Victims/Survivors Protection Advocacy Meeting in Post Disaster Situation

Victim/survivors protection advocacy meeting in the earthquake affected district/area was organized in Kavrepalanchowk on 5 August 2015 with the participation of government, non-government officials, CTIP partners and representatives from civil society organizations. The objective of the program is to help increase the access of victims to the rights, reliefs and services provided by the state and non-state agencies in a post-disaster situation. The meeting also helped to sensitize stakeholders about the victims/survivors rights, and help them take appropriate steps in redressing the violation of their rights. The meeting was participated by Chief District Officer, Local Development Officer, District Attorney, Deputy Superintendent of Police of Kavrepalanchowk district. Similarly, chairperson of Federation of Nepali Journalists, District Bar Association and representatives from NCCHT, district health office, women and children's office, district child welfare committee and representatives from CTIP partners attended the meeting.

The participants of the meeting stressed that for the safety and security of women and children, protection measures in very essential especially in the makeshift tents and also shared that victims/survivors post the disaster are supported through Protection Clusters. To achieve the best result government, non-government, police administration, quasi-judicial bodies should work jointly viewed the participants of the meeting and to control illegal transportation of children, check post should be established as cases of child trafficking in the pretense of supporting them for studies are being reported. The meeting also shared activities carried out to support children such as District Child Welfare Committee with the support from UNICEF is providing educational support to children. Similarly, Nepal Red Cross Society is providing scholarship facility for students wanting to pursue their studies after SLC. After the earthquake cases of child marriage and disappearance of women has also been reported. Therefore, specific measures need to be developed to overcome the situation were the views expressed by the participants.