Sustain and Strengthen Holistic Rehabilitation (SSHR) for Torture Survivors

Background

Nepal’s decade-long armed conflict from 1996 to 2006 resulted in significant human rights violations, with over 17,000 deaths, more than 7,000 permanent disabilities, and approximately 1,300 disappearances. Despite the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) in 2006, justice and rehabilitation for victims remain largely unfulfilled, with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) receiving over 65,000 complaints, including cases of sexual and gender-based violence (S/GBV). The Torture Compensation Act of 1996 failed to criminalize torture adequately or provide sufficient compensation. Consequently, victims endure lasting psychological effects such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, with impacts often extending to their families. Additionally, S/GBV survivors face severe health issues and economic hardships, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive rehabilitation support.

General Objective

The primary objective of this project is to provide holistic rehabilitation support to survivors of torture and their families in the conflict-affected palikas (municipalities) of Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, and Kanchanpur. Supported by the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) and implemented my TPO Nepal, the project aims to facilitate the psychological, physical, social, and economic recovery of these survivors through a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and survivor-centric approach. By enhancing the resilience of torture survivors and fostering social cohesion within their communities, the project seeks to empower these individuals to reintegrate successfully into society.

Specific Objectives:

  – Help survivors and their families develop effective coping strategies and resilience against stress through comprehensive support services.

  – Enhance the skills of counselors and other mental health professionals to deliver culturally appropriate and trauma-informed care.

  – Address the diverse needs of torture survivors by providing medical support, psychiatric consultations, legal counseling, and livelihood assistance.

  – Establish and strengthen sustainable, community-based psychosocial support systems to ensure long-term care for torture survivors.

Time frame: March 2024- August 2025

Supported by: International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT)