Japan, ADB assistance for displaced in Nepal

Singapore, Oct 19 (UNI) The displaced in Nepal as a result of turbulent political and social conditions are being provided assistance, courtesy the Japanese government and the Asian Development Bank.

Both have joined hands to assist Nepal in providing protection to families and children displaced by conflicts brought about by extensive political, social and economic changes.

The project Strengthening Decentralized Support for Vulnerable and Conflict-Affected Families and Children, estimated to cost 3.08 million dollars, will avail of a 2 million dollars grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction to be managed by ADB.

The United Nations Children's Fund will provide 200,000 dollars in assistance. The Nepal Government and concerned communities will cover the remaining balance.

The overall goal of the project is to improve the situation of conflict-affected and vulnerable families and children in a sustainable manner, said Axel Weber, social protection specialist of ADB's South Asia Department.

The project will strengthen the legal framework and capacity of decentralized social services and to pilot an effective child and family protection and support system in five districts of Nepal, with special focus on quality, participation and sustainability.

The armed conflict in Nepal resulted in increased numbers of internally displaced people, especially children separated from their families in both urban and rural areas. It is estimated that there are 100,000-200,000 internally displaced people in Nepal.

Children Win, a local child-support non-government organization, estimates that 40,000 children have been displaced since 1996.

The project will also help the Nepal Government improve the quality of social services for the poor through elaboration of legal regulations on quality standards and licensing, and helping enhance services like education and health care.

UNI