Women at flood-victim camps face risk of sexual harassment

Girls and women languishing in the temporary camps built for Saptakoshi flood victims are feeling insecure as they face increased risk of sexual harassment and other kind of exploitation.

Reports quoting women rights activists said that up till now two young women have complained of sexual harassment at the hands of police personnel posted there during the frequent load-shedding at the camp.

Similarly, another report points out that pregnant and nursing mothers in the camp are not getting enough nutritious food and are compelled to sleep in cold and wet floor much to the detriment of their own health including that of their child.

The women right activists have after carrying out a thorough inspection of the camps recommended that women police personnel be immediately deployed at the camps and that warm clothes and proper food be provided for the pregnant women. nepalnews.com Aug 27 08