Kathmandu, March 30. An interaction program was held with Basil Fernando from Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) on an initiation made by Jagaran Media Center (JMC) Buddhanagar, Kathmandu. Hongkong based rights organization AHRC works internationally in raising issues of Dalits. The organization AHRC is mainly interested in Dalits of Nepal as they are in poor condition within the south asian region.

The interaction was mainly organized because there is extensive homework going on for making a new inclusive Nepal. To raise the issues out the voices of voiceless in the international arena for effectiveness, various Dalits as well as non dalit personalities were sat together. They provided their views and experiences they have gathered in the long run of Dalit emancipation movement. They provided not only the views on caste based discriminations, but also covered various other groups which were less cared for in the past. Views on donor flooding money for Dalits and discrimination on job vacancies were the ones that caught the great attention of the participants.

Mr. Fernando was highly pleased to gather knowledge from the participants. He clarified that a local issue can be internationalize within 5 minutes of time because of the available networking these days. He opined that Dalits and the concerned should work together for raising the issues of Dalits for meeting the measurable objectives. Interaction of the participants and the other concerned in Dalit issues were meant to provide ups and downs of Dalit movement to AHRC, as they can and will disseminate the information to the international arena. He also tried to collect the model of repression here of Nepal when Dalit community asks for their rights and come to the streets. He gave a new concept of organizing Dalit human rights education to the activists. He strongly criticized that if some international organization aren’t effective enough to address the issues related to Dalits, then they should be condemned by lobbying.

Reported by:
Prakash Mohara
Jagaran media center (JMC)
Buddhanagar, Kathmandu
Nepal.

South Asian Dalit Communities and Movements

The pernicious influence of caste system is prevalent in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka and that is how it has acquired a typical South Asian character which affects about 260 Million Dalit population in varying degree. The unique feature of Hindu Social Order, particularly its main pillar, viz., the caste system and untouchability, is practiced in many ways in most of the South Asian countries. This has been testified by several research works including the one by Mr. R.K.W. Goonesekere in the year 2001 in his Working Paper on Work and Descent Based Discrimination for the UN’s Sub Commission on Promotion and protection of Human Rights, it observed that:

“The most widespread discrimination on the basis of work and descent occurs in societies in which at least a portion of the population is influenced by the tradition of caste, including the Asian countries of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka ”.

The institution of caste system, in whatever form it exists, involves gross violation of human rights for Dalits based on birth or descent. Firstly, they suffer from forced exclusion and isolation. Because of untouchability and un-accessibility, they are physically excluded from the high caste locality in the rural area. Secondly, they are excluded from the rest of the community due to restrictions on inter-caste marriages or the practice of endogamy. Thirdly they are not entitled to any civic, social, cultural, economic, political and religious rights.

In the context of India, the caste system is much more pronounced than its regional counterparts in South Asia. Despite the fact that the Constitution of India prohibits the practice of untouchability, Dalits continue to suffer multiple kinds of worst human rights violations in their day to day life. The Dalit movement for equality has a long history and has made remarkable contribution in terms of putting the issues related to caste based discrimination, untouchability and atrocities onto the centre stage in the public discourse. The struggle for emancipation is still on and especially in the context of Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation, it has to play much more significant role in securing socio-economic rights of Dalits, which have hitherto been denied since century’s altogether. After examining India’s periodic (15-19) reports, the UNCERD in its concluding observations on March 9, 2007 remarked that ‘de-facto segregation’ of Dalits persists. Discrimination against Dalits, often referred to as untouchables, still exists in rural areas in the private sphere and in matters such as access to eating places and water sources. The UNCERD also said that discrimination of Dalits, particularly in rural areas, with regard to access to places of worship, housing, hospitals, education, water sources, markets and other public places needs to be checked by strictly enforcing the Protection of Civil Rights Act (1955). Mandatory training on the application of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (1989) for concerned officials was necessary, said the committee, as there has been an alarming increase in the number of arbitrary arrests, torture and extra-judicial killings of members of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes by police. With regard to the increase in cases of sexual violence against Dalit women by upper caste men, there needs to be immediate remedial and legal actions to ensure effective delivery of justice to the victim, the committee said. Considering the prevalence of manual scavenging as a Dalit occupation, and the large number of child labourers from the Dalit community, the UNCERD said there had to be effective implementation of the Minimum Wages Act (1948), the Equal Remuneration Act (1976), the Bonded Labour (System) Abolition Act (1976), the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act (1986) and the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act (1993).

Nepal has a predominantly Hindu population and a caste system similar to that of India. About 21% of the population of 22 million constitutes the service caste (untouchables/Dalits), which are engaged in traditional occupations with low status value. Dalits in Nepal also suffer from several kinds of human rights violations which are similar to their predicament in other parts of South Asia. These include untouchability and residential segregation, denial of access to temples and many other public facilities, no access to public water taps, community and forest resources and other kinds of humiliations which have become the fate of Dalits in their day to day life. Nepalese society also has bonded labour system in the form of Kamaiyas and Haliyas. Though the issues related to Kamaiyas have been raised in recent times and efforts are being made to abolish this system and rehabilitate Kamaiyas who happened to be largely from the Dalit community not enough attention has been paid to Haliyas. The term Haliya is used to refer those from low-caste communities who are traditionally involved in tilling the land other than their own. The Haliya system is prevalent in some part of Nepal. It is a form of slavery like practices where workers receive a loan from his landlord. They work on their landlord’s land to repay the money. However, the wages they earn from the working are never enough to cover the amount owed, so such agricultural workers then find themselves in debt bondage. As such, Haliya remain indebted to their landlords for an indefinite and uncertain period of time and the amount of work they do is never directed toward the liquidation of their loans. The Haliyas live either in the cowsheds or under the eaves of their landlords’ houses and are also required to supply household labour for their landlords. About 85,000 peoples are suffering from this system in the western part of Nepal. Considering Haliyas as untouchables, Dalits communities, they are denied the right to education, ownership of resources including land and are thus forced to live in dreadful working and living conditions. Nearly 90 per cent of the Haliyas are landless and thus have to rely on their landlords to survive by working unpaid under oppressive conditions. Considering these facts, following issues of the Haliyas should be raised:

1. Haliyas should be given equal treatment (status) as of Kamaiyas (ex-bonded laborers)

2. Haliya system should be eliminated by applying strict application of legal provisions against bonded labour that was announced in 18th July 2002

