Nepal aid efforts hampered by discrimination: Amnesty International

Cautions the govt and army against playing politics over relief efforts

Aid in quake-hit Nepal is being hampered by gender, caste and ethnic discrimination, Amnesty International has said while cautioning the government and army against playing politics over relief efforts.

The rights organisation at a briefing here last night called on Nepalese authorities and the international community to put human rights at the core of the earthquake response.

"The devastating earthquake that hit Nepal has killed thousands and left hundreds of thousands in dire need of aid. Nepali and international actors -- including civil society -- have responded to this humanitarian crisis heroically, but there are some serious issues brewing that need to be addressed urgently," said Richard Bennett, Amnesty International's Asia Pacific Director.

"A human rights-compliant approach to the disaster response will be critical to ensuring that the quest for equality, justice and accountability in Nepal does not lose ground as the country struggles to recover from the devastation," he said.

An Amnesty International delegation that visited Nepal in the aftermath of the massive 7.9-magnitude April 25 earthquake found that groups who are often the target of discriminatory treatment in Nepal included women, dalits, indigenous people or people with disabilities.

They are facing increased challenges when accessing urgently needed relief, it said.

"Survivors report that in some communities the aid effort has been politically manipulated. Those with 'muscle' -- political connections -- end up claiming desperately needed supplies meant for everyone. All actors involved in the relief and reconstruction effort must ensure that human rights principles are fully respected," said Bennett.

Protection and respect for human rights have been severely weakened by Nepal's unsettled political climate, leading to a governance vacuum at local levels, he said.

Amnesty also cautioned the Nepali government and army against playing politics over relief efforts.

"Under international law, Nepal has a duty to ensure that aid reaches those who need it -- regardless of where it is coming from. Playing politics with people's lives is deplorable," Bennett said.