party of Nepal/Maoist became a part of the state after it joined the interim parliament in January 2007 and the interim government in April 2007. There were no reports of new use of antipersonnel mines, victim-activated IEDs or booby-traps by the CPN/M after the May 2006 cease-fire.^[16]

Prior to May 2006, the CPN/M’s militia, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) manufactured and used extensively a variety of improvised explosive devices, including victim-activated, time-delayed and command-detonated types.^[17] Some of the left-over stocks of IEDs have caused civilian casualties after the cease-fire.

Under the terms of the CPA and the Monitoring the Management of Arms and Armies (AMMAA) agreement, the PLA has been cantoned at seven sites and is obliged to turn in all IEDs at designated storage locations a safe distance from the sites.^[18]

A number of non-state armed groups still exist in Nepal. There is no evidence that any of them have used, produced or stockpiled antipersonnel mines; however, some have used IEDs. Since the cease-fire the following groups have been cited as using IEDs: two factions of Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (Democratic Terai Liberation Front), Madheshi Janadhikar Forum (Madheshi People’s Rights Forum), Kirant Workers’ Party, Nepal Defense Army and Terai Kobra.

Landmine/IED/ERW Problem

A decade of civil war ended by the November 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement left Nepal widely contaminated by IEDs used by both the Nepal Army and the People’s Liberation Army, as well as by antipersonnel mines emplaced by the army.^[19] As a result, Nepal’s relatively small population of approximately 28 million ranks among the world’s worst affected by explosive remnants of war (ERW). A Nepalese NGO, Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC), reported 98 incidents in 51 of Nepal’s 75 districts in 2006 resulting in 169 casualties from victim-activated explosions.^[20]

IEDs produced by the PLA, including socket bombs (improvised hand-grenades), bucket bombs and pipe bombs, account for most of the contamination and have caused an estimated 90 percent of civilian casualties from victim-activated devices.^[21] Up to half the socket bombs reportedly failed to detonate when used; the locations of clashes between the army and PLA are often littered with such devices.^[22] Large numbers were also abandoned or forgotten in homes used by Maoists to make or store them.^[23]

The Nepal Army used IEDs, including so-called tora bora bombs (81mm mortar shells) dropped from helicopters, many of which failed to detonate on impact, adding to unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination. Antipersonnel landmines emplaced by the Nepal Army around military positions, government buildings and major infrastructure also pose a threat to the civilian population.^[24] Under the terms of the CPA and Agreement on the Monitoring of the Management of Arms and Armies (AMMAA), the Nepal Army and CPN/M are obliged to provide details of the exact locations of minefields, landmines and unexploded ordnance, and to destroy them.^[25]

Mine Action Program

The UN played a major role in advocating for the integration of mine action in the CPA and AMMAA; UNICEF described these efforts, notably in October-December 2006, as giving “a completely new framework for mine action in the country (including the mine action mandate for UNMIN [United Nations Mission in Nepal]).”^[26] After the signing of the 21 November 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the government embarked on creating a formal mine action program. The cabinet decided on 21 June 2007 to set up a national mine action authority, “consisting of an inter-ministerial steering committee with strategic policy responsibility and a mine action centre with implementation responsibility, both under the auspices of the Ministry for Peace and Reconstruction.”^[27]

A steering committee, chaired by the Minister of Peace and Reconstruction, was set up. A technical committee was to be headed by a national director and include five members from the ministries of defense, home, peace and reconstruction, the Nepal Army, and the Communist Party of Nepal/Maoist. As of July 2007 the terms of reference, structure, composition and operations of these organizations remained under discussion.^[28]

UNMIN instituted a mine action unit to provide technical assistance to the national mine action authority.^[29]

A database was due to be set up in Nepal Army facilities close to Kathmandu and to receive Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) version 4 in September 2007.^[30]

Nepal has not previously had mine action laws or standards. ArmorGroup was contracted by UNMIN to revise the army’s standing operating procedures.^[31]

Demining

The Nepal Army’s 14th Brigade, based in Kathmandu, has an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit using equipment and training in EOD provided by the United Kingdom. In addition to EOD equipment delivered in 2005-2006, the UK agreed to provide two more Wheelbarrow remote-controlled bomb disposal vehicles in 2007, due for delivery in September.^[32]