3. Government should take necessary actions to act against caste discrimination

4. Minimum wage system should be applied in all forms of labour sector including agricultural sector

5. Right to education, right to health of the Haliyas should be ensured

6. Haliyas should be provided with identity card, land, skill trainings and other employment opportunities.

The Centre for Human Rights and Global Justice of New York University in its report in 2005 noted that the civil war which engulfed Nepal for more than a decade catapulted Dalits in a situation of cross-fire between Maoists and Royal Nepalese Army and various incidents of torture and extra judicial killings were also reported on an alarming scale. The UN’s Committee against Torture (CAT) in its concluding remarks and recommendation on Nepal’s second periodic report in 2005 thus observed:

“Despite the State party’s acknowledgment that caste discrimination is prevailing in the country and the creation of the National Dalit Commission, the Committee is gravely concerned about the continued deeply rooted discriminatory practices, on a large scale, against marginalized and disadvantaged groups or castes, such as the Dalits. The Committee is also concerned that the long standing pattern of caste discrimination is being further heightened by the current conflict in the country. The Committee reaffirms that it is the duty of the State party to protect all members of society, and in particular citizens belonging to marginalized and disadvantaged groups or castes, such as the Dalits. The State party should undertake specific steps to safeguard their physical integrity, ensure that accountability mechanisms are in place guaranteeing that caste is not used as a basis for abuses, unlawful detention and torture and take steps to ensure more diverse caste and ethnic representation in its police and security forces. The State party should include information on caste discrimination in its next periodic report”.

The overthrow of Monarchy and the struggle to build a new and democratic Nepal promises a better deal for Dalits but so far nothing substantial has been initiated in this regard and how inclusive the new set up would emerge remains to be seen. Various kinds of atrocities have been reported against Dalits from different parts of Nepal in recent times which reflect the continuation of age old tradition of caste system which excludes and discriminates against Dalits in multiple forms.

In Sri Lanka, there are two kinds of caste system, one for the Sinhalese and the other for the Tamils. Although both have their origin in India, the Sinhalese caste system is not directly linked to the Hindu Varna system. It was an aspect of a feudal society, which divided people according to descent and blood or according to their hereditary roles and functions. Social distance was practiced but the notion of pollution hardly existed. The Sinhalese caste system is considered to be much more mild and humanitarian when judged by the Indian standards. The exception, however, is with regard to the caste Rodiyas or Rodi (meaning “Filth”) from very early times. They suffered untouchability with a vengeance. They were always a small community living mainly in the central highlands in their own colonies of huts devoid of several amenities. In recent times, allegations of discrimination on the basis of caste have been reported by low caste Tamils of Indian origin employed mainly as tea estate workers in the hill country. Integration with the rest of society is more difficult owing to prejudice, but there signs of it breaking down too. Caste distinctions exist among themselves and complaints have been made that workers (mostly Dalits) are kept out of Trade Union offices by their high caste supervisors. In the post Tsunami relief and rehabilitation phase many complaints of caste based discrimination have reported though as much pronounced as it has been reported from India.

In Pakistan, there are about 36 castes declared to be Scheduled Castes under the Declaration of Scheduled Castes Act, 1956. They are part of a tiny minority, i.e. 5% of the country’s population and due to lack of education and other basic necessities continue to suffer several kinds of discrimination. The incidents of atrocities and caste based discrimination are increasing day after day especially in Tharparkar and other areas in the Sindh Province. Dalits who form about 70% of the total Hindu population in Pakistan are completely marginalized and in most of the cases live at the mercy of their caste Hindu and Muslim masters. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has also compiled various kinds of human rights abuses against Dalit bonded labourers who are popularly known as Haris. Three districts of southern Punjab (Sadiquabad, Rahimyarkhan and Bhawalpur) which also shares its borders with Sindh have a sizeable population of Dalits. The Scheduled Caste Hindus particularly Kolhi, Bheel, Meghwar, Bagri, Balmiki face discrimination in the shape of untouchability. They are often termed achoot (untouchable) by faithful Muslims and also by upper caste Hindus. This discrimination haunts them from Tharparker in the bottom of Sindh to Rahimyar Khan in southern Punjab. There is hardly any change in the pattern of social, economic and political exclusion and forms of discrimination against this group of citizens — regardless of which part of the country they reside. They are not welcome at hotels and restaurants to share utensils and barbers refuse to offer them services. In some instances they have been physically humiliated when eating in hotels when they dared to break this rule. Social exclusion and discrimination on the basis of caste is rampant in Pakistan.

In Bangladesh too, discrimination on the basis of caste have been reported. Though again being a predominantly Islamic population, the elements of caste system are found among the Hindus which constitute a minority population. The practice of manual scavenging and various other kinds of untouchabilities and atrocities are reported at brief intervals though not as much as it is done in India. The recent visit by Prof. Chung and the IDSN team to Bangladesh has further testified to the claim that in many subtle and even not so subtle ways Dalits in Bangladesh face several kinds of caste based discrimination. There is an estimated 5.5 million Dalits living in 63 Districts in Bangladesh. Dalits belong to about 45 different types of occupational social groups who are economically, socially and politically excluded. Basic provisions like shelter, food and water are not adequately provided for in areas where Dalits live. Most Dalits have no access to the facilities that are required for a dignified standard of living. Because of low access to proper health care facilities malnutrition and other diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, TB, pneumonia etc are common among Dalits and many deaths are being reported every year due to lack of proper medical treatment. Even access to education is quite exclusionary in nature as a result of which it is estimated that only 5% of Dalits can read and write. Various other forms of discrimination are practiced against Dalits in Bangladesh. Dalits are ‘socially hated’ as belonging to an untouchable and polluted community. They are not invited by other communities to participate in public functions. There are some sacred or religious places where Dalits can not enter. Though Dalits are playing a significant role in the countries economic, environmental and social development, Dalit communities are one of the most marginalized and excluded groups in Bangladesh.

There is a need to break the Conspiracy of Silence which is the hallmark of the prevalence and practice of caste system with its concomitant untouchability and atrocities against Dalits in South Asia. In order to bring together Dalit Communities and their movements from South Asian countries on a single platform, South Asia Dalit Rights Forum (SADRF) was launched in Karachi during the WSF Polycentric events in March 2006, has now been turned into Asian Dalit Rights Movement (ADRM). There is a need to further develop a common strategy for emancipation from the savagery of caste bondage and launch a common struggle for economic and political empowerment too.

