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DPNet-Nepal Conducts Sphere Standard Sensitization Program to Enhance Humanitarian Response in Province-2

Janakpur, Nepal - On 29th February 2020, DPNet-Nepal successfully organized a one-day Sphere Standard Sensitization program in Janakpur. The event, facilitated by Mr. Bishnu Prasad Timilsina, Consultant, and Ms. Luna Khadka, Program Coordinator of DPNet-Nepal, saw the active participation of 46 individuals, comprising 15 females and 31 males. Representing government agencies, security agencies, NGOs, UN agencies, and media organizations working in Province-2, the participants gathered valuable insights. The program was chaired by Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of DPNet-Nepal, with the honorable presence of Mr. Ram Singh Yadav, Former State Minister for Health, as the Chief Guest. Dignitaries including Mr. Ganesh Mishra, DRR Focal Person and Administrative Officer of District Administration Office, Dhanusha, Mr. Biadyanath Jha, Central Secretary of NGO Federation, Ms. Anju Jha and Mr. Ram Chandra Sah, Central Members of NGO Federation, Mr. Dhirendra Bahadur Singh, Chairperson of NGO Federation, Province-2, and Mr. Suresh Yadav, Chairperson of NGO Federation of Dhanusha, graced the program as esteemed guests.

The program commenced with an introduction to the event and the participants, followed by presentations on the Sphere Standard. The session aimed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of the Sphere Handbook 2018, including its four technical chapters. Participants also had the opportunity to share their experiences regarding humanitarian response and the Sphere Standard. The participants' knowledge varied, with some possessing a strong understanding of the Sphere standards and companion standards, while others were new to the topic. The program adopted a participatory approach, allowing participants ample time and space to share their experiences, ask questions, and provide feedback.

One of the participants expressed her appreciation for the event, stating that DPNet-Nepal had increased her appetite to explore and learn more about the Sphere Standard. She extended her gratitude to DPNet-Nepal for organizing the program in Province-2.

In his remarks, Mr. Dhirendra B Singh requested DPNet-Nepal to develop Sphere human resources in Province-2. Similarly, Mr. Baidya Nath Chaudhary emphasized the need to localize the Sphere Standard. He suggested translating the standard into Nepali and further translating it into the Maithili language to effectively disseminate the message across the 136 local levels of Province-2. Mr. Chaudhary also pledged his commitment to supporting the Sphere Standard in Province-2.

Mr. Ganesh Mishra emphasized the importance of implementing the right to live with dignity during humanitarian assistance, viewing affected individuals as empowered individuals rather than victims of disasters. He also highlighted the activation of 18 Local Disaster Management Committees (LDMCs) in the Dhanusha district and stressed the necessity of informing them about the Sphere Standards.

As the chief guest, Mr. Ram Singh Yadav emphasized that knowledge of the Sphere Standard would enable better support to communities, emphasizing the significance of delivering need-based assistance, no matter how small.

During his address, Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of the program, briefly outlined the legal provisions of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRR&M). He emphasized the establishment of DRR platforms at the provincial and local levels, stressing the implementation of minimum standards tailored to the local context. Mr. Thapa expressed his gratitude to all participants and thanked Sphere Nepal and the contributing agencies for their support in organizing the event.

The program received support from 11 contributing agencies, including Action Aid, Caritas, Christian Aid, Dan Church Aid, International Nepal Fellowship, Lutheran World Federation, OXFAM, Plan International, Save the Children, UNICEF, and World Vision International. Their collaboration played a vital role in ensuring the success of the event, ultimately strengthening the capacity for effective humanitarian response in Province 2.