Nepal

Operational environment

The current stable environment in Nepal is expected to positively impact the operational environment for UNHCR. The implementation of federalization and the devolution of authority to local governance structures is expected to offer opportunities for further collaboration with the local authorities on refugee issues and with development actors based on the principle of leaving no one behind.
 
For decades, Nepal has been a generous host to refugees, particularly to the over 100,000 refugees from Bhutan, of whom over 90 per cent have now been resettled to third countries. Those who remain in Nepal enjoy access to local health, education, financial, and social services.
 
UNHCR’s strategic direction for 2019 is fully congruent with UNHCR’s focus on the principles of protect, include, empower and solve. UNHCR will place emphasis on: achieving solutions for long-staying refugees; empowerment and self-reliance through greater livelihood opportunities and enhancing community based protection; reinforcing inclusion with enhanced access to public services and synergy with host communities; enhancing partnership, including further engagement with development actors and development processes (UNDAF, SDGs); enhancing access to legal identity including birth registration; and preserving asylum space. The strategy was developed in consultation with the Government, donors, the diplomatic community, NGO partners and persons of concern.

Key priorities

In 2019, UNHCR is committed to achieving lasting solutions for the remaining Bhutanese refugees by engaging the government of Bhutan on voluntary return, and building refugees’ self-reliance and cohesion with the local community. UNHCR will emphasize access to livelihoods, inclusion in local services, and synergies with the host community in its response in Nepal.