Charter of Demands for Dalit Rights in South Asia

1. Declare 2007- 2017, the SAARC Dalit Rights Decade with concrete Acts, Policies, Programmes and Action Plan

2. The erstwhile ‘untouchable’ communities who are categorised as Scheduled Castes or by other names need to be commonly termed as ‘Dalits’ across all South Asian countries and should be recognized by the respective South Asian Governments as distinct social category in need of special assistance to ameliorate their socio-economic situation.

3. As per the UN standards of UDHR and other International standards, necessary safeguards must be promulgated in the Constitution and Special Legislations must be enacted in all South Asian countries in order to safeguard Dalits from the practice of untouchability and atrocities including protection and prevention from practices of Human rights violations and prevention of violence against women and men from Dalit communities.

4. Civil, political, socio, cultural and economic rights of Dalits must be ensured in all South Asian countries including anti-discrimination rights and procedures and policies and Equal Opportunity Act in employment, contracts, trade and commerce and market in general.

5. National Dalit Commission, a Statutory Body, with Quasi-Judicial powers- like power to warrant appearance, investigate, attach property and give punitive and penal justice must be set up in all South Asian Countries to monitor and intervene in cases of human rights violation against Dalits.

6. There should be a massive campaign against the practice of various forms of untouchability across all the South Asian countries which will specifically identify criminal acts against members of Dalit communities and address all issues of violence perpetuated by social practices.

7. Adequate representation as proportionate to their population must be provided to Dalits in all South Asian Countries in the form of inalienable Constitutional (Fundamental) Rights through Reservation/Affirmative Action Policies in the field of education, jobs, legislative bodies at all levels, judiciary, armed forces, other public institutions and also in the private sector.

8. Recognise Dalit women as a distinct category among women and accordingly make disaggregated data on Dalit women available in Census Reports, Action Taken Reports and other reporting obligations to several UN bodies.

9. Proper representation of Dalit women must be ensured in Statutory Bodies & Committees, Vigilance and Monitoring Bodies to promote and protect their rights. Capacity building programmes to promote Dalit women’s active participation in public life, education and employment must be undertaken in all the South Asian Countries.

10. State must be made accountable to promote and protect Dalit Human Rights in all the South Asian Countries.

11. Dalit’s right to land and a decent means of livelihood must be ensured in all the South Asian Countries.

12. Bonded labour especially Kamaiyas and the Haliya system, child labour and all other forms of forced labour/occupation including manual scavenging must be prohibited & sternly dealt with and proper rehabilitation policy should be initiated in right earnest in all the South Asian Countries.

13. Respective Governments in all the South Asian Countries must evolve a joint mechanism to counter and abolish human trafficking of Dalit women and Dalit girl child for sexual exploitation which is quite rampant in this part of the world and has acquired an alarming proportion.

14. The Governments in all the South Asian countries must initiate a process of joint dialogue and discussion on the elimination of Caste-based discrimination with Dalit movements, social organisations, Human Rights bodies and research and academic institutions and submit a detailed report to Committee on Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), CEDAW, CRC, and CSER of the UN as part of Periodic Reports on a regular basis.

15. The UN’s Special Rapporteur on Work and Descent Based Discrimination must be provided all the necessary help and in doing their work as mandated.

16. The issue of Caste Based Discrimination must find its rightful place in the SAARC Charter

17. SAARC level initiatives must be undertaken to address the gross violation of Dalit Human Rights.

18. Dalit Rights and Concerns must be mainstreamed in the development discourse in all the South Asian countries. The commitments made by the respective Governments in South Asia with regard to Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) must take into consideration the invisibility and unique & multiple forms of exclusion and discrimination faced by Dalits. Equitable growth with justice should form the basis of the National Framework of Governance.

Asia Dalit Rights Movement (ADRM)
(An Initiative of Dalit Platforms in South Asian Countries)
c/o, National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR), 8/1, 2nd Floor, South Patel Nagar, New Delhi-110008, India

Contact Persons:

Paul Divakar (Email: paul.divakar@gmail.com, Mobile: +91 9910046813)
Dr. Umakant (Email: uk4in@yahoo.co.in, Mobile: +91 9810594816)

Kathmandu, March 30. The then National Human Rights Commission employee Late Dayaram Pariyar, who was murdered on duty by Nepal’s government security force was remembered over his first anniversary memorial day here. Speaking during the memorial service organized jointly by Dayaram Memorial Academy and the Rights Commission, Commission’s former member Sushil Pyakuryal, Parliamentarian Prakash Jwala (UML), Parliamentarian Tilak Pariyar (Maoists), the Rights Commission’s another former member Sudeep Pathak, Prof. Kapil Shrestha, Charan Prasai, Advocate Ratna Bagchand and Prakash Chandra Pariyar, the brother of Dayaram Pariyar spoke complaining against inaction on the culprit Police Inspector Prakash Raj Sharma, who allegedly shot Dayaram Pariyar but is still left scot free, and demanded complete stopage of the culture of impunity.

The details of this news from eKantipur follows:

‘दण्डहीनता कायमै

कास

काठमाडौं, चैत १५ - अधिकारकर्मीहरूले लोकतन्त्र स्थापनापछि पनि दण्डहीनता कायमै रहेको बताएका छन् । राष्ट्रिय मानव अधिकार आयोगका कर्मचारी दयाराम परियारको प्रथम स्मृति दिवस अवसरमा बिहीबार अधिकारकर्मीले दण्डहीनता अन्त्यको माग गरे ।

जनकपुरमा ०६२ चैत १५ गते प्रहरीले चलाएको गोली लागेर रामचन्द्र यादवको घटनास्थलमै र परियारको उपचार क्रममा मृत्यु भएको थियो । अधिकारकर्मी र उनको परिवारले हत्यामा संलग्न प्रहरीलाई अझै कारबाही नगरिएकाले दण्डहीनता कायमै रहेको बताएका हुन् ।

‘हामीले चार प्रहरीलाई कारबाहीका लागि सिफारिस गरेका छौं, तिनलाई अझै कारबाही गरिएको छैन,’ आयोगका संरक्षण अधिकृत वासुदेव बजगाईले भने- ‘अझै परिवारले राहत पाएका छैनन् ।’

