Aid in quake-hit Nepal is being hampered by gender, caste and ethnic discrimination, Amnesty International has said while cautioning the government and army against playing politics over relief efforts.


The rights organisation at a briefing in Kathmandu last night called on Nepalese authorities and the international community to put human rights at the core of the earthquake response.


An Amnesty International delegation that visited Nepal in the aftermath of the massive 7.9-magnitude April 25 earthquake found that groups who are often the target of discriminatory treatment in Nepal included women, dalits, indigenous people or people with disabilities. They are facing increased challenges when accessing urgently needed relief, it said.


"The devastating earthquake that hit Nepal has killed thousands and left hundreds of thousands in dire need of aid. Nepali and international actors -- including civil society -- have responded to this humanitarian crisis heroically, but there are some serious issues brewing that need to be addressed urgently," said Richard Bennett, Amnesty International's Asia Pacific Director.


"Survivors report that in some communities the aid effort has been politically manipulated. Those with 'muscle' -- political connections -- end up claiming desperately needed supplies meant for everyone," Amnesty said.