Refugees International will travel to Nepal in June to assess conditions for internally displaced persons fleeing as a result of the decade long conflict between the Government and Maoist insurgents. The conflict has led to a breakdown of economic and social structures so people remaining in rural areas are increasingly vulnerable. This will be Refugees International’s first mission to Nepal.

It is estimated that there are around 200,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nepal and up to two million Nepalis who have crossed into India. Conflict-induced displacement in Nepal is quite complex. Both wealthy and poor individuals have become IDPs. Many end up in district headquarters or larger towns with almost no access to assistance. Many flee to India. Nepal and India share an open border, so Nepalis are able to freely move back and forth. This “safety valve” has disguised the magnitude of conflict-induced displacement in Nepal, and as a result, there seems to be no coherent humanitarian response by the Government of Nepal or the international community.

RI will also assess protection concerns of the IDPs, particularly women and children. There are reports that IDP women and children are vulnerable to trafficking, becoming bonded laborers and other forms of exploitation.