HATEYMALO ACCOMPANIMENT PROGRAMICRC’S COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT PROGRAM TO THE FAMILIES OF MISSING PERSONS IN NEPAL

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)G.P.O. Box No. 21225, Meen Bhawan, Naya BaneshworKathmandu, NepalT +977 1 4107285/4107279 F +977 1 4107137E-mail: kathmandu@icrc.org www.icrc.org© ICRC, November 2014

Cover photo: Bhava Nath Poudel/ICRC Bardia 2010. Wives and mothers of the missing meet to share their problems with one another.

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If we stay at home, we feel bad, so it’s nice to come together in the group sessions. We can share our problems with one another. We feel lighter in the meeting.

Relative of a missing person

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As per ICRC records, on July 2014, 1347 people remain unaccounted for since the ten-year armed conflict ended in 2006. Many families remain uncertain about the fate of their loved ones. Other families have learnt about the death of their family members but still yearn to know where their loved-ones are buried and to recover their remains. These families live with the pain caused by uncertainty and are unable to grieve.

To help these families, the ICRC has worked on clarifying the fate of their relatives during and after the armed conflict. In 2010, the ICRC launched an accompaniment program called Hateymalo. While providing

psychosocial support to the families of missing persons, the ICRC in collaboration with national non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) delivers psychological, economical, legal/administrative and socio-cultural support to them. With support groups being at the core of its multi-faceted interventions, the program helps families cope with their specific problems and rebuild social and community bonds.

The program has covered 43 districts and is currently active in 27 districts. By the end of 2015, more than 90% of the families of the missing will have been supported through this program.

INTRODUCTION

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Pilot phase (2010 August-2012 June), phased out• 267 families• in 28 VDCs (sub-districts)• 1 implementing partner NGO• 15 accompaniers• 2 supervisors

1st expansion (2011 March-2013 June), phased out• 348 families• in 110 VDCs• 5 implementing partner NGOs• 32 accompaniers• 10 supervisors

2nd expansion (November 2011- September 2014), phased out• 126 families• in 50 VDCs• 2 implementing partner NGOs• 12 accompaniers• 4 supervisors

QUICK FACTS

3rd expansion, on-going since March 2013• 252 families• in more than 150 VDCs• 9 implementing NRCS DCs and

1 NGO partner• 22 accompaniers• 9 supervisors• 5 admin and finance assistant• 9 focal people from NRCS District Chapters

4th expansion (2014 May-2015 October)- 337 families - 17 implementing partners- 41 accompaniers- 18 counsellors- 9 admin and finance assistants- 17 Focal persons

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Under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, families have the right to know about the fate of their missing relatives, including their whereabouts. If their relatives are dead, they have a right to know the circumstances of their death, and the place of burial if known. These families also need a proof of death to perform the final rites that are supposed to liberate the soul of the dead person, and to begin the grieving process.

The families of missing persons are usually facing economic hardships aggravated by the disappearance of their relative. In

particular, many families have no land or very small pieces of land, they live in small houses if they have one and have limited and unsustainable sources of income. In Nepal, 90% of the people still missing are men. Elderly parents and wives have lost their main bread winner and are economically vulnerable. Children who have to live without their father are often subject to discrimination by other children.

The uncertainty about the fate of their relative, the guilt, self-blame, anger, loss of interest in important areas of life can lead to depression, anxiety, physical pain, intra-

CHALLENGES FOR THE FAMILIES OF THE MISSING

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family disputes and even suicidal thoughts.In addition to these psychological consequences, families also face difficulties in relating with their community, which affects their daily lives. The wives of missing persons are particularly stigmatized. Society expects them to behave and dress as widows, which most wives do not accept. Other women in the community may consider them as threats, and men may perceive them as sexually available. Within the family circle, they lose their position and are often perceived as just an extra mouth to feed. They cannot inherit their husband’s property and going back to their parents is

not culturally and economically accepted. Finally, the families of the missing face severe legal and administrative problems i.e. related to inheritance, the transfer or registration of land, difficulties to obtain loans or citizenship. Such issues are aggravated because missing persons do not have a legal status.

The Hateymalo program seeks to address all these closely interconnected psychological, socio-cultural, economic and relational issues.

