Nepal

In August 2008, following the Koshi flood, the CCCM cluster was activated to provide emergency relief and protection to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the eastern region of Nepal. During this activation, IOM Nepal was responsible for a range of activities including site planning, information management, general coordination, procurement and distribution of non-food items (NFI), formation of Camp Management Committees, and Disaster Preparedness trainings. An Emergency Operation Center was also constructed and handed over to the Local Development Office in Sunsari district to facilitate regular coordination during emergencies. IOM serves as the CCCM cluster co-lead in Nepal, with the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC) taking the lead.

The Gorkha 2015 earthquake, which displaced millions, highlighted the importance of this collaboration. In this response, IOM led the CCCM and Shelter clusters, working closely with the government and local partners to deliver assistance. In collaboration with the government, IOM developed a Master Plan for the Management of Open Spaces for 17 districts, identifying more than 150 open spaces for use as evacuation centers and temporary shelters during emergencies. These open spaces were instrumental in providing life-saving services to the affected population in the aftermath of the earthquake. IOM also co-led the Housing Recovery and Reconstruction Platform (HRRP) (from 2015 until early 2017), created for providing a platform for coordination, strategic planning, and technical guidance for agencies involved in longer term housing recovery and reconstruction, and to engage with the Government of Nepal and other key stakeholders to inform the wider housing reconstruction programme.

Following the earthquake, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (DRRM) of 2017 was established, providing a legal framework for disaster management. Following the endorsement of the DRRM Act 2017, IOM supported the Government of Nepal in developing and finalising the Disaster Risk Management Localization manual. This manual includes decidated chapters on disaster risk management and response to displacement.

In May 2024, the Joint Recovery Action Plan (JRAP) was initiated in response to the devastating earthquake that struck Western Nepal in November 2023. This multi-agency initiative, led by IOM, UNICEF, UNFPA and WFP, focuses on supporting recovery efforts in the hardest-hit districts of Jajarkot and Rukum West. IOM led the shelter component of JRAP, which aimed to address the immediate and long-term housing needs of earthquake-affected families. The primary outcome of the shelter component was to create disaster-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable housing solutions while strengthening local capacities. The construction of 26 model houses in Jajarkot and West Rukum stands out as a significant achievement. In response to global challenges like climate change and environmental degradation, IOM prioritized green building technologies and the use of locally available materials. In addition, IOM supported the establishment of 28 green enterprises (under the ownership of the local governments) in the earthquake affected municipalities to supply safe green construction materials and foster local jobs.  By reducing the environmental impact of construction, the project promoted sustainability and contributed to resilient and inclusive development.