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Summary

This report highlights the key activities and discussions held during DPNet’s 14th General Assembly and the subsequent revision discussion on the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) with Nepal stakeholders. The General Assembly, conducted on January 20, 2023, at the Everest Hotel in Kathmandu, saw participation from high-level officials, disaster management experts, and organization representatives. The assembly focused on enhancing local community involvement in disaster preparedness and management, with presentations emphasizing the importance of Core Humanitarian Standards, leadership, community participation, gender and social inclusion, and the crucial role of DPNet in fostering a culture of safety across government tiers. The event, enriched with insights from various experts, underscored the need for continuous efforts in disaster prevention, climate change adaptation, and promoting a whole-of-society approach to developing disaster-resilient communities.

Furthermore, a vital discussion aimed at gathering input from stakeholders for the revision of the CHS, supported by OXFAM Nepal. This initiative saw contributions from over 70 participants from the humanitarian sector and government agencies, discussing the CHS revision process through virtual platforms and focused breakout sessions during the workshop. The sessions were structured around the experiences and insights on humanitarian interventions in Nepal, especially reflecting on the 2015 Gorkha earthquake crisis scenario. The comprehensive discussions led to a 29-page report outlining recommendations for revising the CHS, touching on critical themes such as Data Protection and Privacy, Dignified Life for Disaster-Affected People, Localization, Community Engagement, Environmental Sustainability, Gender Equality, and Accountability to Affected Populations. This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards refining the CHS to better align with the specific needs and experiences of the humanitarian sector in Nepal, emphasizing community participation, cultural sensitivity, environmental sustainability, and a more inclusive approach towards disaster risk reduction.