To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment his Department has made of the humanitarian situation in Nepal following the 2006 peace accord; and if he will make a statement. (192648)

The Department for International Development (DFID), like other international donors, monitors the humanitarian situation in Nepal primarily through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA provides leadership to and co-ordination of the international humanitarian community, and works with DFID and other international bodies to monitor and respond to emerging and ongoing humanitarian crises.

In this role, OCHA has conducted continuous assessments of the humanitarian situation in Nepal following the 2006 peace accord. Details of the most recent national assessment can be found in the UN Common Appeal for Nepal 2008:

http://ochaonline.un.org/cap2005/webpage.asp?Page=1649

This appeal provides a framework for a co-ordinated international response to humanitarian issues in Nepal. The appeal focuses on issues of particular importance in the short term, including food security, health, displacement, disaster preparedness, and protection. DFID is currently examining the appeal document to assess which elements it might support, and will continue to monitor the humanitarian situation jointly with OCHA and other partners.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment his Department has made of the humanitarian impact of (a) the Madhesi movement for increased autonomy and (b) conflict between the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and other rebel forces; what assistance his Department is providing to Nepal; and if he will make a statement. (192650)

The Department for International Development (DFID), like other international donors, monitors the humanitarian situation in Nepal primarily through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA provides leadership to and co-ordination of the international humanitarian community, and works with DFID and other international bodies to monitor and respond to emerging and ongoing humanitarian crises.

In this role, OCHA has conducted continuous assessments of the humanitarian impact of both the recent Madhesi movement for increased autonomy in the south of Nepal and of the 10 year conflict between the Government and Maoist forces. Details of these assessments can be found in the UN Common Appeal for Nepal 2008:

http://ochaonline.un.org/cap2005/webpage.asp?Paqe=1649

In the past financial year DFID has provided £53 million of support for Nepal, making it the largest bilateral donor to the country. This funding supports the implementation of the peace process (including the elections); support to improved governance, including in public financial management; provision of essential services like health and education, road building and other infrastructure, and support to improved livelihoods and greater economic opportunity for poor people.