The 14th Brigade has four companies of technicians with 400 men; it expected to assign about half of its capacity to the mine action program.^[33] Its engineers, however, have only limited experience in military clearance and no training in humanitarian demining.^[34] Under an UNMIN contract, ArmorGroup was due to provide training in humanitarian mine clearance to two demining teams consisting of 32 engineers, from end-August to mid-November 2007. The UK Ministry of Defence provided 20 mine detectors and 80 sets of personal protective equipment; it also funded the purchase of 50 sets of demining tools from South Africa.^[35]

Identification of Affected Areas

The Nepal Army provided the UN with details of 53 minefields, including maps described as “good standard” for 44 of them. All the minefields were said to be marked and fenced, and all but four have an army presence.^[36] Civil society organizations, however, have expressed concern that “they are often not properly fenced and marked and the nearby population is often not properly informed of the risk.”^[37] According to the NGO INSEC, the army also identified 270 to 300 security posts protected by command-detonated explosive devices.^[38] In April 2007, based on the media/INSEC surveillance systems, UNICEF compiled a mapping of 125 village development committees in 58 districts affected by recent victim-activated explosions.^[39]

Under the CPA, the Nepal Army and the CPN/M accept that “both sides shall assist each other to mark landmines and booby traps used during the time of armed conflict by providing necessary information within 30 days and defuse and excavate it within 60 days.”^[40]

Mine/ERW Clearance

The army started clearance of one minefield in 2006 but suspended operations before completing the task after an accident. It had conducted no other demining by mid-2007. The Nepal Army is restricted under the CPA in the number of troops it can deploy outside barracks. As a result, the 14th Brigade conducts EOD only on an emergency basis when there is an immediate threat.^[41]

Under the terms of the CPA, the CPN/M stored more than 10 tons of explosive ordnance, including IEDs, socket bombs and other UXO in seven main cantonment sites monitored by UN arms monitors.^[42] UNMIN contracted ArmorGroup to conduct an assessment of the explosives identifying those that were unsafe to store. UNMIN received authorization to proceed with the destruction of unsafe explosives from the Joint Monitoring Coordination Committee on 4 July 2007.^[43] It planned to proceed as soon as possible but reported delays due to the monsoon.^[44]

Mine Risk Education

The membership of the mine risk education (MRE) working group, established in 2004, worked in close cooperation to deliver standardized messages through members active in the development of tools for and the provision of MRE in Nepal.^[45] In 2007 the group was renamed the Mine Action Joint Working Group to reflect its changed role. UNICEF continued coordination of the group. National implementers include the Nepal Red Cross Society, Porters’ Progress, Rural Reconstruction Nepal, Partnership Nepal and Digital Broadcast Initiative/Equal Access, Child Workers In Nepal, United Mission to Nepal, Nepal Campaign to Ban Landmines, INSEC, Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force. International NGOs supporting MRE implementation through local partnerships were Save the Children (US and Norway) and World Education.^[46]

In Nepal most MRE involves distributing printed material, community sessions and emergency MRE delivered in response to new incidents and localized high-risk areas. Integration of materials into educational curricula is also used to some extent. Materials distributed and used in sessions typically consist of the UNICEF booklet, Aide Mémoire brochure, posters and flipchart, Save the Children posters and stickers, and the emergency MRE kit which has been widely distributed after field-testing.^[47]

In 2006 and 2007 the MRE working group was adapted in line with changes in Nepal after the peace accords: there was recognized to be both an increased need for MRE and increased opportunities in view of the cease-fire. In particular, there was a need for emergency MRE responding rapidly to new explosive incidents and informed by the improved casualty data collected by INSEC.^[48] The working group aimed to develop an integrated social mobilization campaign disseminating MRE messages which accord with international standards; it has taken the view that MRE in Nepal should not be a stand-alone activity. Major challenges to overcome in 2006 were identified as insufficient cooperation, absence of a civilian mine clearance organization and low literacy levels.^[49] In July 2007 the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction proposed to establish formal coordination of MRE and the working group was expected to decide in August whether the activity would be an autonomous sub-group, or combined with victim assistance.^[50]

By mid-2007 mapping of MRE coverage and casualties was completed and a list compiled of all 135 areas covered by emergency MRE.^[51] All MRE activities are now prioritized on the needs of the most impacted communities: 58 of 75 districts were mapped, and 152 recent incident areas identified.^[52] In July 2007 a district MRE monitoring form was developed to better understand the coverage and delivery of emergency responses.^[53]

In 2006-2007 the Nepal Red Cross Society and UNICEF trained 120 MRE focal points from more than 50 districts in emergency MRE. The network includes army and police staff, Red Cross volunteers, UNICEF local offices and NGO officers; trainees were provided with the emergency MRE kits.^[54] Three-day training courses were held for journalists, including a major MRE component.^[55] All UNMIN arms monitors receive a safety briefing from UNICEF; as of June 2007 more than 150 UN monitors had been briefed.^[56]

