/// Press Releases \\\

Context: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21)

Ensure Zero Tolerance in the Cases of Caste Based Discrimination and Untouchability

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21), we call upon state agencies to sincerely follow the zero tolerance policy towards all the incidents of caste based discrimination and untouchability in Nepal.

Nepal ratified the convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965) on 1971 and declared the country as an untouchability free State on 2006 following the civil movement of 1996-2006. Constitution of Nepal has ensured Right against Discrimination and the Rights of Dalit as fundamental rights. Likewise, the Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act, 2011 has criminalized untouchability and caste-based discrimination. We would like to remind the Government of Nepal and its subordinate agencies about the legal provisions and the commitments expressed by them.

We urge the Government of Nepal to implement the International Convention, Constitution and Other legal instruments creating an enabling environment to uphold the rights of people from Dalit community by ending long existing caste-based discrimination and untouchability in the Society.

Dr. Kundan Aryal

Chairperson