UN agencies to launch media campaign for displaced

Kathmandu, Dec 5 (UNI) In an attempt to ensure the safe and voluntary return of internally-displaced people who left due to the Maoist conflict in Nepal, United Nations agencies will launch a three-week media campaign aimed at generating awareness that their rights will be protected upon return.

The OHCHR, UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) have jointly launched the programme.

''In the next three weeks, Nepali people will watch on television and listen on the radio a short one-minute slot aimed at raising awareness that the Nepali nationals have the right to choose to return to their home in a safe and dignified way and to know that their rights will be protected upon return,'' said Kieran Dwyer, Spokesperson at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal.

''A new and comprehensive policy on internally displaced persons must be agreed upon,'' urged Mr Dwyer.

Thousands of people have been internally displaced since the Maoists insurgency began in 1996.

More than 13,000 have been killed in the insurgency. The government and the Maoists have joined hands to make the King powerless and hold election to the Constituent Assembly to write a new Constitution that will decide the fate of the 239-year-old monarchy of the Himalayan nation.

UNI XC KD HS1433