During 2006 the Nepal Red Cross Society disseminated basic MRE in 20 of the most affected districts, and in another 26 districts in the first half of 2007.^[57] In each district two focal points were established.^[58] The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) continued developing the capacity within the Nepal Red Cross Society to implement MRE.^[59]

National organizations continued key roles in the development of MRE in Nepal in 2006. Porters’ Progress conducted MRE in porters’ villages and distributed booklets, posters, stickers and the Aide Mémoire brochure in the remote district of Solukhumbu. Partnership Nepal’s primary MRE activity was street drama; some form of MRE was also provided in 120 schools and 360 child clubs in Sindhupalchok, Dadeldhura, and Kavre districts. Rural Reconstruction Nepal disseminated MRE materials in 23 districts but lacked capacity to conduct community MRE. Digital Broadcasting Initiative used six field-tested 15-minute radio spots, covering all districts of the country through Radio Nepal and 23 local FM stations; with UNICEF support 7,000 radios were distributed in schools across Nepal.^[60]

In 2006 the NCBL’s basic MRE activities were confined to Kathmandu. HimRights joined the working group in October 2006 and conducted conflict risk education, including MRE, in seven districts; in late 2006 it published an MRE document for students and teachers. Feedback from the working group was critical of images showing people handling explosive devices, and a lack of safety messages in the text; HimRights was to revise the text.^[61]

International organizations continued to support the provision of MRE through local partnerships. Save the Children USA worked in 17 districts of the Western, Mid-Western and Far-Western Regions through 216 village development committees; in 2006, 57 child clubs received MRE orientation.^[62] Save the Children Norway conducted MRE orientation in educational programs through 450 village development committees in 35 districts. World Education disseminated UNICEF materials and some form of MRE in schools in 40 districts.^[63]

UNICEF began development of MRE tools in 2005-2006 and a prototype emergency MRE kit was developed with UK funding; field-testing was finalized in December 2006 after which the kit was distributed widely.^[64] UNICEF also developed a Nepal-specific safety training package that was translated into Nepali.^[65] Radio-broadcast MRE was also carried out.

On 2 February 2007 UNICEF and the mine action working group launched a nationwide campaign, Don’t Touch Explosives–Save Limbs, Save Lives, which incorporates advertisements and public service announcements in posters, print, radio and television.^[66]

During the first half of 2007 the Nepal Army conducted emergency MRE for the most at-risk communities living nearby army positions. In mid-2007, the Nepal Police provided emergency MRE orientation and material to 330 new personnel preparing for deployment throughout the country. UNICEF provided 3,500 mine hazard signs to the Nepal Army and 1,500 explosive hazard signs to the CPN/M Army.^[67]

Evaluations

INSEC published a study at the end of 2006 that made significant recommendations for the mine action sector in general, and for MRE in particular. Some of the key points upon which the MRE working group has acted are: training of trainers to use existing materials such as the emergency MRE kits, conducting emergency MRE responses to new incidents, continuation of the nationwide radio-based MRE campaign and initiation of a monitoring and evaluation system on a regional basis.^[68]

In June 2006 UNICEF, with UK funding, began a baseline study of the level of knowledge of explosive devices through its partner organization Equal Access; it was planned to survey 1,400 people in 55 districts.^[69] In November 2006 survey findings indicated that a majority of people in both rural and urban setting (79 and 73 percent, respectively) had never seen an explosive device, most said they would leave the device where it was found and inform others.^[70]

Landmine/ERW/IED Casualties

In 2006 at least 169 civilian mine/IED/ERW casualties were recorded by INSEC, with 39 killed and 130 injured in 98 incidents.^[71] This is an increase from the 142 civilian casualties (40 killed, 102 injured) recorded by UNICEF through media surveillance in 2005.^[72] Males were 67 percent of total casualties (113) with boys constituting 38 percent (65) of all casualties. Children were 54 percent (91) of casualties and the highest risk group. According to UNICEF, Nepal has one of the highest child casualty rates in the world averaging at 57 percent between 2004 and 2006. ^[73] ERW caused 141 casualties, victim-activated IEDs 14, unknown devices nine and five casualties were caused by unknown mines. Most common activities at the time of the incident were intentional handling at 27 percent (45), followed by “unknown” at 15 percent (26) and traveling at 14 percent (23). Children were 82 percent (37) of all handling casualties, a decrease from 91 percent in 2005. Most casualties occurred in the Central region (44), followed by the Mid Western and Far Western regions (40 and 35, respectively) then the Eastern and Western regions (29 and 21 respectively). However, 20 casualties occurred in one district: Kalali in the Far Western region.^[74]

INSEC also recorded 111 combatant casualties (46 killed and 65 injured) in 2006, which were not recorded as part of the surveillance system and the circumstances and devices involved are not differentiated.^[75] Therefore, comparison with the UNICEF combatant casualty data of previous years is not possible, and Landmine Monitor has excluded these combatant casualties from the total number of mine/IED/ERW casualties.

