Thank you For more information: United Nations Human Rights Office in Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal) SILU Building, Museum Road, Chhauni, Kathmandu Telephone: +977 1 428 0164 Fax: +977 1 467 0712, 467 0713, 4671 940 www.100daysagainstcastediscrimination.com
Contact Group Meeting Kathmandu, 3 November 2011
100 Day Campaign Against Caste Discrimination and Untouchability 16 September – 24 December 2011
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The US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Geoffery Pyatt and US Ambassador to Nepal Scottt DeLisi pledging their commitment at an event in Kathmandu on 17 Oct 2011 jointly organised by the US Embassy, OHCHR and Dalit civil society. Thumb print: pledging the commitment
Like all of us here in Nepal know, when one makes an undertaking, legal or non-legal, an impression of our thumb as a mark of pledge is placed. This is the theme that this campaign is centered around. It is the pledge that all of us have to make to end the deep-rooted caste-based discrimination and untouchbability practices from each and every one of us, from each and every institution in Nepal and ultimately the whole Nepali Society. ‹#›
So with this objective in mind, OHCHR and the National Dalit Commission have jointly organized a 100-day campaign. It started on 16 September and will formally end on the 24 December 2011. Despite national legal standards and international obligations, the crimes of caste-based discrimination and untouchability are still prevalent in Nepal, particularly in rural parts of the country. As an example: In August 2011, in Dailekh, a father, was attacked and consequently died, following his son’s marriage with a non Dalit bride, is a strong reminder of the existence of this outrageous human rights violation in Nepal. The aim of this campaign is to widely disseminate the content of the recently promulgated Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act 2068 to ensure its effective implementation. The ultimate goal is to ensure that victims as well as their family members are able to invoke the rule of law in order to access justice. ‹#›
Caste based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act 2011
Adopted in May 2011, following strong advocacy by Dalit NGOs, HRDs, the NDC, OHCHR and the international community, including through the UPR process. Nepal first to pass similar legislation in South Asia Key elements: Criminalisation of untouchability and caste discrimination in both public and private spheres If the police fails to register a case, complaints can be submitted to the NDC and local bodies. Increase up to 50% of the punishment and fine when the perpetrator is a public official
Let me start off by briefly telling you about the recently promulgated Caste-based discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act 2011. It was adopted on 24 May 2011, a number of stakeholders strongly lobbied and advocated for this Act for more than two years and the issue featured in recommendations by a number of countries during the recent review of human rights situation of Nepal at the UPR. First time ever Nepal has adopted specific legislation for addressing the serious crime of caste-based discrimination and untouchability. In addition to the elements mentioned, The Act has requirements for perpetrators to provide compensation to victims; And the criminalisation of incitement for caste-based discrimination. ‹#›
The President of Nepal Rt. Hon. Ram Baran Yadav formally launching the Campaign on 16 September 2011 at a function organized at the Presidential Office . The President of Nepal launching the 100-day campaign
The President of Nepal Rt. Hon. Ram Baran Yadav formally launching the Campaign on 16 September 2011 at a function organized at the Presidential Office . Also seen in the picture are the Minister for Local Development Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, OHCHR-Nepal Head Jyoti Sanghera and NDC Chairperson Bijul BK. ‹#›
Objectives of Campaign
Wide awareness raising on the Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act 2068 to promote its effective implementation. Outreach to rural and remote areas, where caste discrimination remains rampant, in collaboration with government authorities, human rights defenders, media and civil society. Promote access to justice for the victims and a culture of accountability.
The ultimate goal we are striving for is realizing the human rights of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups of society. This campaign will formally end after a 100 days. However, its spirit and soul will live on, and continue to ignite the commitment to end caste discrimination and untouchability, helping thereby to ensure the effective elimination of one of the most degrading forms of human rights violations. ‹#›
The Chief District Officer of Baitadi pledges his commitment
Taking the campaign to the districts
Districts: Baglung, Baitadi, Kanchanpur, Tanahun, Soon: Darchula, Dadeldhura, Myagdi, Parbat, Salyan, Surkhet, Kalikot, Khotang, Saptari and Siraha ‹#›
49 days since the launch of the Campaign…
350 human rights defenders and members of civil society trained on the content of the Act Around three thousand participants attended events promoting the campaign in the Far West, Western and Central Regions. Wide outreach and pledges received outside of Nepal through a dedicated web-site and the use of social media. Received pledges from more than 1100 individuals over the internet and more than 3000 have expressed commitment in person.
In addition to this, We have also developed and produced a number of other tools such as posters, stickers, bags, keychains, audio visual material like Radio and Television PSAs and the like to disseminate information about the Act and the campaign as widely as possible. ‹#›
www.100daysagainstcastediscrimination.com
To reach out to the youth and the large Nepali community residing outside Nepal, we have setup a special website where people can visit, learn more about the Act and pledge their commitment. Taking the campaign online
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Key Upcoming campaign activities
Release of the OHCHR public report “Opening the door to Equality: Access to Justice for Dalits In Nepal” Regional (South Asian) Experts Roundtable on access to justice for victims of caste discrimination (Kathmandu,14/15 December 2011)
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Thank you For more information: United Nations Human Rights Office in Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal) SILU Building, Museum Road, Chhauni, Kathmandu Telephone: +977 1 428 0164 Fax: +977 1 467 0712, 467 0713, 4671 940 www.100daysagainstcastediscrimination.com
At the end I’d just like to mention that we have placed a canvas at the back of the room, and we welcome commitments from each and everyone of you. At the end of the 100 days of the campaign, together we will hand over the canvas to the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navi Pillay, as a commitment from Nepal to one of the foremost human rights . You can also make you commitment online at the website: www.100daysagainstcastediscrimination.com ‹#›
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