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THE HATEYMALO PROGRAM

The ICRC trains interested and motivated non-professionals/volunteers (also called accompaniers) on a number of skills that enables them to facilitate or organise most of the support groups’ activities. These accompaniers also facilitate the referral of families of the missing to various service providers for specific needs.

b. Family SupportTo minimize potential conflicts within the family circle, accompaniers run information sessions to reduce intra-family disputes. In some cases, families are referred to organizations specializing in mediation, or to village leaders to help them resolve disputes. The accompaniers inform the families of governmental interim relief packages and ensure they benefit from these. They also refer them to appropriate service providers depending on their needs.

a. Social and Community Support In order to reduce the stigma and marginalization of the families, awareness and sensitization programs are carried out among the communities. For example, street theatres and art events depict the plight of the families of missing persons.At district level, the accompaniers help the families of the missing to be in contact with public services or organisations that can support them.

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c. Mental Health and Psychological Support Accompaniers run support group sessions for wives, mothers, fathers and children of the families of missing persons, to share their common suffering and grief. The most vulnerable people receive counselling support from trained counsellors. In certain exceptional situations, members of the families of missing persons can develop suicidal feelings, or suffer from severe depression, anxiety or psychosis. In these cases, accompaniers can refer them to institutions that provide specialized mental health care.

A single organization cannot address all the needs of the families (socio-cultural, economical, legal, mental, etc.). Channelling resources from multiple service providers is the only way to respond to these needs effectively. Hence, the Hateymalo program has built a solidarity network with other organizations to include the families of the missing in their assistance programs.

The solidarity network consists of Helvetas Employment Fund, and the Mental Hospital in Lagankhel.

Furthermore, Heifer International contributed to improve the livelihood of 750 families of missing persons as well as 1250 economically vulnerable families, in 13 program phased out districts, by encouraging them to actively engage in social activities.

A SOLIDARITY NETWORK TO HELP THE FAMILIES

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PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT TO THE FAMILIES OF MISSING PERSONS IN NEPAL ACCORDING TO THEIR NEEDS

• role changes in family• family disputes• discrimination against

daughter-in-law • family dysfunction

• Ambiguous loss, anxiety, depression, impaired decision making, isolation,

psychosomatic problems, psychosis, suicidal thoughts

• stigmatization• discrimination• sexual harassments• social isolation

• death rituals• religious rituals • cultural norms for widows

Psychosocial Support to the Families of

the Missing in Nepal

Mental Health and

Psychological Support

Spiritual and

Cultural Support

Social and Community

Support

FamilySupport

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PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT TO THE FAMILIES OF MISSING PERSONS IN NEPAL ACCORDING TO THEIR NEEDS

• need to know the whereabouts• need of an answer• difficulties to find an answer

• the bread earner is missing• costly processes (govt.

relief packages, search for missing loved ones)

• need to have a new bread earner

• children’s education

• legal status of missing person (declaration of absence)

• citizenship, proof of relationship, birth certificate, land papers etc.

Psychosocial Support to the Families of

the Missing in Nepal

Mental Health and

Psychological Support

“Right to Know”Support

EconomicSupport

Administrativeand

Legal SupportSpiritual and

Cultural Support

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d. “Right to Know” SupportThe ICRC approaches all former parties to the conflict in order to clarify the fate of missing persons. In addition, the ICRC liaises with other organizations that have collected information on disappearances. With the support of the Nepal Red Cross, the ICRC conducts field visits and meets with local authorities and neighbouring communities in order to gather any available information on the whereabouts of missing persons. The ICRC also supports the National Network of Families of Disappeared and Missing Nepal (NEFAD). Finally, it also closely works with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to resolve cases of missing persons, among others, by referring families who wish to perform exhumations.

e. Administrative and Legal SupportHateymalo accompaniers assist the families of the missing in obtaining administrative documents such as birth or relationship certificates and government assistance, in particular interim relief packages at district level. Follow-ups are conducted at ministerial levels in Kathmandu to facilitate bureaucratic processes. Families facing complicated legal issues are referred to organizations providing free legal services.

