As Nepal's climate continues to warm, the silent danger of venomous snakes in unexpected places is becoming a growing concern. The challenge ahead lies not only in monitoring their movement but in adapting healthcare systems to meet the threat slithering steadily uphill.
Though Nepal has introduced climate budget tagging to track climate-related public spending, gaps remain in strategy, transparency, and alignment with national climate goals.
Meanwhile, UNHCR alongside partners is working to address the urgent needs of those arriving – food, water, shelter, protection. However its programmes are also under severe strain due to limited funding.
Since the military coup in February 2021, nearly 6,800 civilians have been killed and over 22,000 remain arbitrarily detained, he said. Humanitarian needs have soared, with nearly 22 million people in need of assistance and more than 3.5 million displaced by conflict.
Meanwhile, the de facto authorities have conveyed grievances around frozen assets, sanctions, non-recognition, the need for greater development assistance, and an end to aid dependency.
Many families, desperate for closure or suspicious of the remains' authenticity, choose to cut open the coffins themselves, sometimes in the presence of local morgue workers or relatives.
International partners and humanitarian organisations have indicated their willingness to stay engaged for the long haul. Plans are underway for coordinated rebuilding efforts, assessment of ongoing needs, and development of resilient infrastructure to withstand future disasters.