NATIONAL DISSEMINATION of Research on “Impact of Nepal’s 2015 Earthquake on Older People and Persons with Disabilities”

“The research on Impact of Earthquake on Older People (OPs) and person with disabilities, a research first of its kind has become the baseline showcasing need for advocacy and further research in the issues of inclusion of OPs and person with disabilities in general and during humanitarian assistance post disaster,” concluded Dr. Gauri Shankar Lal Das, President, NASCIF unveiling the report on “Impact of Earthquake on Older People and Person with Disabilities, 2015”  during the National Dissemination of the research findings on 27 April, 2016 at Hotel Greenwhich Village, Sanepa Lalitpur.

The research was joint initiative of HelpAge International (HAI), Christian Blind Mission (CBM) and National Disaster Risk Reduction Centre (NDRC) conducted in seven most earthquake affected districts namely, Gorkha, Sindhupalchwok, Kavre, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Makwanpur. It looked into impacts of the earthquake, the issues of inclusion of OPs and PwDs during humanitarian assistance post earthquake and how gender and ethnicity factor into the impact.

The study found that regular distribution of allowance and CASH distribution by some agencies were crucial to maintain self esteem of OPs and Person with disabilities. Nonetheless, disproportionately affected by the earthquake, OPs and person with disabilities experienced exclusion during humanitarian response/assistance due to geography, distant distribution point, data gap and blanket approach and inadequate positive discrimination by humanitarian agencies.

The participants from different government and non government organizations and media raised their concerns on inclusion of Sex/Gender Based Violence issues to be covered in the study along with pointing out priority areas for intervention, further research and advocacy.

Mr. Subedi, NFDN concluding the program said, “The humanitarian and development agencies should acknowledge the knowledge possessed by and expertise of civil society. To have inclusive society, in line with recommendations made by the research, a collaborative effort is to be made by all while acknowledging strength of civil society.”