२७,पौष/ काठमाण्डौं – नील हिरा समाजको नविकरण रोकिएकोमा अन्तराष्ट्रिय चासो बढेको छ । समाजबाट प्रत्यक्ष लाभ लिइरहेका ७ सय ५० जना कर्मचारी, चार लाख भन्दा धेरै समलिङ्गी तेश्रोलिङ्गीको दैनिक रोजिरोटीबाट बञ्चित हुने अवस्थाको अन्त्यका लागि अन्तराष्ट्रिय चासो बढेको हो । अन्तराष्ट्रिय दाता राष्ट्रले नील हिरा समाजकाबारेमा सरकारले गरेको छानविन प्रतिवेदन तत्काल सार्वजनिक गर्न पनि माग गरेका छन् । दाता राष्ट्रले प्रधानमन्त्री डाक्टर बाबुराम भट्टराईलाई सम्वोधन गरेर यसबारेको सत्यतथ्य प्रतिवेदन जारी गर्न आग्रह गरेका छन् । पmाउण्डेशन फर इन्ट्रोगेटिभ एड्स रिसर्च राज्यबाट हुने निष्पक्ष सेवा दिन भएको ढिलाई प्रति आफ्नो ध्यानाकर्षण भएको जनाएको छ । रिसर्चले सन् २००१ म स्थापना भएको नील हिरा समाजले एचआइभी एड्सको प्रारम्भिक चरणका कामहरु गर्दै आएकोमा खुसी व्यक्त गरेको छ । रिसर्चले प्रधानमन्त्री डाक्टर बाबुराम भट्टराई पत्र लेखेर नील हिरा समाजको नविकरण नहुँदा सहयोग र सम्झौता हुन नसकेको उल्लेख गर्नु भएको छ । प्रधानमन्त्री डाक्टर बाबुराम भट्टराईलाई लेखेको पत्र ः
Dr. Baburam Bhattarai
Prime Minister of Nepal
Dear Prime Minister:
It has been our great pleasure to get to know and work with Hon. Sunil Pant and the many amazing people at the Blue Diamond Society (BDS). From our earliest days in 2001 when Mr. Pant first proposed to begin HIV prevention programs to our last shipment of donated medicines, we have been proud to have made our contributions to the lifesaving work contributing to democratic progress by our friends in Nepal.
It has been that hard work of Nepali people in creating these changes that place Nepal at the forefront among the family of nations in combatting stigma and discrimination, while providing health services and promoting diversity. With such success and rapid growth, there can be constructive criticism in ways that can guide better outcomes. Other times, unfortunately, such criticism is merely toxic gossip that may rise to the level of libel. I believe this may be the case with regard to the shameful and unfounded commentary during the Sagarmatha programs, and of media repetition of unfounded claims of impropriety. This not only damages the work, but puts already marginalized citizens in personal difficulty and danger.
Audits have been undertaken by international and foreign donors, and, appropriately by the Chief District Office (CDO). However, the CDO report has not been released, resulting in a suspension of funds and authorizations. This directly harms those whose salaries depend upon those funds. Over the years, there have been so many donor “funding gaps” caused by bureaucratic problems, it is remarkable how faithful BDS staff, who depend upon their small salaries for basic human needs, have remained. The current situation causes great alarm.
In order to pursue the important work of BDS, it is vital that the recent controversies be laid to rest. We respectfully urge each of you to do what you can to assure the immediate release the audit by the Chief District Office and assure the continued registration of BDS. As your colleagues, the Nepali medical, scientific and programs to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and care for those infected,
marginalized groups’ – sexual and gender minorities, drug users and sex workers – have relations which impact upon all other Nepalis (wives, husbands, clients, etc.) Suspension of the progress that has been made exposes the total society to more risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
I look forward to return to Nepal soon. I regard this watershed period for your country one of enormous opportunity that includes leading the way in human rights and crafting new approaches to assuring that economic justice is shared by all. We look forward to resolution of this matter, so that the work and our support of it may not be interrupted. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions. Thank you for your attention.
Very sincerely yours,
George M. Carter
Founder/Director, FIAR
