Japan contributes $2 million to UNHCR

The Government of Japan has contributed US$ 2 million to UNHCR's activities in Nepal for the year 2007, UNHCR said in a statement on Monday.

"We are profoundly grateful to the government and people of Japan for this generous contribution," the statement quoted Abraham ABRAHAM, the UNHCR Representative in Nepal, as saying. "

Abraham further said, "Japan has been continuously supporting the UN refugee agency's activities in Nepal since the beginning, from annual cash contributions from the government to in-kind donations from other Japanese organisations and private donors."

UNHCR said the contribution would go towards meeting the ongoing protection and material needs of the refugees from Bhutan in eastern Nepal and persons of concern to UNHCR for the year 2007 under all sectors of assistance, including health and nutrition, education, legal assistance, sanitation, shelter and water.

"Particular emphasis will be given on empowerment of refugee women and prevention of sexual and gender based violence and HIV/AIDS," added Abraham.

Tsutomu Hiraoka, Ambassador of Japan in Nepal, said "As a member of Asia, Japan intends to continue its support on the UNHCR's activities in Asia and that his country hopes the support will contribute to the welfare of the refugees in Nepal."

In Nepal, the UN refugee agency provides international protection and assistance to around 107,000 refugees who have been sheltering in seven camps in eastern Nepal since the early 1990's. nepalnews.com ia Sep 10 07