For ten years in Nepal a Maoist insurgency fought to replace the monarchy with a communist republic. 13,000 died and 100,000 were displaced, with millions more affected by the conflict until peace was finally secured in 2007.

The International Rescue Committee began work in Nepal in November 2005 to promote reconciliation, strengthen peace and meet the basic needs of people affected by the conflict.

The IRC has worked with local communities to support the return of children to their families from fighting forces and to provide skills training and employment opportunities for young people. We also work to improve access to health services and help people returning home.

Additionally, the IRC has provided emergency disaster relief in Nepal during floods in 2006, 2007 and most recently in Surkhet and Sunsari following the bursting of the Koshi dam on the Saptakoshi river that also led to widespread flooding in Bihar, India. We have also responded to unrest and violence in the southern Terai region.