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UN Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples Visited Nepal

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UN Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples S James Anaya. Photo: Smita

Kathmandu, December 4, 2008- “United Nations Special Rapporteur’s visit to Nepal has played the role of ‘loud-speaker’ for ensuring Nepalese indigenous people’s rights in upcoming New Constitution of the country,” expressed Dr. Sumitra Manandhar, President of National Coalition Against Racial Discrimination (NCARD).

Professor S. James Anaya, the UN Special Rapporteur on indigenous peoples, wrapped-up his nine-day visit to Nepal from 24 November to 2 December on Tuesday.

Indigenous expert Dr. Manandhar said in the time of nation restructuring, indigenous people’s issues were raised by the UN Special Rapporteur in those places and authorities where we do not have our representation. “This carries the gravity of importance for the guaranteeing of Nepal’s indigenous people’s rights through implementation of ILO Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the country,” she stated.

Another expert on Indigenous people, Bal Krishna Mabuhang, said Professor Anaya’s visit will play an important role in informing concerned people and organizations on the Nepali indigenous peoples’ plight and their struggle for ensuring their rights in this crucial time when the country is preparing for a new Constitution-making process.

Jhigiya dance of Terai. Photos: Smita

“This is definitely a positive indication for us that our issues will get space in UN forum and can help us a great deal to pressurize the Nepali government for ensuring our rights.”

During his stay, the UN Special Rapporteur held meetings with senior government officials, representatives of indigenous peoples' organizations, members of civil society, and various representatives of the United Nations.

Many indigenous experts, notably Dr. Krishna Bhattachan, Mukta Sing Lama, Dr. Sumitra Manandhar, Malla K Sundar and Chaitannya Subba presented their papers on different issues concerning Nepalese Indigenous people in several programs held in Kathmandu.
The UN expert utilized his 2 days in Kathmandu valley holding discussions with representatives of indigenous nationalities and indigenous nationalities’ institutions and organizations regarding present conditions of Nepalese indigenous people. He spent five days visiting Ilam, Jhapa, Chitwan and Kailali districts and consulted with indigenous communities and local authorities.

Special Rapporteur will present the visit's findings in a forthcoming session of the Human Rights Council which will then act as the resource for the annual report of General assembly that will be presented by UN General Secretary.

Professor Anaya observed with satisfaction the Nepal government’s commitment to international standards upholding the rights of indigenous peoples—in particular its ratification of ILO Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples and its support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. “But only ratifying international standards is not enough, the government should implement them as well,” he stated.

Nepal is the first Asian country to ratify the convention, which commits states to securing indigenous peoples’ distinct cultures and ways of life, rights over lands and natural resources, as well as the right to meaningfully participate in all decisions affecting them.

“We believe the Special Rapporteur’s visit will facilitate relevant authorities to address indigenous peoples’ issues and rights amicably so there will be no longer perpetuated exclusion, discrimination and marginalization against indigenous peoples and be treated equally in the restructuring of the nation,” said Chini Maya Majhi, President of National Indigenous Women’s Federation.

-Smita Magar in Kathmandu

तपाईंको भनाइ लेखी छाड्‍न र अरुको भनाइ पढ्न यहाँ क्लिक गर्नुहोस्
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