दयाराम स्मृति प्रतिष्ठान र आयोगले संयुक्त रूपमा आयोजना गरेको कार्यक्रममा मृतकका दाजु प्रकाशचन्द्र परियारले राज्यले कारबाही नगरेर दण्डहीनताको अवस्था देखिएको बेला आयोगले पनि बेवास्ता गरेको बताए । ‘यो कार्यक्रमका लागि पनि मैले आयोगका सचिवस“ग लामो कुराकानी गर्नुपर्‍यो,’ उनले भने- ‘के पदाधिकारी नभएको बहाना बनाएर आयोगले आफ्नै कर्मचारीको हत्यालाई पञ्छाउन मिल्छ - बेवास्त गर्न मिल्छ -’

उनले प्रतिष्ठानका तर्फाट हरेक वर्षतीन जना अधिकारकर्मीलाई सम्मान गर्ने तथा दर्ुइ जना मानव अधिकारका सम्बन्धमा लेख्ने पत्रकारलाई पुरस्कृत गरिनेसमेत बताए । त्यसका लागि परिवारको तर्फाट १ लाख रुपैया“को अक्षय कोष स्थापना गरिएको बताए ।

आयोगका पर्ूवसदस्य सुशील प्याकुरेलले राजाको निरंकुश शासनका बेला कारबाहीको अपेक्षा गर्न नसकिए पनि लोकतन्त्र प्राप्तिपछि पनि दण्डहीनता कायमै राखेकामा सरकारलाई लाज लाग्नुपर्ने बताए । ‘लोकतान्त्रिक भनिएको सरकारले समेत दयाराम र त्यस्तै अन्यायपर्ूवक मारिएकाहरूका हत्यारालाई कारबाही गरेको छैन,’ उनले भने- ‘यो हाम्रा लागि लाजको कुरा हो । आयोगले पनि आफ्ना अधिकारले भ्याएसम्म काम गर्नुपर्छ ।’

कार्यक्रममा एमाले सांसद प्रकाश ज्वाला, माओवादीका तिलक परियार, आयोगका पर्ूवसदस्य सुदीप पाठक, प्रा. कपिल श्रेष्ठ, चरण प्रर्साई अधिवक्ता रत्नबहादुर वागचन्दलगायतले दण्डहीनताको संस्कृति कायमै रहेको भन्दै सकारको आलोचना गरेका थिए ।

http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnepalinews.php?nid=105038

Kathmandu, March 27. An interaction was organized today between a visiting Development Professional from Dalit community Mr. Krishna Sob and Dalit acvitists at DNF. The agenda of interaction was how NASO Commuinity at the institutional level and him at the personal level could contribute to the Dalit movement of Nepal in general and forthcoming constituent assembly election and Dalit agenda in particular.

He was apprised of the current political situation of Dalit and their situtation. A deep concern was expressed for not being fully able to utilize the present situation of the country in favour of Dalits. As we all know that this is the golden moment in the Nepalese history to secure the constitutional guarantee for Dalit rights.

Mr. Sob, who currently lives in the United States offered his voluntary services not less than 15 days to contribute in the process by coming to Nepal if needed, which is indeed a great encouragement to all of us.

We have agreed that DNF will do the needful to start process to set the agenda for constituent assembly and Mr. Sob will discuss how best NASO can be instrumental to provide support and bring all Dalit organizations and individuals to bring them on common platform.

The programme was attended by the executives of DNF and Krishnaji himself and lasted for more than 2 hours. Contribution of Krishna Sob towards Dalit movement was acknowledged especially his hardwork to lay the foundation for international organization’ s support on Dalit cause.

Report by:
Hira Vishwakarma

Kathmandu, March 26. An interaction of the Central Committee member of the Buraku Liberation League (BLL), Japan Mr. Yamamoto Yoshihiko with Nepali Dalit leaders and activists took place at the premises of Dalit NGO Federation, Kamalpokhari. The visiting leader shared his experience of Buraku Liberation since 1922 when the League was founded. He informed that until 1960s the process of real emancipation of Buraku could not take place as the organization was more focussed on small small welfare activities and not rights issues. They were able to achieve success only when they were able to organize Buraku people. Since the very beginning of their movement they also included members of other non Buraku communities who were discriminated on many other ways. He informed that there are 300,000 members of BLL and contribute Rs. 700 per month as membership fee and also subscribe magazine at the rate of Rs. 200 which are the major source of funding. By mobilizing Buraku and other excluded groups they have been able to send the representatives to the local governments and parliaments. They do not get funds from national government but from local governments with that they have been able to transform their life which can be compared with the squatter’s settlement at the Bagmati river of Kathmandu.

The interaction was facilitated by Ms Mashako Tanaka and accompanied by Mr. Etsuzo Inamoto, an architect byprofession and representative of Asian Commission for Human Rights.

The interaction programme was attended by the executives of DNF and its member organizations. Speaking on the occassion Mr. Bombahadur Vishwakarma, General Secretary of DNF highlighted the importance of such visits which will bring solidarity to our movement. The programme was also atttended by the representative of NCDHR, India Dr. Umakant, who is in Kathmandu in connection with people’s SAARC.

Report by:
Hira Vishwakarma

Kathmandu, March 25. Nepal-India Dalit Friendship Organization (NIDFO) has formed its new executive committee amidst its general meeting. Mr. Om Prakash Ramdam is re-elected as its Chairman of 19 executive committee members. Mr. Moti Lal Nepali has been elected a new general secretary. The other elected portfolios of NIDFO are Mr. Trilok Narayan B.K. and Ms. Bishnu Pariyar as vice -chairpersons, while Mr. Om Prakash V.K. and Mr. ChandraKumar Gadal have been elected as the Treasurer and Secretary respectively. At the same occasion an advisory committee has also been formed under the leadership of Hon’ble Mr. Ramprit Paswan. The other members of the advisory committee are Former M.P. Mr. Bijul Vishwokarma, Mr. Padam Singh Bishwokarma, Ms. Mithai Devi Bishwokarma, Mr. Hira Bishwokarma and Mr. Ratna Bahadur Bagchand.

