Kathmandu: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government to effectively implement laws addressing serious human rights violations such as ethnic discrimination and untouchability. The NHRC emphasized the need for comprehensive action by various societal sectors to eradicate these issues.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the call was made during a press statement issued by the Commission’s Spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokharel, marking the 19th anniversary of the Declaration of an Untouchability-free Nation and the Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Untouchability. The NHRC highlighted the importance of legal action without political interference in cases of caste discrimination.
The NHRC pointed out that despite constitutional guarantees such as the right to live with dignity, equality, protection against untouchability and racial discrimination, and social justice for Dalits, these rights are not being fully realized due to inadequate enforcement of existing laws. The Commission cited a specific incident in Saptari involving an inter-caste marriage that led to a girl’s suicide, noting that the case was not properly adjudicated but instead handled through mediation.
Nepal’s commitment as a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial and Social Discriminations underscores the country’s obligation to address these pervasive issues. The NHRC’s call to action is directed at the government, political entities, and civil society to collaborate in implementing effective measures to end caste-based discrimination.