28 May 2021, Kathmandu: Recently, the unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases is pushing already traumatized armed conflict victims into an extremely vulnerable situation, both mentally and physically. Although conflict victims are determined in their persistent fight for truth and justice, they face multi-layer of hardships. The extended prohibitory orders combined with lack of support from the government have brought a serious psychological impact on the overall well-being of the conflict victims. With an aim to ease their pain and sufferings, Advocacy Forum-Nepal convened a counseling session entitled “COVID-19 and its Psychological Impact on Conflict Victims” on 28 May 2021. The session was facilitated by a senior psychologist, Karuna Kunwar. Mr. Bikash Basnet (Program Manager-AF) hosted the event.
During the session, a majority of victims shared about the psychological distress that they are undergoing at present. Several victims and their family members currently infected with the COVID-19 also expressed the intense emotional roller coaster they are facing.
Mrs. Kunwar provided insights on how these difficulties could be reduced and demonstrated stress management techniques that one can practice even at home. Victims/participants participating in the session acknowledged the need for series of psychosocial counseling to cope up with the stress the second wave of COVID-19 has triggered and requested AF to continue to provide psychological counseling sessions in the upcoming days as well. Moreover, victims/participants heartily thanked Mrs. Kunwar for her realistic and useful tips and tricks for stress management in these trying times. Altogether 84 victims, social workers, human rights lawyers from across the country attended the session.
Due to the high demand for such services, AF is planning to expand it to the provinces and continue to engage with the victims and their families during the present crisis.
