KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged all tiers of government to enhance their efforts in disaster risk reduction (DRR) by prioritizing prompt, safe, and technology-enhanced approaches.
The Commission emphasized the importance of making disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and management more effective across federal, provincial, and local levels.
In a recent press release, NHRC called for improving accessibility to disaster early warning systems for diverse linguistic communities, updating established early warning systems and rainfall measuring stations, and ensuring effective implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.
The commission advocated for adopting a ‘human rights-oriented development approach,’ balancing environmental conservation with development initiatives.
NHRC highlighted the urgency of policy-making to expedite the reopening of roadways blocked by floods and landslides.
Addressing concerns over infrastructure development in bordering areas, NHRC urged diplomatic dialogue with India to mitigate potential risks.
Additionally, the commission stressed the need for providing essential technical equipment for disaster management.
Furthermore, NHRC drew attention to forecasts predicting above-average precipitation during this year’s monsoon, posing risks to over 1.8 million citizens and their properties nationwide.
The commission called upon the government to minimize monsoon-related disaster risks and disclosed consultations with key agencies including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the Red Cross on disaster preparedness, response, and management.
According to NHRC data, Nepal has witnessed 3,052 fatalities and 791 missing persons in monsoon-related disasters over the past decade.
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