(OSV News): Sister Cecilia Durga Shrestha, the head of Caritas Nepal, called for global action on climate justice after catastrophic flooding in Nepal claimed more than 1,100 lives and left thousands missing.
Sister Shrestha who is from the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, stressed that for people who have contributed “very little” to the climate crisis in the world to suffer “disproportionately” from its consequences is “profound injustice.”
Sister Shrestha, the first woman to lead Caritas Nepal, has headed the organisation since 2023. She called for “shared responsibility” and urged that the time for “concrete action” is now.
On August 26, Nepal faced a devastating flash flood along the border with China. According to the National Disaster Risk Management Authority, around 4,500 people remain missing and about 12,000 have been rescued [Sunday Examiner, September 6]
Speaking on September 3, Sister Shrestha said that “many of those rescued are currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals and are recovering from their injuries and trauma.”
Beyond these figures, thousands of families have lost their homes, livelihoods, land, property, and, most painfully, their loved ones. The full extent of the impact is still being assess
Sister Shrestha
“Beyond these figures, thousands of families have lost their homes, livelihoods, land, property, and, most painfully, their loved ones,” she said. “The full extent of the impact is still being assessed.”
She said the immediate priority is to “ensure the safety and protection of displaced families, including identifying and allocating safe land for temporary shelter and, where necessary, permanent resettlement,” which is the responsibility of the government of Nepal.
“At the same time, the government needs to support affected communities to restore their livelihoods and begin planning for early recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction,” she said.
But the official bodies also “cannot do this alone.”
“With coordinated support from national and international organisations, civil society organisations, development partners and generous international solidarity, I believe Nepal can move towards recovery and rebuild the affected communities with greater resilience,” Sister Shrestha emphasised.
She said Caritas Nepal works “hand in hand with the government, complementing its efforts through financial and technical support, humanitarian expertise, coordination and community mobilisation.”
Caritas Nepal can also help ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable and affected communities, while supporting early recovery and longer-term rehabilitation in close coordination with government authorities at both national and local levels.
Sister Shrestha
She added, “Caritas Nepal can also help ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable and affected communities, while supporting early recovery and longer-term rehabilitation in close coordination with government authorities at both national and local levels.”
The tragedy confirmed earlier warnings about the impact of climate change on Himalayan glaciers—the disaster was triggered by a 5.2 magnitude glacial collapse.
In March, researchers from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development reported that Himalayan glaciers are melting at an accelerating rate and that urgent action is needed to prevent further disasters.
“I believe this is an important question of climate justice and shared responsibility,” Sister Shrestha said.
“Look at Nepal today. High in the Himalayas, our communities are experiencing the devastating consequences of a changing climate. The disaster has swept away homes, land, livelihoods, property and, most painfully, the lives of thousands of people. The question we must ask is: Who is responsible for the suffering of these innocent and vulnerable people? Certainly, it is not the people of Nepal,” she stressed.
The head of Caritas Nepal stressed that Nepal contributes less than 0.1 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, “yet our people are among those experiencing severe impacts of climate change. This is a profound injustice.”
I believe we must move beyond discussions and declarations and take concrete action for climate justice particularly for communities and countries that have contributed very little to the climate crisis but are suffering disproportionately from its consequences … I strongly believe is that this is the time for climate justice and concrete action
Sister Shrestha
She said, “I believe we must move beyond discussions and declarations and take concrete action for climate justice particularly for communities and countries that have contributed very little to the climate crisis but are suffering disproportionately from its consequences … I strongly believe is that this is the time for climate justice and concrete action.”
Developed countries, she stressed, “should not only participate in conferences and international conventions; they must translate their commitments into immediate and meaningful action.”
Nepal needs “international solidarity not only for the immediate humanitarian response, but a lso for recovery, reconstruction, adaptation and building climate-resilient communities,” Sister Shrestha said.
“The people of Nepal should not have to pay with their lives for a crisis to which they have contributed so little. This is a moment for the international community to act with greater responsibility, solidarity, and justice,” she stressed.
This disaster is a “painful reminder that climate change is not a distant threat—it is a reality affecting people’s lives today. Climate justice is not charity; it is a matter of justice and a right of vulnerable communities,” Sister Shrestha said.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” she stressed, “and we cannot afford to wait while vulnerable people continue to pay the highest price for a crisis they did little to create.”
Caritas Nepal, she said, is currently providing food and non-food assistance, water, sanitation, and hygiene support, and other essential humanitarian needs.
Caritas Nepal is already planning for recovery and long-term rebuilding, drawing on its 2015 earthquake experience. Sister Shrestha expressed gratitude to partners, donors, and the Catholic Church for their ongoing support during this crisis.
The goal, she said, “should not simply be to rebuild what has been lost, but to build back better, safer and more resilient communities.”
“Nepal needs solidarity—not only for emergency relief, but also for recovery, resilience, and a safer and more sustainable future.”
