Kathmandu [Nepal], September 10 – Members of National Assembly have called for evidence-based international advocacy for climate justice saying the devastating Bhotekoshi floods highlight the country’s vulnerability to climate change.
Speaking during the special hour of the National Assembly meeting on Thursday lawmaker Sunil Bahadur Thapa said seeking financial support from climate funds should be viewed as part of climate justice not as begging. He urged the government to prepare credible evidence, statistics and detailed groundwork to strengthen Nepal’s case internationally.
Lawmaker Nar Bahadur Bista criticised the government for focusing more on campaigning for the 2084 BS election than on supporting flood survivors. He also raised concerns over the distribution of cooking gas and urged the government to facilitate the operation of a hydropower project in Simkot, Humla.
Ram Kumari Jhankri said the impact of climate change which is closely linked to poverty required greater attention. She said international solidarity following the floods should translate into concrete cooperation.
Bishnukumari Sapkota called for protection of people displaced by the floods and greater deployment of workers and equipment for reconstruction.
Rajendra Laxmi Gaire said people were still waiting for search and rescue despite helicopters flying over flood-hit areas of Rasuwa.