Civilian casualties occured at a lower rate in the first half of 2007; by June there were 69 casualties (11 killed and 58 injured), a 45 percent decrease from the same period in 2006.^[76]

Data Collection

There is no government mechanism collecting mine/ERW/IED casualty data and no official information is publicly available. However, several NGOs collect data on IEDs, ERW and landmines.

The Nepal Campaign to Ban Landmines was the first organization to collect data on conflict-related incidents involving explosives in the country. NCBL’s data collection is based on media reporting and reports by human rights organizations. However, inaccuracies in the terminology used to categorize incidents and the type of device causing incidents, and lack of differentiation between attacks/ambushes, bombings and victim-activated explosions, limit the data’s usefulness for mine action planning. Between 2004 and 2006 UNICEF conducted media surveillance of casualties and conducted workshops with the MRE working group and journalists to develop uniform case definitions and terminology for reporting on explosions.^[77]

In January 2006 INSEC established a proactive casualty surveillance mechanism in all 75 districts via its district representatives, who verify incidents by interviewing survivors, families and witnesses. Passive surveillance based on media reports is also conducted. INSEC uses standardized forms for data collection, clear terminology for explosive devices and case definitions of casualties. However, casualty data is not recorded for all affected groups in society, as combatant casualties are excluded. Despite this, national casualty data collection appears to be increasingly adequate due to the extent of geographical coverage, details of activities and causes of explosions, differentiation between device types, and greater standardization of terminology.^[78] INSEC data contains socioeconomic indicators, such as the number of household members and dependents, marital and economic status, and literacy/educational level.^[79] While collected data is not yet used for survivor assistance, such detail would make prioritization of needs-based services possible.

According to UNICEF, MRE materials and activities, and mine/ERW/IED advocacy are based on INSEC data and media surveillance systems.^[80] UNICEF, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Handicap International provided funding and equipment to INSEC for the surveillance network. In October 2006 a delegation comprising members of UNICEF, HI, ICRC, INSEC and the Nepal Army Demining Unit participated in a two-week regional training in Cambodia in field epidemiology for mine action where action plans for the reinforcement of mine/IED/ERW surveillance systems and adequate mine action responses were developed.^[81] There are no separate data collection refresher trainings for network members, but INSEC incorporates hour-long sessions on mine action and data collection in its other trainings.^[82]

The total number of casualties from victim-activated devices in Nepal is unknown. However, from 2004 to 2006 there were at least 415 civilian casualties from victim-activated explosions: 104 in 2004, 142 in 2005 and 169 in 2006. In 2004 and 2005, 125 combatant casualties from victim-activated explosions were also recorded: 70 in 2004 and 55 in 2005.^[83] Thus there are at least 540 confirmed civilian and combatant casualties (190 killed and 350 injured) due to victim-activated devices.

Survivor Assistance

The government of Nepal reportedly provides emergency evacuation, free medical and prosthetic services to civilian conflict casualties, as well as financial and technical support to hospitals. However, conflict casualties experience difficulties receiving free treatment at local hospitals because they need documents proving they are conflict casualties. If medicines are available and conflict casualties can provide necessary documents they receive medication free of charge. Eight hospitals have the capacity to provide assistance to mine/ERW/IED casualties.^[84] Some efforts are made to accommodate new conflict casualties: Bheri Zonal Hospital, Nepalgunj, in Banke district has six beds set aside for conflict casualties.^[85]

Overall, assistance remains inadequate to meet needs, as many hospitals lack staff, medicine and equipment; accessibility is limited due to transportation difficulties. For example, Surkhet regional hospital has no ambulance and only three doctors (there should be 23). Casualties often have to go to the capital Kathmandu, to private hospitals which are not free of charge, or abroad for treatment.^[86]

The Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has over 2,000 volunteers in 48 districts.^[87] Many of its district committees have ambulances, but evacuation policies differ.^[88] Some charge for emergency evacuation according to the distance traveled, while others require a “donation” of no set amount.^[89]

