MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Nepal after the earthquakes

9.6.2015 - (2015/2734(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 135 of the Rules of Procedure

Cristian Dan Preda, Thomas Mann, Davor Ivo Stier, Krzysztof Hetman, Dubravka Šuica, Giovanni La Via, Michaela Šojdrová, Jiří Pospíšil, Lara Comi, David McAllister, Eduard Kukan, Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz, Patricija Šulin, Jarosław Wałęsa, Kinga Gál, Bogdan Brunon Wenta, Claude Rolin, Therese Comodini Cachia, Ramona Nicole Mănescu, Csaba Sógor, Ivana Maletić, Luděk Niedermayer, Tomáš Zdechovský, Marijana Petir, Ivo Belet, József Nagy, Jeroen Lenaers, Ivan Štefanec, Pavel Svoboda, Tunne Kelam, Róża Gräfin von Thun und Hohenstein, Joachim Zeller, Jaromír Štětina, Barbara Kudrycka, Roberta Metsola, Seán Kelly, Elisabetta Gardini, Andrej Plenković on behalf of the PPE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B8-0580/2015

B8‑0587/2015

European Parliament resolution on the situation in Nepal after the earthquakes

(2015/2734(RSP))

The European Parliament,

-    having regard to its previous resolutions on Nepal,

-   having regard to the joint statement by Vice-President/High Representative (VP/HR) Federica Mogherini, the EU Commissioner for Development Neven Mimica and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response Christos Stylianides on the earthquake in Asia of 25 April 2015,

-   having regard to the statement of the Chair of the Delegation for relations with South Asia on the earthquake in Nepal of 30 April 2015,

-   having regard to the visit of the Delegation for relations with South Asia to Nepal from 6 to 11 April 2015,

-    having regard to Rule 135 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas a devastating earthquake struck in Nepal on 25 April 2015 followed by several strong aftershocks, killing thousands of people and leaving many more injured; whereas on 12 May 2015, another massive earthquake struck Nepal, followed by several aftershocks;

B.  whereas an estimated 8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Nepal (of a total population of 28 million) with 39 of 75 districts affected; whereas almost 1.200 health facilities, 28.500 classrooms, 760.000 houses and important historic sites were destroyed or damaged;

C. whereas in its initial response, the European Commission released € 6 million to help address the most urgent needs: emergency shelter, emergency health care and logistics, and the total European Commission aid amounts to €22.6 million including early recovery and rehabilitation; whereas this comes in addition to bilateral assistance from EU Member States;

D. whereas Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides visited the affected areas with United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Valerie Amos from 30 April until 2 May 2015;

E.  whereas the EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated upon request from the Nepali authorities; whereas a large number of Member States offered search and rescue teams, as well as water purification systems and other technical assistance;

F. whereas, despite efforts made by international donors, additional funding is urgently needed in order to continue providing humanitarian assistance to the Nepalese people;

1.  Is deeply saddened by the loss of life and destruction caused by the devastating earthquakes that hit Nepal; expresses its condolences to the families of the victims;

2   Welcomes the swift aid provided by the European Commission and the EU Member States to Nepal; welcomes the visit of Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, to Nepal shortly after the earthquake of 25 April 2015;

3.  Underlines the observations by Commissioner Stylianides that providing emergency shelter to people in need is the top priority, that rural and remote areas are a pressing priority, that we are in a race against time to reach as many people in need as possible before the imminent Monsoon season, and that strong joined up efforts between humanitarian and development actors are required to build up the resilience of the most vulnerable earthquake-affected population;

4.  Stresses that approximately two weeks remain until monsoon rains begin to significantly affect ongoing relief operations; calls on the EU and the international community to ensure that life-saving assistance continue to reach people affected by the earthquakes;

5. Calls on the international community to continue providing humanitarian assistance to Nepal, as urgent needs in terms of food security shelter, health and education have not yet been met;

6.  Encourages the European Commission and the involved Nepali communities to continue its efforts within the EU-funded disaster preparedness projects in particular in the health system and welcomes the good progress made already;

7.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Government and Parliament of Nepal.