UNICEF has a long history of working in emergencies and humanitarian contexts, both natural and man-made. Wherever there is a crisis, UNICEF strives to reach children and families in the hardest-hit areas with lifesaving interventions. I
n Nepal, UNICEF supports the government in its Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan, along with relief measures and rehabilitation services, particularly for the benefit of women, adolescents and children. We work with all three tiers of the government to ensure implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act, National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), Local Governance Act, the National DRR Policy and Strategic Action Plan, and the DRM action plan, among others.
UNICEF also assists local governments in developing and implementing the Local Disaster and Climate Resilience Plan (LDCRP) and advocates for the mainstreaming of disaster and climate risks into the annual plans of local governments. Special efforts are focused on promoting child-centered DRR and climate change adaptation, reflecting the importance of children’s inclusion and participation in disaster and climate risk assessments, and consideration of their vulnerabilities and special needs.
UNICEF’s current DRR programme focuses on 50 municipalities of Provinces 2 and 5 as well as Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces, together with nationwide support to other high-risk districts and municipalities prone to natural hazards.
The comprehensive child-centered DRR programme is being implemented in 14 municipalities of eight districts: Saptari, Dhanusha, Parsa, Dhading, Dolakha, Achham, Baitadi and Bajura. Our partners include the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, sectoral line ministries and departments, National Planning Commission, District Coordination Committees, District Disaster Management Committees, Civil Society Organizations, I/NGOs, Child Club Networks and federal, provincial and local government.