Kathmandu, 10 November 2015
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners in Nepal -Nepal Red Cross Society, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and International Committee of the Red Cross today issued a joint statement calling upon the concerned parties to take immediate action to ensure that the people of Nepal receive the support they need in a timely and efficient manner. This concern comes in the situation of shortage of essential commodities across the country.
The joint statement reads as follows:
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners in Nepal are concerned about the difficulties faced by earthquake survivors and other vulnerable people in all parts of Nepal. The effects of the slow recovery process, shortage of basic commodities and the continued unrest in Terai are being felt across the country, including by the Red Cross whose activities have been impacted as a result.
“We had to defer vehicle movements, such as field visits, that were required to help with the additional seasonal support necessary as winter takes a further toll on the earthquake survivors. We also have difficulties in organising blood collection camps. We regret the blood shortage in some of the blood transfusion centres and the unavailability of ambulance services in some areas,” said Mr Dev Ratna Dhakwa, Secretary General of the Nepal Red Cross Society.
With the arrival of winter, the Red Cross is particularly worried about the situation of the people whose homes were destroyed or damaged by the earthquake and are still waiting for recovery and reconstruction efforts to take pace. The prolonged tense situation in Terai is impacting the supply of medicines and access to health care in some districts and remote areas. In addition, continued attacks against ambulances is another cause of grave concern.
The Red Cross calls for all concerned parties to take immediate action to ensure that the people of Nepal receive the support they need in a timely and efficient manner.
The Red Cross works to prevent and alleviate human suffering, without discrimination, and to protect human dignity. Its humanitarian activities are solely guided by its fundamental principles – primarily humanity, independence, impartiality and neutrality.