‘Holding centre should not be the last address of citizens’: Suhang Nembang

Kathmandu. CPN-UML lawmaker Suhang Nembang has said that the holding center should not be the last place for the citizens.

While putting his views in the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Committees, he argued that the responsibility of the state was not only to provide shelter for some time.

Giving some suggestions to the state, he said it would be the responsibility of the state to assure the citizens that they can return to their own life with dignity.

“We also saw some positive aspects during the on-site inspection. Food, health care, security and special attention have been paid to some sensitive groups,” he said.

Stating that the question of human rights would not end there, he said that keeping the citizens safe for some time and creating conditions in which the citizens can live with dignity is a different matter.

“In some places, joint families have to stay in a single tent or in a limited place. There is a lack of privacy. There is a problem of ventilation in some places and there is a risk of rain. There is a question about the continuity of children’s education. It is difficult for the citizens who go to work and earn a living,” he said.

Stating that Article 16 of the Constitution of Nepal has guaranteed the right to live with dignity, he reminded that Article 37 has guaranteed the right to housing as a fundamental right and Article 39 has guaranteed the protection and right to education of children.

Here are Suhang’s suggestions

1. Work procedures should be formulated with minimum human rights standards.

2. Each family should be given a clear resettlement plan and timeline.

3. Ensure education, health, employment and psychosocial support as rights.

4. Involve the affected communities in the decision-making process.