Sep 24, Kathmandu - As Prime Minister Balendra Shah prepares to address the 81st United Nations General Assembly, 17 human rights and civil society representatives have issued a joint statement urging international action on climate justice, disaster management, and Nepal’s ongoing climate and flood crises.

The representatives emphasized the need for Nepal to confidently present its disaster and climate challenges on the global stage, especially following the devastating floods caused by an avalanche in the Bhote Koshi River that claimed over 1,400 lives and displaced thousands in districts like Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading.

In their statement released Thursday, they called on the international community to support Nepal’s efforts in search, rescue, and reconstruction, highlighting the importance of sharing Nepal’s experiences with the world at the upcoming UN assembly.

The group also urged Prime Minister Shah to advocate for justice regarding the $2 million compensation claim Nepal filed with the international Loss and Damage Fund for climate-induced disasters. Despite Nepal’s minimal contribution to global warming, melting glaciers in the Himalayas threaten river civilizations and pose significant flood risks, they noted.

Furthermore, they appealed for increased grant assistance for post-flood rehabilitation, early warning systems across borders, and infrastructure rebuilding initiatives. They emphasized the importance of reaffirming commitments to the Paris Agreement and other international accords, recalling past climate forums such as the Kalapathar Meeting, Sagarmatha Dialogue, and Gharpajhong Climate Conference.

The representatives also called for the government to enhance internal disaster relief and recovery efforts, urging the immediate publication of a comprehensive disaster risk reduction plan.

Signatories of the joint appeal include former Commissioner Sushil Pyakurel, senior lawyer Dinesh Tripathi, Som Niraula, Shovakar Budhathoki, Sabitri Thapa, Krishna Gautam, Indu Tuladhar, Abhishek Adhikari, Aayush Baral, Nitu Pokhrel, Bhagwati Adhikari, Monika Niraula, Ramesh Adhikari, Riya Baniya, Shiva Khakurel, Shyam Kumari Shah, and Sushil BK.