The National Human Rights Commission has urged all political parties, non-governmental organizations, and citizens to fully commit to ending caste-based discrimination. The commission made this appeal through a press release on the occasion of the 60th International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21.
The commission has recalled that March 21 is celebrated as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in reference to the United Nations issuance of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination on March 21, 1965. In Nepal, this day has also been celebrated through various programs. The commission has been continuously investigating and monitoring incidents of caste-based discrimination. It has taken serious note of the recent case in Achham, where students from the Dalit community faced discrimination within a school, and the incident in Saptari, where a girl died by suicide during a reconciliation process instead of being provided legal recourse in an inter-caste marriage case. The commission has stated that it has initiated the necessary legal proceedings in these issues.
Similarly, the Nepal Human Rights Commission, Madesh Province has begun monitoring a recently publicized incident in Aurahi, Siraha, where a Dalit family’s house was demolished for conducting a religious ceremony. The commission in its report stated that the practice of mediating serious human rights violations such as rape and discrimination at the community level, the refusal of police to register complaints, and political interference have hindered victims’ right to justice. Additionally, the commission has stated that it sent a letter to the Government of Nepal on July 16, 2024, recommending legal action in cases of caste-based discrimination. It emphasized that facilitating reconciliation in such cases is against the law and fosters impunity. The commission also recommended coordination among law enforcement agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the law.
The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, to which Nepal is a party, emphasizes the protection and promotion of the rights of individuals or groups affected by caste-based discrimination. By domesticating the convention, Nepal’s Constitution has provisions under Article 24 for the right against untouchability and discrimination and under Article 40 for the rights of Dalits. Additionally, the Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability Act of 2011, the National Penal (Code) Act, of 2017, and the Electronic Transactions Act, of 2008 define caste-based discrimination as punishable offenses. Despite these constitutional and legal provisions, such discriminatory practices continue to persist. Therefore, the commission has urged for a thorough investigation of all incidents of caste-based discrimination and for bringing the accused within the legal framework, ensuring justice for the victims.
The press release issued by Dr. Tikaram Pokhrel, the Deputy Secretary and Spokesperson of the National Human Rights Commission, highlights that the commission has called on all levels of government to prioritize the implementation of the recommendations made by the committee on the elimination of caste-based discrimination. These recommendations are intended to eradicate caste-based discrimination, promote an equitable society, and enforce measures to eliminate caste discrimination in Nepal. The commission emphasizes the need for serious commitment from all government tiers to ensure these objectives are reached.