In late August 2026, severe floods in Nepal caused a major humanitarian emergency, with the death toll reaching 1,010 and around 4,000 people reported missing. Large-scale search, rescue and relief operations are ongoing. The disaster has displaced communities and created urgent needs for shelter, clean water, sanitation and other essential supplies, particularly in affected areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.
Civil society organisations and youth groups seeking to respond to these needs have faced restrictions under the government’s centralised “one-door” system for disaster relief. Under this approach, financial and material assistance is channelled through government-designated mechanisms and distribution points, limiting the ability of independent organisations to directly collect and distribute assistance. This has raised concerns about delays in getting specialised supplies, including hygiene products, to affected communities.
These restrictions are particularly relevant for local CSOs, which can help identify and respond to specific community needs during emergencies. At the same time, the Social Welfare Council has reportedly indicated that it will facilitate disaster-related CSO projects through expedited administrative procedures, suggesting a more supportive approach to civil society participation within another state institution.
By restricting independent resource mobilisation and relief delivery, the one-door system may reduce CSOs’ flexibility and autonomy at a time when rapid local action is particularly important. This can weaken the enabling environment by narrowing the space for CSOs to contribute effectively, particularly when local organisations are close to affected communities and can complement government responses when adequately resourced and coordinated with public authorities.