UNHCR, IOM and WFP denounce bomb explosions (Update)

Kathmandu, July 1: Terming the incident as an ‘act of senseless violence’, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) have denounced the bomb attack at the Damak-based IOM office premises on Monday night.

The agencies also confirmed that the three explosions caused minor damage to the office building and no human casualty was reported.

 “The IOM, UNHCR and WFP are shocked and outraged by this senseless attack which is aimed at undermining the humanitarian efforts by the UN agencies and the international community to aid refugees from Bhutan who have been through decades of suffering in camps in eastern Nepal”, reads a joint statement.

The agencies further said this is the third time that the IOM has been deliberately attacked. The former two attacks were on the IOM buses on 05 May 2008, near the Khudunabari in Jhapa district, and on 21 May 2008 near Morang-based Sanischare camp.

The agencies also expressed serious concern as the incidents represent attacks on the international community and heinous crimes against humanitarian assistance.

“The agencies strongly urge all concerned parties to immediately stop such cowardly attacks”, reads the statement, adding- “It is the free choice of each refugee and his/her family whether they would like to be considered for resettlement to third countries. Neither the individuals opting for resettlement nor the agencies facilitating this process should be intimidated or threatened”

The agencies also warned that continued intimidation and attacks on IOM may eventually have consequences on all programs delivery for refugee operation – not just the resettlement component. Bhutan News Service