United Women in Faith: Nepal Flooding Shows Pressing Need for Climate Justice

For Immediate Release

Contact: press@spotlightpr.org

NEW YORK — United Women in Faith today mourned the devastating impact of flash flooding in Nepal and called to urgently address climate injustice. They released the following statement:

“United Women in Faith grieves the tragedy brought by flash flooding in Nepal and caused by glacial collapse,” said Sally Vonner, general secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith. “With at least 1,100 people dead and approximately 4,000 still missing, it is a pressing reminder of the need for climate justice.”

“Although frontline communities such as this are least responsible for the climate crisis, they disproportionately suffer its effects,” Vonner continued. “Moreover, women and children are more likely to be displaced and suffer gender-based violence in the aftermath of natural disasters.”

“We ask our members and all others to join United Women in Faith in action by utilizing our environmental justice resources to make positive changes to reduce our climate impact,” Vonner said. “Those looking to give can support the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) International Disaster Relief and Recovery efforts.”

“United Women in Faith prays for the children, women, families and all impacted by this disaster,” concluded Vonner. “We call on world leaders to invest in disaster relief and environmental protection; everyone in a position of power holds a responsibility to mitigate future harm and stop leaving frontline communities behind.”

“UMCOR is finalizing a solidarity grant to support United Mission Nepal as they aid impacted communities in the Dhading and Nuwakot districts with emergency food and non-food item assistance,” added Roland Fernandes, general secretary of UMCOR, Global Ministries and Higher Education & Ministry. “We are also actively working with other partners for broader response as they assess capacity and access the affected areas.”

“These devastating floods represent much more than a natural disaster,” Fernandes continued. “They serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of a warming planet as we see vulnerable communities paying with their homes, livelihoods, and lives, despite having done the least to cause this crisis. We must move beyond expressions of concern and commit to meaningful action, ensuring that disaster relief, climate justice, and environmental protection receive the investment and urgency they demand.”

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United Women in Faith is the largest denominational faith organization for women in the United States.