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Please donate to the UNI Global Union Nepal earthquake appeal

As Rama Danuawar picks through the mound of rubble that was once her beloved home, she recalls the exact moment on April 25th that a 7.8 magnitude earthquake sent her running from the collapsing building.

“I was inside with my daughter when the quake hit,” Rama says. “The house suddenly started to shake and break apart around me so we rushed outside.”

“Every house in the village was falling down. There were dust clouds everywhere and all I could hear were people screaming. It was terrifying.”

To date, no charities or relief groups have made it to Tinghare, Rama’s village in the foothills of the Himalayas which is reachable only along a bumpy dirt road off the Kodari Highway – the main route and ancient trading passage between the Nepalese capital Kathmandu and the nearby border with Tibet. It was for this reason that UNI Global Union stepped in to provide emergency relief in the immediate aftermath of the quake.

But there is still much to do. The most immediate danger comes from the weather, and with the monsoon season upon Nepal, families still living in shelters are at increasing risk from the spread of deadly diseases. Although UNI has provided hygiene kits and held free health camps to stop the spread of disease, the freezing winter months will bring more challenges for the most vulnerable trying to survive.

“More than anything else we need shelter to survive the winter,” Rama says.

Tinghare is home largely to members of the Danuwar community, one of Nepal’s most marginalised and impoverished ethnic groups. Historically Danuwars were rice farmers but now most are uneducated and illiterate farm labourers.

“For around 500 dollars, UNI can provide a family in Tinghare with a strong semi-permanent shelter made of wood and sheet metal which should be enough to protect them through the winter,” says Rajendra Archarya, UNI Asia and Pacific Director in Kathmandu who has been leading UNI’s earthquake response. “This is how we plan to spend the latest round of fundraising from UNI affiliates who have given very generously so far. Our members are saving lives here but it is absolutely essential that we protect the workers through the dangerous months ahead.”

UNI Global Union has run 5 free health camp staffed by union doctors and nurses to help communities severely affected by the earthquake.

UNI has been working closely in its earthquake response with Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA, the development wing of the Australian Council of Trade Unions. Many sectors of work have been so badly affected by the quake that jobs are being lost by the thousands. The two organisations agree that once immediate needs such as shelter are met, jobs, skills and training will be central to helping people recover from the disaster.

“This is where trade unions who are members of the UNI Global family and other global unions can really bring their skills and experience to bear,” says Saran KC of Apheda.

With the completion of the new temporary housing, UNI plans to carry out community counselling and empowerment programmes through two community centres in Tinghare and another village, Sharkigaun. The work carried out will include income generation work, skill development and more.

Please donate to the UNI Global Union Nepal earthquake appeal

Other ways to donate:

Direct bank transfer – suitable union organisations for cash collections at local unions branches and workplaces

Bank transfers

Account Name & Address:  APHEDA Inc Overseas Project Fund Account 2

BIC/Swift No: CTBAAU2S

Account No: 1004 9043

BSB: 062 006

The Bank Name & Address: Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 691-693 George St, Haymarket, NSW, 2000, Australia.

Once deposit has been made please email office@apheda.org.au with:

1.         Date EFT was made

2.         Amount

3.         Name of organisation and email address for receipt

4.         Specify funds are for “UNI NLC Nepal Earthquake appeal”