Representative of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal, Lena Sundh has said that her office has focused its work on addressing the longstanding issue of discrimination, including discrimination-based on caste and ethnicity.

Chief of OHCHR-Nepal Lena Sundh (File Photo)

Chief of OHCHR-Nepal Lena Sundh (File Photo)
Addressing a programme in Dhangadhi on Wednesday, on the occasion of the 42nd International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Sundh said that discrimination is not just a major concern for OHCHR in Nepal, but for the entire UN human rights system.

Recalling the incident of a Shiva temple in Doti last August and September, when Dalit people were barred from entering the temple, Sundh said, ” Our Office was pleased to see that after intensive negotiations an agreement was reached between Dalits and non-Dalits in Doti, which included free access to temples for all worshippers.”

Sundh also said that much more efforts would be required to address the deep-seated issue behind racial and other forms of discrimination.

She also informed that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights established an Anti-Discrimination Unit that is responsible for following up the Declaration and Programme of Action from the World Conference Against Racism in 2002.

“In its most recent report in 2004, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination made recommendations on 13 areas of concern, including that the Government enforce special measures to guarantee to members of historically marginalised groups the right to participate in elections, to vote and stand for election, and to have due representation in government, legislative bodies and the judiciary,” Sundh informed, adding, “Legislation prohibiting discrimination based on “untouchability” and ongoing distribution of citizenship certificates are positive steps in responding to such concerns.”

Ensuring fair representation of Dalits, Madhesis and Janajatis in the upcoming Constituent Assembly elections would be an important signal to show that the State is serious about making way for all Nepalese to exercise their rights as full citizens, and partners, in this country, she added.

She said that achieving even this will require further effort, political will and co-operation between historically marginalised groups and the Government.

Meanwhile, organisations working in the field of Dalit communities organised a rally in Kathmandu to mark the day.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March to mark the day when the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination on 21 st March 1966, six year after police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa.