Embassy Highlights
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U.S. Provides $50,000 in Flood Relief to Nepal August 20, 2008
In response to a request from United States Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) has authorized the immediate release of $50,000 to provide emergency relief supplies to the victims of the flood in eastern Nepal.
Save the Children, in partnership with the Nepal Red Cross, will use the U.S. disaster assistance money for local purchase and transport of relief supplies, including blankets and shelter for the Nepalis who lost their homes in the flooding of August 18, 2008. The Koshi River broke through a retaining wall and flooded 8 villages in Sunsari District, forcing as many as 50,000 Nepalis to flee their homes. The Nepal Red Cross and Save the Children have already started distributing emergency relief supplies prepositioned for disaster relief by OFDA to Nepal.
By using the U.S. disaster assistance funds for local procurement, relief officials can quickly get the most urgently needed supplies to the Nepalis who need it the most. "The key is speed and flexibility in meeting the immediate relief needs of the villagers," said an USAID official. "The people in Sunsari need help now and this money will help us provide that immediate help."
The U.S. is prepared to provide additional assistance if needed, according to the USAID official. The $50,000 of U.S. disaster assistance is intended not for long term development but immediate relief for the victims of the flooding in Nepal.
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U.S. Congratulates People of Nepal on Election of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal August 15, 2008 The United States congratulates the people of Nepal and their Constituent Assembly on the election of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. We hope that election of the Prime Minister removes the last barrier to speedy formation of a government, constructive action on key issues facing Nepal, and a start on the difficult but necessary task of drafting Nepal's new constitution. The United States will continue its strong support for peace, democracy, human rights and development in Nepal. We look forward to working with the new government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal and building upon the historic ties between our peoples.
U.S. Congratulates CA and the People of Nepal on Election of a President July 22, 2008 
The United States congratulates the members of the Constituent Assembly and the people of Nepal on the successful election of a President, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav. With a President, and a Vice President, duly elected, the Constituent Assembly can now undertake the next essential steps in the formation of a new government to provide the services and security the people deserve, and to begin the simultaneous work of drafting a new constitution. U.S. Recognizes three Nepali Heroes who fight Trafficking in Nepal June 5, 2008 On Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice released the eighth annual Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report. In this year’s report, three Nepalis - Bhim Lama, Ganesh Shrestha, and Kumar Giri - of the Esther Benjamins Memorial Foundation Rescue Team, are honored as heroes in combating trafficking. There is no change in the designation of Nepal as a Tier 2 country reflecting the country’s efforts and challenges in eliminating trafficking in 2007. The complete Nepal chapter of the new Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report (attached) notes a growing internal child sex tourism problem in Nepal, but credits the government of Nepal with the enactment of the comprehensive Trafficking in Persons and Transportation (Control) Act in 2007. In Fiscal Year 2007, the U.S. Government spent approximately $79 million to fund 180 projects in about 90 countries to support foreign government and NGO efforts to combat human trafficking. Since Fiscal Year 2001, the USG has funded more than $528 million for anti-TIP projects outside the United States. Moreover, U.S. Government efforts to promote the rule of law and economic reforms in many countries help reduce the conditions which facilitate trafficking. This year's Trafficking in Persons Report features 170 countries and is the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons, a modern-day form of slavery. Its findings are intended to raise global awareness and spur countries to take effective actions to counter trafficking in persons. The United States estimates that each year, approximately 800,000 people are trafficked across national borders, which does not include millions trafficked within their own countries. Human trafficking victims can be subjected to labor exploitation or sexual exploitation, or both. This year's report includes a particular focus on issues related to forced labor - an issue germane to Nepal. This form of modern-day slavery, involving millions of people every year, continues to be a problem in nearly every country in the world and traffickers continue to search for new opportunities to exploit men, women, and children. The crime of human trafficking adversely affects us all. It deprives people of their most basic human rights and freedoms, it poses a public health risk, and it is a major source of illicit revenue for organized crime. It is a problem that can't be ignored by any of us in the world community. To that end, the U.S. is proud to be able to recognize the extraordinary efforts of these three Nepali Heroes. Bhim Lama, Ganesh Shrestha, and Kumar Giri are being recognized for their work in rescuing over 280 Nepali Children from Indian circuses. Amidst threats of beatings and intimidation, the trio made over 40 rescue missions into Indian circuses to liberate Nepali girls and boys from lives of misery. Most of the children were trafficked at the age of 