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AHRC Press Release
While the Nepal governmental delegation to the World Conference Against Racism has contributed to the economy of South Africa through numerous trips to the markets, they have failed to contribute to the fight for the rights of the millions suffering severe caste discrimination at home.
The Ambassador for the Kingdom of Nepal has made a landmark speech in the plenary admitting that: “unfortunate acts of injustice based on gender, caste division and the practice of untouchability, exploitation of large sections of the Dalits who continue to be victims of ethnic, religious, cultural, social and economic injustices affecting parts of our society stand as major challenges in our effort of creating an inclusive society in which all our people enjoy greater dignity and rights.”
But his welcome words have rung very hollow in the drafting rooms where the outcomes of this conference are being decided, as the Nepal delegation consistently refuses to support the only remaining paragraph (number 73) that relates to ending caste discrimination.
In fact, the senior delegates have rarely even been present in the Programme of Action drafting room where this paragraph has been discussed. They have instead been seen browsing the markets of Durban looking for souvenirs whilst the negotiations about caste are going on. Only the members of the Nepal National Human Rights Commission have acted with good faith, but have been unable to elicit any action on the part of the senior members of the delegation.
When Paragraph 73 has been discussed and Nepal government delegates were present, they refused to speak, even though nations as far away as Namibia and Argentina actively supported the paragraph. This has made a mockery not only of the Ambassador’s words, but also of the Prime Minister’s August 16 declaration to resolve caste discrimination in Nepal.
One can only assume that the Government of India has cowed the delegation into submission yet again, and that the delegates would rather be elsewhere or remain silent than facing the embarrassment of having to show they have sold out the Dalits at home. Unless they come out in active support of Paragraph 73, they are sure to face a very cool reception when they arrive back in the mountain Kingdom with no more than statues of giraffes to offer the oppressed masses they claim to be so concerned about.
Paragraph 73, Draft Programme of Action:
“Urges States to ensure that all necessary constitutional, legislative and administrative measures, including appropriate forms of affirmative action, are in place to prohibit and redress discrimination on the basis of work and descent, and that such measures are respected and implemented by all State authorities at all levels.”
[N.B. ‘discrmination on the basis of work and descent has been equated with caste discrimination by numerous UN bodies. This is the only paragraph in the whole text that relates to caste discrimination.]
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Asian Human Rights Commission
Unit D, 7 Floor, 16 Argyle Street,
Mongkok Commercial Centre,
Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
Tel: +(852)-2698-6339
Fax: +(852)-2698-6367
E-mail: ahrchk@ahrchk.org
Web: www.ahrchk.net
Posted on 2001-09-06
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