Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP): Common Appeal for Transition Support: Mid-Year Review of the Appeal 2008 for Nepal

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The beginning of 2008 brought landmark achievements in Nepal's peace process, and significant change in the political landscape, with the former insurgents emerging as the largest political party in national elections. However, forming a new government and managing the political transition from a centralised monarchy to a federal democratic republic remains a daunting task. The impact of national political changes has yet to reach the majority of Nepal's impoverished population, whose lives and livelihoods depend on continued humanitarian assistance.

The period leading up to the twice postponed Constituent Assembly (CA) elections was marred by tension and violence, but the 10 April elections were declared successful and credible by international observers. 25 parties entered the new 601-strong assembly, which is more representative than any previous legislative body due to complex quota regulations. The Assembly's main aim is to produce a new Constitution within two years, but also to govern the country in the interim period. The CA met for the first time on 28 May, and will have to resolve several key issues, including the restructuring and reform of practically all governance institutions down to local government and security bodies, in particular, determining the future of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Nepal Army. Two months after the elections, the previous Interim Government remains in place, as the major parties have been unable to find consensus on basic power sharing issues.

While the current mandate of the UN Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) will expire on 22 July 2008, the Secretary-General has noted that the UN stands ready to provide continued support for the completion and consolidation of the peace process and for the long-term development of Nepal. The UN is awaiting a request from the government regarding whatever assistance it deems necessary and until then, the future of UNMIN or a post-UNMIN presence remains uncertain. It is clear, however, that major challenges and uncertainties regarding the peace process remain.

Meanwhile, challenges of a humanitarian nature persist and have in some cases been exacerbated by recent developments. Despite some encouraging achievements in recent months and considerable efforts by the aid community, the resilience of the most vulnerable communities is fragile, and it is necessary to be alert and respond quickly to emerging needs, as food insecurity has worsened and has attained crisis proportions in some areas. This comes against a background of nutrition and morbidity indicators at emergency levels. Legacies from the conflict remain unattended, with continued needs of internally displaced persons (IDP) and conflict survivors. The resettlement of more than 100,000 refugees from Bhutan has just begun, but not without challenges. With weak institutions, armed groups operating freely in some areas, and widespread impunity, lawlessness looms large. The risk and high vulnerability associated with natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides adds to the challenge and calls for immediate action to prevent potential major loss of life. Also, there are 800,000 stateless persons in Nepal.

The humanitarian community in Nepal has pooled its resources to identify the most urgent needs and to provide an adequate response in the form of direct assistance, advocacy and preparedness. The revised requirements for the Appeal are US$1 104 million. To date, 39% funding has been raised to meet these needs, and $63 million to fund the gaps is still required. Only with commensurate resources can humanitarian action be provided to Nepal's poorest and most deprived, while the groundwork needs to be laid for a post-conflict Nepal that will be able to take on more of a role to protect its most vulnerable people on its own.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SOME BASIC FACTS ABOUT NEPAL

Table I. Requirements, Commitments/Contributions and Pledges by Thematic Area

Table II. Requirements, Commitments/Contributions and Pledges by Appealing Organisations

Table III.List of Appeal Projects (grouped by thematic area) with Funding Status

2. CHANGES IN THE CONTEXT AND HUMANITARIAN NEEDS

3. RESPONSE TO DATE, UPDATED STRATEGY AND RESPONSE PLANS

3.1 FUNDING ANALYSIS

3.2 UPDATED SECTOR RESPONSE PLANS

3.2.i Emergency Food Security and Nutrition

3.2.ii Protection (including child protection and prevention of violence against women)

3.2.iii Children Affected by Armed Conflict

3.2.iv Mine Action

3.2.v Emergency Health Preparedness and Response

3.2.vi Internally Displaced Persons

3.2.vii Refugees and Asylum Seekers

3.2.viii Natural Disaster Preparedness and Response

3.2.ix Coordination

4. CONCLUSION

5. NEW AND REVISED PROJECTS

ANNEX I. ADDITIONAL FUNDING TABLES

ANNEX II. ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Please note that appeals are revised regularly. The latest version of this document is available on http://www.humanitarianappeal.net

Note: The full text of this appeal is available on-line in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format and may also be downloaded in zipped MS Word format.

Full Original Mid-Year Review [pdf* format] [zipped MS Word format]

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For additional copies, please contact:

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
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Tel.: (41 22) 917.1972
Fax: (41 22) 917.0368
E-Mail: cap@reliefweb.int