8 or 9, although some were as young as 5 when they were sold off. Professional agents tricked their impoverished and illiterate parents into handing them over to the circus for just a few dollars. In reality, they were handing over their children to a life of malnourishment, harsh training schedules and vicious beatings by the circus staff. Frequently the girls were also sexually assaulted. The full text of the Report and photos of human trafficking themes are available on the State Department's website, http://www.state.gov/g/tip. The three Nepali heroes are part of the Esther Benjamins Memorial Foundation Rescue Team whose work saving Nepali trafficking victims is featured on the Foundation’s website at http://www.ebtrust.org.uk/site/pact.htm# The Nepal chapter of the Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report, in English and in Nepali, may be found at http://nepal.usembassy.gov . U.S.A. Congratulates the People of Nepal May 29, 2008 The United States of America congratulates the people of Nepal on the Constituent Assembly's first step in definning a new, democratic Nepal with the declaration of a republic on May 28. This is another exciting milestone in Nepal's democratic development. We encourage the representatives of the CA to continue their work to fulfill the peoples' desire for peace, democracy and development in Nepal. Deputy Assistant Secretary Feigenbaum Visits Nepal May 24, 2008 U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Evan A. Feigenbaum arrived in Kathmandu on May 24 for a three day visit. Dr. Feigenbaum plans to meet the leaders of the four largest political parties in Nepal to discuss the formation of a new interim government, the need to end political violence, and efforts to craft a new democratic constitution. Dr. Feigenbaum will also review recent U.S.-funded projects to support participatory democracy in Nepal, including the launch of a community radio station in Humla. Dr. Feigenbaum joined the Bureau of South and Central Asian affairs in early 2006, following his service on the Secretary of State's Policy Planning Staff. He has principal responsibility for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives as well as Regional Affairs. He was previously the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State responsible for Central Asia. Dr. Feigenbaum, who earned his PhD. in political science from Stanford University, is making his first visit to Nepal as Deputy Assistant Secretary but conducted research in Nepal during his prior career.
U.S. Ambassador Powell Meets with CPN-M Chairman Pushpa Dahal May 2, 2008 U.S. Ambassador Nancy Powell met yesterday with CPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal to discuss the outcome of the April 10 elections, CPN-M plans for the Constituent Assembly, and the future of U.S.-Nepal relations. This was their first meeting. The meeting occurred in advance of Powell’s return to the United States for consultations on U.S.-Nepal relations. Powell provided an overview of current U.S. government assistance to Nepal designed to help create a more prosperous, democratic, and stable Nepal. She sought assurances that the new government would respect current donor agreements and ensure the safety of those implementing them. She encouraged Dahal to ensure that all Maoist organizations illustrate their commitment to the political process through their words and actions.
U.s. Cultural Envoy Inaugurates KJC June 9, 2008
| "U.S. Cultural Envoy Dr. Gene Aitken begins his first day in Nepal by cutting the ribbon to inaugurate the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory" |
In the presence of Ambassador Nancy J. Powell and other music enthusiasts, U.S. Cultural Envoy Dr. Gene Aitken inaugurated the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (KJC) on Monday, June 9 at its premises at Lalitpur. Cultural Envoys are American performing and visual artists, arts managers and educators who travel abroad for short-term residencies to conduct workshops, master classes, present seminars, or deliver lectures. These activities are conducted in diverse fields such as film, intellectual property rights, video art, sculpture, painting, cultural preservation and heritage, conservation, museum administration, theater, modern dance, music, arts management and education to build and strengthen relationships between U.S. and foreign countries. At the opening of the program, Dr. Aitken donated music instruments and related materials to KJC. Dr. Aitken will also contribute two weeks of his time to the Conservatory. He will conduct music teacher training at KJC, and will teach choirs, coach ensembles, conduct private lessons and manage workshops during his tenure at KJC, including a 10-day workshop for over 50 music teachers and Nepali jazz educators.
United States Congratulates People of Nepal April 11, 2008 The United States heartily congratulates the people of Nepal on their successful Constituent Assembly election on April 10. After nearly a decade since the last general election and more than half a century of demanding the opportunity to elect representatives to draft a constitution, the voters have spoken. Despite pre-election violence and intimidation and the regrettable death of candidates and party workers, only a small percentage of polling stations will require re-polling. Overwhelmingly across the country men and women were able to cast their ballots in a peaceful and orderly way. This represents an historic achievement and is a tribute to the courage of the Nepali people and the conduct of the Election Commission. Nepal has taken a huge step forward on the path of peace and democracy. In the days and weeks to come as the votes are counted, we urge patience and respect for the results. We stand ready to assist the people of Nepal in their pursuit of a more peaceful, democratic and prosperous future.
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