Guterres visit and Nepal

During the visit of the Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres to Nepal, two issues mainly gained prominence. First, transitional justice under the embattled peace process in Nepal. Second, the issue of climate change. The League of Nations has been interested in the first issue since its inception. Especially since the Maoists came to the peace process, the United Nations Mission UNMIN has been coordinating the management of fighters and weapons in Nepal. The question of transitional justice under it has been entangled for years.

Secretary General Guterres suggested to resolve the tangled issues with some theoretical standards during the high-level political meeting in Nepal. It was suggested that the last knot of the peace process should be taken into consideration, taking into consideration the concerns of the conflict victims, the order of the Supreme Court and the international standards. The parties here have not been able to agree on these basic criteria. Now the second but very important topic of Secretary General Guterres’ visit will be discussed.

During the four-day tour, he reached the Khumbu region of the highest peak, Everest, and the base camp of the Annapurna mountain the next day. Addressing the joint meeting of the Parliament, he said that Nepal has lost almost one-third of its glaciers in a period of thirty years. Reaching the ice field, he not only visualized the ice range, but also raised his voice in such a way that the world would understand how climate change is melting the mountains and glaciers.

It is a highly diplomatic visit to a country sandwiched between two big neighbours. It will promote the culture and tourism of the country internally. There will be more study, discovery and visit about tourist landmarks and destinations of Nepal from different angles. Through this level of diplomatic communication, even the neighboring countries will show special interest and activity in the development and prosperity of Nepal. It will also add energy to the neighbors to understand the impact of climate change on Nepal and cooperate on the world stage for its mitigation.

Climate change, seen as a global crisis, has been affecting Nepal for years. Snow and glaciers are melting rapidly in Nepal. Landslides have occurred in the highlands and central areas. Flooding in the lower coastal areas has been causing great damage to people’s wealth. Climate conditions such as hot summer, unseasonal and heavy rains are threatening the life of Nepalese people.

Secretary General Guterres visited the base camps of Everest and Annapurna and understood the direct effects of climate change with the local residents. His expressions seem simple, logical and factual. Reaching Sangboche in Khumbu the day before, he said – the melting of the ice means flooding of fragrant lakes and rivers, sweeping away entire communities. Seas are rising rapidly, threatening coastal communities around the world. The crisis is accelerating.

A country like Nepal should also do international lobbying in order to release and increase funds from various funds that stand for climate change mitigation and climate adaptation. If we cannot create pressure with a detailed report on where climate change has caused damage and what are its factors, this time too, achievement may not be achieved. In the past, the government has not been able to convey to the international community the issue of more than 2 billion rupees caused by the severe floods and landslides in Helambu and Melamchi. Internal budget alone is not enough to compensate for such tragic events.