Congratulations the newly elected committee, Hon’ble Mr. Ramprit Pasawan among the various speakers who spoke in the general meeting said, “Th political vision of anyone may be different but the perspectives towards Dalits should be same among Dalit leaders.” He urged Dalit organizations to be more inclusive so that Terai Dalits also could get opportunity to work hand-in-hand with others engaged in the Dalit movement. He emphasized the need of education in Dalit villages, and praised the help of NASO Community to the family of Terai Dalits who were the victims in the incident of Kashmir. Former Chairman of National Dalit Commission Mr. Padam Singh Bishwokarma said, “The NIDFO should be most active so that there could be frequent visits and exchange ideas between the leaders of India and Nepal.”

Giving congratulations to the new committee, the representative of NASO Committee Mr. Krishna Sob appreciated the effort of NIDFO and said whoever live abroad must remember his/her past experiences in Nepal and should contribute to their people and country as well. Advisor Mr. Hira Bishwokarma said, “We are not being able to take advantages from vast potential of Indian government’s cooperation in contrast to our good relation with Dalit leaders and ministers of India.” He stressed the need of NIDFO to play effective role to draw the attention of Indian government towards the issue of Nepalese Dalits through its embassy in Nepal. The new Treasurer Mr. Om Prakash V.K. gave a glimpse of the historical relationship existing between Indian and Nepalese Dalit leaders, and focused on the emergence of NIDFO to explore the vast potential of Indian cooperation for the benefit of Nepali Dalits. The other members who also spoke on the occasion were Mr. Shanker Bishwokarma, Mr. Desh Bahadur Sarki, Mr. Chandra Kumr Gadal, Mr. Sambhu Hazara Paswan and Ms. Bishnu Pariyar.

Concluding the meeting, Chairman of NIDFO Mr. Om Prakash Ramdam said, “Indian Dalit leaders have much affections towards Nepalese Dalits, and a little bit of efforts made by NIDFO may go a long way bringing a lot benefits to Nepalese Dalits.”

The newly elected General Secretary Mr. Moti Lal Nepali had conducted the meeting and promised to go ahead with most valuable aspirations and guiding ofAdvisors and Committee.

Report by:
Om Prakash VK

People’s SAARC urges governments to combat poverty

Participants of the People’s SAARC here in Kathmandu have stressed the need to address the pressing needs of the people of the region and translate the commitments of member states into action.

At a programme organised in the capital on Sunday to publicise the Kathmandu Declaration at the end of the three-day long People’s SAARC, leaders from SAARC countries said the SAARC had not been able to address the real needs of the people of the region.

Chief guest of the programme, CPN (UML) general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal said the SAARC had failed to deal with the issues of the marginalised and poor people and that the SAARC nations were acting like pawns in the hands of western countries. Poverty is the main area the SAARC members need to work on, he said.

Pakistani Member of Parliament (MP) Manjur Ahmed urged the governments in region to cut down military expenditure and invest more on welfare and benefits of the poor and hungry people of South Asia. It is an irony that while largest number of poor people in the world live in South Asia the governments in the region have been increasing budgets on the military and nuclear weapons, he added.

Indian Dalit leader Dr. Uma Kanta was of the view that the people’s SAARC was the demand of time to raise the voice of the suppressed, marginalised and disadvantaged people of the region whose voice have never been heard in SAARC forums.

Bhutanese refugee leader Dr. D. N. S. Dhakal said the Bhutanese refugee issue should be a major agenda of the upcoming SAARC summit.

Other leaders addressing the function also emphasised the need for implementation of the SAARC commitments for poverty eradication and establishment of poverty alleviation fund to meet the millennium development goals set by the UN.

The three-day conference of the SAARC MPs and political leaders held in Kathmandu from March 23 adopted its first declaration vowing to work for people-based democratic system of governance to develop and strengthen good governance from the grassroots to national and regional levels.

The Kathmandu Declaration states that it is about time to refuse the western capitalistic dominance.

Of the many demands put forward, the conference called for strengthening and institutionalising democracy, combat religious, ethnic and gender based violence, guarantee sovereign rights of the people for food, solve the problems of refugees and internally displaced people, extend support to the struggle of the Bhutanese refugees, promote free media, downsize the defence budget, declare 2007-2017 as SAARC Dalit decade, guarantee 50 reservation to women in all aspects of governance and end of all forms of indentured labour in the region.

Current MPs, former MPs and political leaders from Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan participated in the People’s SAARC conference. News Source: nepalnews.com ia Mar 25 07

OHCHR focusing on addressing discriminations: Sundh

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.

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. News Source: nepalnews.com pb Mar 21 07

Related News:

CA Polls Essential to Establish Dalit Rights: Speaker of the Legislative Parliament Subas Nembang

Various programs organized on the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21st )

CA Polls Essential to Establish Dalit Rights: Nembang

The Himalayan Times Online
Kathmandu, March 22

Speaker of the legislative parliament Subas Nembang on Wednesday said the constituent assembly election was essential to establish the rights of Dalits, indigenous nationalities and women.

While addressing an interaction organised by Dalit NGO Federation Nepal on Wednesday to mark the 42nd International Day against Racial Discrimination, Nembang warned that a conspiracy is being hatched not to let the CA polls happen.

Spokesperson of the CPN Maoist Krishna Bahadur Mahara said ‘autocratic unitary state mechanism led by the monarchy’ was the major cause of the sufferings that Dalits have been facing for long and, therefore, everyone should first be involved in the campaign to root out monarchy.
“The ethnic problems of the nation should be solved in a political way through federal democratic republic,” he said, adding that all the political parties should rise above the status quo as soon as possible.

State minister for Science and Technology Man Bahadur Biswokarma claimed all the commitments made by the leaders of the political parties present at the function was nothing but “crocodile’s tears”.

Various Dalit Institutions Organize the Grand Functions to Commemorate 21 March

Kathmandu, March 22.

On the occasion of 42th International Caste & Racial Discrimination Elimination Day, the Dalit organizations DNF, FEDO, NNDWSO, JUP DWO and other affiliate member organizations of DNF jointly with other political front organizations and other Dalit-rights institutions organized a huge celebration program in capital and out side of the valley on March 21.

