Citing that it was due to regular review based on its worldwide policy, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has decided to reduce its financial assistance to urban refugees in Nepal.

“Consistent with normal practice to review financial assistance to urban refugees annually, as of February 1st, the UN Refugee Agency will be reducing the monthly financial assistance to urban refugees in Nepal,” states a press release issued by the UNHCR on Monday.

According to the UNHCR, the decision for the reduction is based on the “parameters of the minimum wage level stipulated in the guidelines established by the Government of Nepal.”

“This revision will also help UNHCR to continue support to the urban refugees beyond its normal six months limit. This is also largely in line with UNHCR’s policy worldwide for urban refugees.”

“The monthly financial assistance for urban refugees is reviewed on a regular basis by UNHCR, and this new level of assistance has been initially established pending a detailed cost of living survey in 2007 to assess and determine actual needs,” said Abraham Abraham, UNHCR Representative in Nepal.

In addition to the monthly assistance, refugees recognised under UNHCR’s mandate will continue to receive a dependency allowance for the spouse (50% of the allowance of the head of the household) and a dependency allowance for each child (additional 25 % of the allowance of the head of the household). Furthermore, free medical assistance, and discretional assistance for vulnerable individuals with specific needs, as well as assistance for children education and language training is also provided by UNHCR.

There are presently some 220 refugees of various nationalities recognised under UNHCR’s mandate in Nepal, the release adds.