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f. Spiritual and Cultural SupportDuring the group sessions, families generally express the desire to keep the memory of their loved ones alive. They decide which type of commemoration is most appropriate for them and for the missing person. Religious events/rituals take place to give peace to the soul of the missing person, whether dead or alive. Public spaces such as community buildings, waiting areas, and water wells are constructed in the name of the missing persons and inaugurated in the presence of the communities. Apart from helping the families of the missing find some comfort, this helps them gain recognition and solidarity.

g. Economic SupportMost of the families of missing persons live in rural areas and are farmers. The ICRC partners with Heifer International to provide them with economic support such as farm and animal management training and distribution of livestock (goats and pigs) and vegetable and fodder seeds. Based on the Heifer International principle of “passing on the gift”, families that receive resources from Heifer programs pass on livestock offspring, agricultural input and knowledge and skills to other similar families in need in their community. This POG practice enhances sustainability and creates a continuously expanding network of dignity and self-reliance. The families who want to join income generation training are referred to governmental and non-governmental organizations that provide these services.

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COMMEMORATION SITES BUILT BY THE FAMILIES IN MEMORY OF THEIR LOVED ONES

SN Districts Place Type Date of Inauguration

1 Banke Rajhena-2 Partikshyalaya (Waiting place) 2012

2 Banke Kohalpur Chautara (Resting place) 2012

3 Bardiya Dhadhawar – 7, Dugdha Partikshyalaya (Waiting place) 2012

4 Bardiya Gola/Patabhar Water/hand pump 2011

5 Bardiya Khairichandanpur-2, Mangalpur Water/hand pump 2011

6 Bardiya Magaragadhi -5, Sunpur Partikshyalaya (Waiting place) 2011

7 Bardiya Mahamadpur-8, Bhaisahi Temple in school compound 2012

8 Bardiya Manau- 8, Nauranga Water/hand pump 2011

9 Bardiya Manau -8, Parseni Water/hand pump 2011

10 Bardiya Manpurtapara-8, Bikrampur

Partikshyalaya (Waiting place) 2011

11 Bardiya Motipur – 5, Madaha Partikshyalaya (Waiting place) 2011

12 Bardiya Motipur - 7, Satariya Community home 2011

13 Bardiya Motipur -2, Newada Partikshyalaya (Waiting place) 2011

14 Bardiya Sorahwa – 2, Jagatiya Partikshyalaya (Waiting place) 2011

15 Bardiya Thakurdwara Water/hand pump 2011

16 Chitwan Bhandara - 01, Bhandara Bazaar

Partikshyalaya (Waiting place) 2012

17 Chitwan Padampur - 08 Partikshyalaya (Waiting place) 2012

18 Dang Bela-2, Kathberuwa Chautara (Resting place) 2012

19 Dhading Hekrang, Jogimara - 5 Monument and resting place 2013

20 Dhading Dhading Besi Resting place 2015 (Expected)

21 DhanushaNRCS compound, Bangadabar-6, Dhanusha

Partikshyalaya (Waiting place) 2014

22 Gorkha In front of CDO office, Gorkha bazaar

Partikshyalaya (Waiting place)

2015 (Expected)

23 Jhapa Kotihome Monument 2014

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COMMEMORATION SITES BUILT BY THE FAMILIES IN MEMORY OF THEIR LOVED ONES

SN Districts Place Type Date of Inauguration

24 Kailali Dododhara – 7, Bawaniya bazaar Water tap 2015

(Expected)

25 Kanchanpur Belauri Municipality - 6 Chautara (Resting place) 2015 (Expected)

26 Kanchanpur Krishanapur - 4, Bani Chautara (Resting place) 2015 (Expected)

27 Kapilvastu Barkalpur - 09, Chouhannapur Chautara (Resting place) 2012

28 Kapilvastu Sirshihawa - 08, Rupgunj Chautara (Resting place) 2012

29 Kaski Sahid Park, Ward No 7, Pokhara

Partikshyalaya (Waiting place) 2013

30 Kathmandu Purano Naikap, Ward No 7

Monument and community building 2012

31 LamjungFedikuna-9, Bhotewodar VDC Lamjung

Renovation of temple and Puja (worship) 2013

32 MahottariDHO compound, Jalleshowar municipality

Partikshyalaya (Waiting place)

2015 (Expected)

33 Morang Biratnagar Partikshyalaya (Waiting place) 2014

34 Nawalparasi Daunne temple Statue of Goddess Saraswati 2011

35 Nawalparasi Shivamandir - 08, Maharajasthan temple Entrance gate to the temple 2011

36 Nuwakot Dupcheshwor Mahadev, Rautbesi - 8 Entrance gate to the temple 2015

(Expected)

