Covid-19 Nepal: Govt can’t afford to ignore the homeless in its pandemic response

Having already been ignored by the state, homeless people and street children in Nepal continue to remain at the bottom of the government priority even during the period of a humanitarian crisis when they need much assistance. Although the state responded promptly to the crisis, it failed to examine the condition of people and children living on the streets. Even after the relaxation of the first phase of the lockdown, the government was seen reluctant to take steps for the protection of these groups. Currently, in the second wave also, it seems the state has completely blindfolded its eyes to those groups.

On March 24, 2020, the government imposed a nationwide lockdown for the first time in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus. People having access to shelters stayed at home to protect themselves from getting infected. But, those residing on the streets were left behind in the multiple corners of the city to face the dire consequences of the pandemic.