UN concerned by humanitarian impact of unrest in Nepal

(New York: 21 April 2006): The United Nations is concerned for the well-being of the people of Nepal, especially if the current situation continues to prevail in the coming days and weeks. As the now country-wide protests enter their third week and the Government maintains extensive curfews, the current situation has largely prevented the civilian population from undertaking their normal activities.
People have stockpiled food supplies. Rising prices for basic commodities have been noted throughout the country. In a country where 86 per cent of the population lives on less than $2 per day, a kilogram of tomatoes that usually costs 42 cents now costs $1.50. Additionally, the lack of transport and commerce means that the general population is unable to earn vital daily wages.

Shortages of kerosene and gas have been reported by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Nepal. There is also scarcity of cooking oil and sugar in many district markets and fresh fruit and vegetables are becoming scarce in areas where these items are not locally produced.

Hospitals are being overstretched. The capacity of doctors and nurses is limited and medical supplies are running low. Additionally, very few ambulances have been granted curfew passes in recent days, which has clearly obstructed rescue and care efforts.

On a positive note, although the majority of traffic has ground to a halt, the World Food Programme (WFP) and Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have been able to maintain their humanitarian food convoys to seven refugee camps. The United Nations and partners have also been able to implement a crucial nationwide distribution of vitamin A supplements in the past two days.

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; Kristen Knutson, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 9262; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570.

For information media - not an official record