Aid agencies express commitment to maintain transparency in their operation
Donor agencies working in Nepal unveiled their Basic Operating Guidelines (BOGs) for the second time in four years at a press conference held in Kathmandu on Monday.
The United Nations, bilateral donors and international non-government organisations have agreed to and signed a single set of guidelines this time. They also reaffirmed their commitment to operate in all areas of Nepal in transparent and inclusive manner.
“We express our commitment to operate in all areas of Nepal including the most troubled among them in a transparent and inclusive manner,” said Gillian Mellsop, Acting UN Resident Representative/Humanitarian Coordinator, adding, “We also urge all actors in Nepal to comply strictly with international humanitarian principles and human rights laws and allow full access by development and humanitarian personnel to assist poor people.”
The Guidelines were signed by development agencies in 2003 for the first time allowing the agencies’ impartial development work to continue during conflict.
“We republish these guidelines committed to respecting them and determined to focus on development activities that include the diverse groups that together constitute Nepali society,” added Dr. Shibesh Regmi, president of Association of International Non-governmental Organizations of Nepal (AIN), an umbrella of international NGOs.
“We remain impartial to all the parties and actors in the conflicts present in Nepal and look forward to their resolution through dialogue and understanding between all political and social groups. Our work will continue if the safety of our staff and their impartial work is respected by all Nepalis,” added Bella Bird, Head of DFID.
The BOG makes clear the operating principles of signatories concerning aid delivery, including the freedom to operate without hindrance. It also states that the United Nations, development organisations and humanitarian organisations must be free to assist beneficiaries, and implement projects impartially and independent of military and political interference. nepalnews.com ag Oct 15 07