The massive mass rally had started from the Khulamancha on 12 noon and surrounded the Tudhikhel and converted into mass meeting reaching at Basantapur Dabali after 1.30 pm. At the program around 4000 people from in and outside the valley actively participated. Mr. Bom Bahadur BK, Gen. Secretary of DNF, Ms. Durga Sob, president of FEDO, Mr, Bhakta BK from NNDSWO, Ganesh Kaliraj from DWO and Hari Gandhari, Maniram Deula, Mr Padmasing Bishwakarma, Min BK, Mr Lal Bdr Bk, Ganesh BK, Mr. Jitu Gautam, Mr Kadga Basyal, Mr Keshabman from different political front organizations had led the mass rally.

At this function, Madhav Kumar Nepal, the Gen Secretary of NCP (UML), Mr Mahendra Ananda of Nepal Sadbhawana Party, Mr. Dilaram Acharya from Janamorcha along with the senior leader of different democratic parties were present. Addressing at that meeting Madhav Kumar Nepal expressed that the main root cause of ongoing caste based discrimination is the feudalist culture prevailing in Nepal for which we should first aim at making the socio-economic, political status of Dalit community uplifted. And, if any personnel holding government responsibility appreciates such discrimination practices, the state should have to come to the fore to punish those people sternly. He had released two new books also published by DNF’s LAAD Division. Those are ‘Public Concerned Case on Dalit Issues and Role of Supreme Court’ and ‘Reservation Modality in Nepal’.

Mr. Acharya addressing on behalf of Janamorcha, warned if the Dalit community came out in the streets as Madhesi and Janajati, the existing regime of exploiters would end; however, Dalit people are still waiting quietly and peaceful for the progressive role of 8 political parties. Another speaker from Sadvawana Pary, Mr Mahendra Ananda expressed his view to be 20 percent proportional representation from Dalits in the all sector of state mechanism along with Janajati and Madhesi and women.

Mrs. Sob the FEDO president and Dalit women leader blamed that Dalit communities are again sidelined from state, despite they have sacrificed much more for ending the cruel autocratic regime. She wondered why now-a-days, even the media sector has not been talking sincerity and adequately on Dalits issues.

Mr Min BK former member of interim constitution draft committee and Dalit leader threatened the government, if, yet, the state doesn’t consider their agenda properly and understand only the language of vandalism destroying the government property, entire Dalit people too will be ready to resort to such undesirable means.

At the mass meeting, Mr. Khadga Basyal, Sebalram, Mr Bhakta Bishokarma, Padmasing Bishokarma, Ganesh BK and other Dalit leader had also expressed their views demanding the proportional representation of Dalit communities in state reconstruction.

Speaking from the chair in the meeting, Mr Bom Bahadur Bishokarma (DNF) was concerned about the state not yet ensuring the Dalits human rights in the context of 21 century. He added, while all forms of racial and caste discrimination was abolished by world statute in 1965, and it only in 1971 that Nepal ratified it.

Some musical events and caricature were also performed from the part of Cultural Campaign for Equality (CUCEQ) during the program.

Also, similar mass rallies and meetings/interactions have been conducted by regional and district chapters in many parts of the country.

Report by:
Saroj Dillu

DNF-Nepal organized an interaction program

Kathmandu, March 21.

DNF-Nepal has successfully organized an Interaction program on “Constituent Assembly & Caste discrimination free nation?” at the Hall of Nepal Bar Association, Katmandu in collaboration with 21 member DNGOs of DNF-Nepal. Speaking from the chair of chief guest Rt. Hon’ble Mr. Subash Nemwang said the mainstreaming of disadvantaged groups including Dalits in Nepal according to the mandate of people’s movement-2 is nderway. The other speakers also delivered their speeches at the program. Hon’ble minister for state Mr. Man Bahadur Bishwokarma said the interim constitution also is still hesitating to give full human rights to Dalits. The leader of the Maoist parliamentarians Mr. Krishna Bahadur Mahara said the overall problems of Nepalese citizens would be solved after the election of Constituent Assembly, but the conspiracy from different corner is coming up to block the election. Mr. Krishna Pahadi from civil society said the government is heading to be failure due to its own action, but still there is time to be corrected, he warned the government to follow people’s mandate. Ms. Sarita Giri from Sadbhawana Party, Mr. Rishi Katel from NCP (Integrated) , Mr. N.P. Saud from Nepali Congress (Democratic), Mr. Binod Pahadi from FNJ also highlighted the issue at the program. The program was chaired by Mr. Moti Lal Nepali, Chairman of DNF-Nepal and was conducted by its General Secretary Mr. Rem Bishwokarma. At the beginning the welcome address was made by Mr. Om Prakash V.K.

This program was organized on the occasion of 42nd International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Report by:
Om Prakash VK.

Related news: CA Polls Essential to Establish Dalit Rights: Nembang

SIFT Nepal organized an interaction program

Kathmandu, March 20.

SIFT Nepal has successfully organized an Interaction program on “Dalit representation in Constituent Assembly with the collaboration of DNF and Ram Samaj. This program was organized on the occasion of 42nd International Day for the elimination of racial discrimination. This program was concluded with huge participation from Dalit people, organizations and civil society. The guest from UML central committee member Shanta Manavi insisted to initiate an united movement of Dalit for ensuring the Dalit representation in constituent assembly. Similarly, MP Anjana Bishankhe shared the experience of Parliament and initiation taken by her and her party. She said that party should ensure the representation of Dalit in CA. Dalit leader from NC (D) Min Bishwakarma expressed need of a common forum of Dalit for the effectiveness of Dalit movement. Central member of Sadbhawana Mahendra Ananda, DNF secretary Tej Sunar and Jatiya Samata Samaj central member Pabitra Sunar and DHRO president Bhojman Lamgade had also expressed the need of united movement to ensure the proportionate representation of Dalit in CA. This program was conducted under the chairmanship of Mr. Sewal Ram. The program moderator Mom Bishwakarma, president SIFT Nepal had also presented a concept note.

Similarly, on the occasion of 42nd International Caste Discrimination Day the Creative Forum Nepal has organized an interaction program named ‘Insuring of Dalit’s rights into the Constitutional Assembly and role of local parties’ at Bhaktapur.

As a chief guest- Mr. Sunder BK, the vice president of Dalit Development Committee, has articulated that local leaders must ensure the right of Dalits into the upcoming constitutional assembly. The district Secretary of UML, Mr. Som Prasrit blamed that other parties are not considering about the Dalit agendas properly in these days. At the moment, Mr Bheshraj Karki from Nepali Congress and Mr Himayashor Mool also deliver their speech on the interaction.