Physical rehabilitation services are provided to people with disabilities, including survivors, through 12 centers; facilities have been brought to acceptable international standards largely through the efforts of international NGOs. However, access remained an issue. There are few opportunities for psychosocial support and economic reintegration. Community-based rehabilitation programs exist, but not in all districts.^[90]

Nepal has laws to protect the rights of people with disabilities but legislation is not fully implemented and there is discrimination. The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare is responsible for disability issues; however, most people with physical or mental disabilities rely almost exclusively on family members for assistance.^[91] According to the ministry, more than 3,750 disabled people receive a living allowance of Rs.100 (US$1.35) per month through village development committees.^[92]

The National Coordination Committee developed a Policy and Plan of Action for disability, which entered into force in late 2006. A policy by the National Federation of the Disabled-Nepal (NFDN) redefining disability categories was also adopted in 2006. As of 31 July 2007 Nepal had not signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The NFDN worked on translating the convention into Nepali to assist in advocacy.^[93]

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) May 2007 progress report for Nepal contains measures to benefit the rural poor and people with disabilities. A district poverty monitoring and analysis system measuring progress will engage communities in assessing the impact of poverty reduction measures.^[94]

Survivor Assistance Strategic Framework

In 2006 the government of Nepal had no survivor assistance strategic framework. However, at the April 2007 Standing Committee meeting, Nepal acknowledged that the establishment of a “mine action authority” to coordinate humanitarian mine action should include survivor assistance.^[95] The mine action technical committee will coordinate all mine action pillars, including survivor assistance.^[96]

The Mine Action Joint Working Group provides survivor assistance through advocacy and ad hoc assistance to new casualties and survivors in districts where working group members operate, but in practice very few people benefit. The need for a separate body to coordinate survivor assistance has been raised numerous times.^[97]

At least 508 people with disabilities in Nepal received services during 2006, including 200 mine/IED/ERW survivors. Within this total, the ICRC assisted 185 people with emergency medical assistance and 131 people with physical rehabilitation services (eight survivors).^[98] The Nepal Campaign to Ban Landmines assisted 25 survivors with rehabilitation and economic assistance, and provided unspecified support for 167 other conflict casualties.^[99] Handicap International and the Disabled Relief Fund did not provide beneficiary information.

Handicap International supports 20 local NGOs in 12 districts on disability-related issues through a community-based approach to disability in development and provision of specialized services. It also supported emergency evacuation of new casualties on a limited basis. It increased its activities to assist five rehabilitation centers (one more than in 2005), as well as three satellite units (two more) and mobile camps.^[100]

In 2006 the ICRC supported the Nepal Red Cross Society to train 720 volunteers and 42 trainers from 10 districts in emergency first-aid.^[101] The ICRC also continued to support physical rehabilitation at the Green Pasture Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in Pokhara by providing materials, components and equipment, and training for prosthetic technicians.^[102]

In mid-2007 the Nepal Army offered free assistance to an unspecified number of conflict casualties at its rehabilitation center.^[103]

There are several community-based organizations working for the rehabilitation of people with disabilities, such as the Nepal Disabled Association, a national network that facilitates coordination among the various actors providing community-based rehabilitation.^[104] Ongoing activities by the Disabled Relief Fund, the NCBL and the Indian NGO Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti were reported in detail in last year’s Landmine Monitor.^[105]

Funding and Assistance

In 2006 international donations totaling $212,666 (€169,280) for mine action in Nepal were reported by two countries and the European Commission (EC), an increase of 142 percent from 2005 ($87,860 provided by two countries).^[106] Donors reporting funding in 2006 were:

• Canada: C$66,204 ($58,379) consisting of C$6,204 to NCBL for advocacy and C$60,000 to UNICEF for MRE;^[107]
• EC: €120,000 ($150,756) to HI for information management;^[108]
• France: €2,811 ($3,531) for victim assistance.^[109]

UNICEF also reported funding of $240,000 from various donors in 2006 for MRE.^[110]

The 2006 end-year review of the UN’s Portfolio of Mine Action Projects reported that Nepal received 41 percent ($212,248) of funds requested through the appeal process in 2006. The UN review added that two NGOs involved in MRE had to cease activities in 2006 because of funding shortfalls, and that advocacy for NGOs was limited to a few events.^[111] The 2007 Portfolio of Mine Action Projects includes two project-appeals for Nepal totaling $492,400, of which $18,000 had been funded by November 2006.^[112]