37 SaptariSagarmatha Zonal Hospital compound, Rajbiraj

Partikshyalaya (Waiting place)

2015 (Expected)

38 Siraha Siraha municipality Partikshyalaya (Waiting place)

2015 (Expected)

39 Sunsari Taltalaiya Partikshyalaya (Waiting place) 2013

40 Surkhet Latikoeli – 9, Bulbuliya Partikshyalaya (Waiting place) 2014

41 Tanahu In front of CDO Office, Damauli bazaar

Welcome gate with names of the missing 2012

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Heifer International - NepalHattiban, Lalitpur, Nepal P.O. Box - 6043, Kathmandu Tel : +977 1 2121112/5250554Fax : +977 1 5250873 Email : heifer.nepal@heifer.org

National Network of Families of Disappeared and Missing Nepal (NEFAD) Email : nefad.nepal@gmail.com

Nepal Red Cross SocietyRed Cross Marg, Kalimati Post Box No. 217, Kathmandu, Nepal Phone : +977-1-4272761 Fax : +977-1-4271915/4273285E-mail : info@nrcs.orgWeb : www.nrcs.org

ICRC HATEYMALO PROGRAM PARTNERS

PAST PROGRAM PARTNERS (THE PROGRAM HAS ALREADY PHASED OUT IN THESE AREAS)

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS

BankeMahila Upakar MunchKohalpur, Tel : 081-540144

BardiyaTharu Mahila Utthan KendraGulariya, Tel : 084-420347/420350

Chitwan/Nawalparasi Diyalo PariwarNarayangadh, Chitwan, Tel : 056-522797/523031

Dang Gramin Mahila Utthan KendraGhorahi, Tel : 082-560489/560837

Jhapa/Morang/Sunsari Women Rehabilitation Center (WOREC)Biratnagar, Tel : 021-470238

Kapilvastu/RupandehiNamuna Intregated Development CouncilBhairahawa, Tel : 071-527205/522905

Kaski/Lamjung/TanahuKopila NepalPokhara, Tel : 061 466403/463486

Kathmandu Valley Antarang Psychosocial Welfare CenterTeku, Kathmandu, Tel : 01- 4221173

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ICRC HATEYMALO PROGRAM PARTNERS

CURRENT PROGRAM PARTNERS (THE PROGRAM IS STILL ACTIVE IN THESE AREAS)

GorkhaKopila Nepal, PokharaTel: 061 466403/463486

&

Nepal Red Cross Society, District Chapters

NRCS Achham Tel : 097-620148

NRCS Baglung Tel : 068-520169

NRCS Baitadi Tel : 095-520356/520156

NRCS Dailekh Tel : 089-420179/420137

NRCS Dhading Tel : 010 - 520137

NRCS Dhanusa Tel : 033-520095

NRCS Jajarkot Tel : 089-430042

NRCS Jumla Tel : 087-520036

NRCS Kailali Tel : 091-521333/526333

NRCS Kalikot Tel : 087-440125

NRCS Kanchanpur Tel : 099-523983/525588

NRCS Kavre Tel : 011-661431

NRCS Mahottari Tel : 044-520633

NRCS Makawanpur Tel : 057-522977/520711

NRCS Nuwakot Tel : 010-560970

NRCS Ramechhap Tel : 048540033

NRCS Rautahat Tel : 055-521278/520141

NRCS Rolpa Tel : 086-440036

NRCS Rukum Tel : 088-530145

NRCS Salyan Tel : 088-520004

NRCS Saptari Tel : 031-521121

NRCS Sindhuli Tel : 047-520120/520226

NRCS Sindhupalchowk Tel : 011-620134

NRCS Siraha Tel : 41-520870

NRCS Surkhet Tel : 083-520310

NRCS Syangja Tel : 063-420114

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MISSIONThe International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It directs and coordinates the international relief activities conducted by the Movement in armed conflicts and other situations of violence.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)G.P.O. Box No. 21225Meen Bhawan, Naya Baneshwor, Kathmandu, NepalT +977 1 4107285/4107279 F +977 1 4107137E-mail: kathmandu@icrc.org www.icrc.org© ICRC, November 2014

LahanT 033 562322

ChitwanT 056 523118

NepalgunjT 081 522262/525560F 081 524456 20

14.0

185/

002

11.2

014

500