The program was held under the chairmanship of Mr. Ekraj Lakandri, the President of Creative Forum, Nepal and more than 80 people participated in the program.

Dalit NGO Federation (DNF) organizing three different events

Kathmandu, March 19.

In commemorating the 42nd International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination., DNF has organized a fine art competition program among the schoolhood children in collaboration with Utpidit Mahila Utthan Kedra, Galphutaar. As a chief guest Mr Mitharam Dukhi BK, the parliament member from NC had distributed the certificate and prize to the participants. 40 Dalit children from 4 Boarding school had participated on this competition.

Similarly, DNF is also organizing other events on the occasion of International Day on March 20. And the day after tomorrow, the main day, DNF, FEDO, NNDSWO, DWO and other MOs are jointly conducting a huge mass rally from Tudhikhel to Basantaour. Then after senoir leader from 8 parties and Dalit leaders will deliver their speech in terms of dalits rights and dignity and their propostional representation in the state reconstruction as well at Basntapur Dabali.

Likewise, DNF, with collaboration of Utpidit Dalit Swotantra Bidhyarthi Union, is organizing a college level debate competition at Ratnarajya College, today.

Report by Saroj Dillu and Sita Rasaily
Kathmandu

Youth Interaction on State Reconstruction Organized

Kathmandu, March 15.

On the eve of 42th International Caste and Racial Discrimination Day (March 21st), Cultural Campaign for Equality (CUCEQ) has conducted a youth interaction program in the valley on the issue of responsibility of youth for the nation building, collaborating with Dalit NGO Federation (DNF).

On the occasion, the parliament member from CPN (Maoist) Ms. Sita Vishwakarma stressed her view on the vital role of youth for state reconstruction. She said, because of the need of Youth, her party has nominated enough legislators into the interim parliament. Neverthless, Min Bishokarma, the former member of interim constitution draft committee and vice president of Nepal Dalit Sangh, blamed that Maoists too have avoided the issue of Constitutional Assembly (CA) in these days as like as Nepali Congress and former king Tribuwan, while the issue of constitutional assemble had been areadly raised up before 2007 BS. Similarly, Mr. Bisnu Khatri, the executive Director of Youth Action Nepal endorsed his view on the need of alliance to be made between Dalit and pro-Dalit youth. On this program CUCEQ-Chairman Saroj Vishwakarma had presented a concept paper to be ensure the role of Dalit youth in state reconstruction. Likewise, Mrs Pavitra Sunar, youth journalist and Mrs Shanti Burma from Mukti Samaj had also concentrated on the issues.

On the chairmanship of Mrs. Tulasha Gautam of Rastriya Dalit Mahila Sangh, Nepal, the program was held with 93 active youth people with attended the program.

Meanwhile, DNF has organized a fine art competition program among the schoolhood children today collaborating with Utpidit Mahila Utthan Kedra, Galphutaar. As the chief guest in the program, Mr Mitharam Dukhi BK, the parliament member from NC, had distributed the certificates and prizes to the participants. A total of 40 Dalit children from 4 Boarding school had participated in this competition.

Similarly, DNF is organizing other events on the occasion of 42th International Caste and Racial Discrimination day tomorrow too. And the day after tommorow, the main day, DNF, FEDO, NNDSWO, DWO and other organizations are jointly organizing a huge mass rally from Tudhikhel to Basantaour. At the end, various senoir leaders from 8 parties and Dalit leaders are expected to deliver their speech at Basntapur Dabali, demanding dalits rights and dignity and their propostional representation in the state reconstruction.

Report by:
Saroj Dillu

The concept paper (in Nepali) presented by Saroj Vishwakarma in the interaction program follows:

“सक्छौं चलाउन, पदमा वस, सक्दैनौ, सक्नेहरुकेा सिको गर…”.

राज्यको पर्ुनर्संरचनामा दलित यूवाको भूमिका
विषयक अवधारणा पत्र

विषय प्रवेश:
भरखरैको जनअन्दोलन-२ मा निरंकुशताविरुद्ध दलित समुदायहरु प्रतिवद्ध भई आफ्नो सहादत्व र्समर्पण गरेको जो-कोहीबाट छुप्न सक्दैन । अतः समृद्ध र नयां नेपाल नर्माणका लागि सामन्तवाद र अधिनायकत्ववादलाई दोहोलो काड्न यो समुदायकोसमेत अग्रणी भुमिका रहेको सत्य हामीवीच ताजा नै छ । त्यही ऐतिहासिक जनसंर्घष्ाबाट दिगो शान्ति वहाली भई राज्यको पुनर्संरचना हुनुपर्ने हामी यूवाहरुको आग्रह हो ।

अहिले सातदल र नेकपा माओवादीवीच भएको ऐतिहासिक सहमतिसंगै देश एउटा नयँा अध्यायमा प्रवेश गरिसकेको छ । तर पार्टर्ीी चालू संसदलाई विघटन गरी खाईपाई आएका उही पुरानै संासद सदस्यहरुलाई पुनर्स्थापना गर्ने प्रवृतिमा हाम्रा प्रजातान्त्रिक दलहरु जुटीरहेका छन्, जस्ले स्थायी संविधानमासमेत दलितका सवालहरुलाई पुनः ओझेल पारी राज्यसत्तामा उही पुरातनवाद् हावी हुने देखिन्छ । तर्सथ, सदियौंदेखि राज्यसत्ताको पहुंचबाट वञ्चितकरणमा पारिएका समुदायहरुलाई यस गणतन्त्रतर्फउन्मुख भईरहेको राजनीतिक तरलतामासमेत पुनः वाहिर राख्ने हो भने या यो समुदायलाई वर्ण्र्ाावस्थाको उही पुरानै कुण्ठनबाट आर्थिक, सामाजिक र राजनीतिक रुपमा विमुख पारिने हो भने दलितहरुलेसमेत आफ्नो अधिकार स्थापनाका लागि उपरान्त, वैकल्पिक मार्ग अपनाउनु पर्ने देखिन्छ ।

