Kathmandu, April 24
The National Human Rights Commission has, on the eve of the Gorkha quake anniversary, pointed that delay on the part of the government in post-quake reconstruction work has jeopardised the people’s right to live. The constitutional rights body has criticised the government for delay in the reconstruction of private houses and infrastructure.
Unveiling a report on the human rights situation of quake-affected populace, Anup Raj Sharma, NHRC chair, asked the government to speed up post-quake reconstruction work.
The report is based on field study conducted in 14 quake-affected districts. It points at distribution of relief to people living in cities and close to highways, at the expense of victims living in remote areas. One year into the quake, the only remarkable task performed is the formation of a national reconstruction authority, the rights body claims. It claims that quake-hit people will have to live in temporary sheds due to delay in reconstruction work. The rights body has appealed the government to save lives by distributing relief, keeping in mind seasonal needs of the affected populace.
Sharma said: NHRC, the media and civil society have, time and again, expressed concern about delay in reconstruction work. This is a matter of concern.
He said: Criticising the government is not our intention. But the government has to be really serious when it comes to saving quake victims’ lives. Reconstruction work is a matter of life and death for the victims. Any delay in reconstruction work is a matter of concern for the NHRC.
The rights body has appealed the government to involve earthquake-affected people in drafting of reconstruction plans and their implementation.
