IOM, UNHCR, WFP warn of suspending support to refugees
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representation in Nepal and the UN World
Food Programme (WFP) in joint statement Tuesday warned that continued
intimidation and attacks on IOM might eventually have consequences on all
programme delivery for refugee operation - not just the resettlement
process.
The statement came a day after the bombing at the IOM office premises and
bus parking area in Damak. The three agencies in their joint statement
termed the attack as an act of senseless violence.
The three explosions caused minor damage to the office building but hurt
no one. The statement said investigations on the incidents were ongoing.
"The IOM, UNHCR and WFP are shocked and outraged by this senseless attack
which is aimed at undermining the humanitarian efforts by the UN agencies
and the international community to aid refugees from Bhutan who have been
through decades of suffering in camps in eastern Nepal," the statement
read.
IOM, UNHCR and WFP also expressed serious concern as the incidents
represent attacks on the international community and heinous crimes
against humanitarian assistance and strongly urged all concerned parties
to immediately stop such cowardly attacks.
"It is the free choice of each refugee and his/her family whether they
would like to be considered for resettlement to third countries. Neither
the individuals opting for resettlement nor the agencies facilitating this
process should be intimidated or threatened," they said.
A Terai based armed group Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (Jwala Singh) has
claimed the responsibility for bomb attack. nepalnews.com ia July 01 08
Related news
- Explosion at IOM office in Damak
