Nepal
Mobilising to reach the most vulnerable
© C. Acworth/Handicap International |
Nepal has been hit hard by a civil war which has claimed the lives of over 13,000 people since 1996. Since the “popular movement” swept across the country in April 2006, forcing a change of government, a fragile ceasefire has been in place. The ceasefire has allowed us to step up support for people affected by the conflict who until now have been very isolated.
Handicap International is supporting the Nepalese physical rehabilitation services by supporting five physical rehabilitation centres in different regions of the country, training local medical professionals and improving patient access to specialised services. Since 2000, we have also carried out community-based initiatives with around twenty local partner organisations, in the fields of community-based rehabilitation, disabilities prevention and awareness raising campaigns, and the inclusion of people with disabilities as full stakeholders in community, social and socio-economic life.
Key Facts - Nepal
• Population: 29.9 million
• Household Consumption: $638 per year
• Life Expectancy: 68 years
• Human Development: ranked 138th out of 169 countries
Source: UNDP HDR 2011
Inclusion of people with disabilities in emergency responseIn December 2007, Handicap International launched an inclusion project for disabled people involved in emergency situations in Nepal. Irina Ulmasova and Amina Bomzan, who are current in Nepal for Handicap International, explain more about the initiative.
Our projects
 | Developing physical rehabilitation services
The aim is to support three existing physical rehabilitation centres in the Eastern and South-Central regions and in Kathmandu, by providing personnel and equipment.
The project also works to Improve patient access to specialised services through decentralisation, networking, mobile services, listing and patient transport. |
 | Including disability in disaster management
Aims to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders involved in disaster management and local organisations working on disability to help them integrate disability into disaster planning. The project is also building the capacity of specific groups, including people with disabilities, to reduce their vulnerability in disaster situations and make them more prepared to face natural disasters. |
| Incorporating Disability into the development process
• Basic rehabilitation for people with physical disabilities.
• Community awareness raising and training on disability issues.
• Promotion of the concept of “rights and inclusion” in order to improve the inclusion and rights of people with disabilities.
• Reinforcement of Nepalese partner organisations through technical courses, practical training and capacity building. |
 | Promoting the rights of people with disabilities
Supporting disabled people’s organisations at local level to raise their awareness and bring them together to promote the rights of people with disabilities in line with the UN Convention. The project also aims to strengthen the quality, coverage and sustainability of activities set up for people with disabilities and victims of conflict, by encouraging the participation of civil society in advocacy on disability issues. |
