Plan Nepal operations suspended
Against a worsening security situation, Plan has decided to temporarily suspend all operations in the Bara District of Nepal — at least until after Nepal's Constituent Assembly elections take place in November 2007.
September 25, 2007
Nepal: Bara operations suspended as Plan staff threatened
Against a worsening security situation, Plan has suspended operations in Bara Program Unit in the south of the Nepal following threats to staff.
The situation
Demands from the Teraian (Madhesi) people for an independent Madhesh state have fueled the emergence of more than 20 armed groups responsible for the abduction and killing of villagers, especially among the hill tribes. Impromptu strikes have also disrupted services in and around the district.
Plan is the largest visible organization in the district - other agencies have either withdrawn or are managing projects from a distance - which makes us particularly vulnerable. The upcoming Constituent-Assembly elections means there is no support or security available from the government. Dealing with increasing phone threats to senior staff has become a real issue for the smooth operation of the program in the area.
Plan Nepal management has therefore put programs in Bara District on hold until the Constituent Assembly elections take place in November 2007. The Country Management Team has also organized a thorough review of the security situation and the risks for Plan staff and property.
Sponsorship
Over 5,400 children in Bara participate in Plan’s sponsorship program. We are asking all of our sponsors for their continued support as we await further information from our office in Nepal. Scheduled communications will be on hold until further notice.
Staff relocated
Most staff members, including the Program Manager, who received death threats have been relocated to nearby program units or to other safe areas.
Learn more about Plan's work in Nepal.
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The situation
Demands from the Teraian (Madhesi) people for an independent Madhesh state have fueled the emergence of more than 20 armed groups responsible for the abduction and killing of villagers, especially among the hill tribes. Impromptu strikes have also disrupted services in and around the district.
Plan is the largest visible organization in the district - other agencies have either withdrawn or are managing projects from a distance - which makes us particularly vulnerable. The upcoming Constituent-Assembly elections means there is no support or security available from the government. Dealing with increasing phone threats to senior staff has become a real issue for the smooth operation of the program in the area.
Plan Nepal management has therefore put programs in Bara District on hold until the Constituent Assembly elections take place in November 2007. The Country Management Team has also organized a thorough review of the security situation and the risks for Plan staff and property.
Sponsorship
Over 5,400 children in Bara participate in Plan’s sponsorship program. We are asking all of our sponsors for their continued support as we await further information from our office in Nepal. Scheduled communications will be on hold until further notice.
Staff relocated
Most staff members, including the Program Manager, who received death threats have been relocated to nearby program units or to other safe areas.
Learn more about Plan's work in Nepal.
Back to top