दलित यूवाको अवस्थिति:
त्यसैगरी, दलित युवाहरुकै निरन्तर संर्घष्ाका वाजुद नै मुलुकमा ठूला ठूला राजनीतिक परिवर्तन हुने गरेको छ । २०४६ का कुरा गरौं या २०६३ को लोकतान्त्रिक जनआन्दोलनको को कुरा गरौं, अधिकांश पर््रदर्शनहरु युवाहरु नै थिए र सहादत्व प्राप्त गर्ने मध्येमा १४ जना यूवा नै रहेका छन् भने र्घाईते हुने अधिकांश युवा आजपनि अस्पतालको शैंया छट्पर्टाईरहेका छन् । तर परिवर्तन हुनासाथ राज्यको ठूला अवसरहरुमा, मुलुकको निर्ण्र्ाा मोड लिने समयमा कुनाकुनामा हातमा पप्लु समाएर चियाई तमासा हर्ेर्ने उपल्ला स्तरका राजनीतिक नेताहरुले सत्तामा पदासिन हुन्छन्, राज्यका हरेक निकायमा प्रायः उनकै सेवाहजुरीमा ख्वामित्याईं गर्नेहरुलाई मनोनयन गरिदैं आईएको छ । यसको भरखरै सरकारीस्तरबाट भएका केही मनोनयनहरुलाई यसको प्रत्यक्ष उद्दारहणको रुपमा लिन सकिन्छ ।

दलित यूवाको सर्न्दर्भको कुरा गर्दा राज्यका अवसर प्राप्त गर्न त उनको दुर कल्पना मात्रै हो । एउटा पियनको जागीरमासमेत व्राम्हणवादका कारणले यिनीहरु वञ्चितीकरणमा परेका छन् । होटलदेखि शैक्षिक निकाय, सैनिक तथा प्रहरी सेवा तथा निजामती, वैंकिंग निकायदेखि गैरसरकारी निकायमासमेत उनीहरु नगण्य सहभागिता वाहेक केही हुन सकेको देखिदैंन । गैरसरकारी क्षेत्रमा दलित खेती गरेर अघाउने सभ्यताको खोल ओडेका नव व्राम्हणवादीहरुले गर्दा यो समुदायका युवाहरु सधैं वञ्चितीकरणमा परिरहेको यथार्थ हाम्रोसामु छ । हरेकपल्ट विज्ञापनमा दलित तथा जनजातिलाई प्राथमिकता दिईने भनिएता पनि आखिरमा तहाँ गैरदलितले नै भागवण्डा हडप्ने गरेको पाईन्छ । त्यसले गर्दा दलितहरु वेरोजगार बनेर पलायन हुनपर्ने स्थिति पनि एकातिर छदैंछ । ती गैरसरकारी क्षेत्रमा आफ्नो वाच्नुपर्ने उच्चतम् मापदण्डभन्दा ज्यादा श्रोतहरु तलवको रुपमा हडप्ने प्रवृतिसमेतले यी वेरोजगार यूवाले प्राप्त गर्नसक्ने राज्यको वितरणमाथि ती वर्गबाट शोषण भएको र्ठहर्छ । किनकी १० जना वेरोजगारहरुले प्राप्त गर्न सक्ने श्रोतहरु विभिन्न सुविधाका नाममा गैरसरकारी क्षेत्रका एक ब्यक्तिले हडप्ने गरेको जतैततै देखिन्छ । रोजगारीको क्षेत्रमासमेत अनुभवको नाममा उपत्यकाका धनाढ्य आदिवासीहरु, जागीर नपाउन्जेल दलितको कुरा सुन्नै चाहदैंन, त्यस्तालाई र आफ्ना मानिसहरुलाई घरवाट फोन गरेको भरमा जागीर दिने प्रवृतिले दिनहुं दलित आन्दोलन र मुक्ति भनेर हिड्ने युवाहरुलाई उस्को वर्वादीतिर झनै धकेलीरहेको छ । तिनले नै केही गर्न सक्ने जोश र जमर्को भएका कर्तब्यनिष्ट यी यूवाहरुलाई अवसरबाट सधै विमुख पारी दलितका वास्ताविक समस्याका जानकार नै नभएका गैरदलितहरु नै दलित आन्दोलनको श्रोतहरुका मालिक भईरहेको तितोसत्य यस परिवेशको वास्तविकता हो । यी युवाहरुलाई सधै वञ्चित पार्ने ती गैर दलितहरु दलितको यथार्थ धरातलमा गहिरीनु भन्दा कसरी आफ्नो ऐश, आराम, वंगला गाडि जस्ता विलासित वस्तु कसरी प्राप्त गर्न सकिन्छ, त्यतातर्फकेन्द्रित नभएको पनि होईन । तिनैका छोराछोरीले भविश्यमा राम्रेा शिक्षा-दीक्षा प्राप्त गर्ने राम्रो अवसरहरु हडप्ने, राज्यका अधिकारहरु तिनले नै ग्रहण गर्ने संस्कार पुरानै सामन्तीवाद नयाँ रुप हो । यसले जतिसुकै मुक्तिका कुरा गरेपनि, युगले जतिसुकै छलाङ्ग मारेपनि समयअनुसार दलितको जीवनस्तर गैरदलितको उन्नतीको तुलनामा धेरै तल्लोस्तरमै कायम रहेको छ । दलित युवाहरु झिनो-मसिनो आम्दानीकै लागि ऋृणमा डुवी भारत वा खाडी मुलुकहरुमा पलायन हुनुपरेको छ । अनि प्रश्न गर्न सकिन्छः “खै त तिमी भविश्यका कर्ण्र्ाार” को र्सार्थकता - खै त नेपाली हौं भन्ने राष्ट्रियता - खै र्सवहारा वर्ग नेतृत्वको विगुल फुक्ने प्रजातन्त्रवादीहरुको समाजवाद - हामी जतिसुकै तानाशाही र निरंकुशताविरुद्ध दिनहुं अर्चना गरिरहुं, तर फेरिपनि, यसको ठिक विपरित हाम्रेा सामाजिक संचरना जताततै सामन्ती संस्कारवाटै विथोलीरहेको छ ।

वालवालिकाहरुले ग्रहण गर्ने शिक्षासमेत उही दोधारे किसिमको छ, जसले भविश्यमा यी यूवाहरुलाई आफूले ग्रहणगरेको ज्ञानको ठिक विपरीत काम गर्न वाध्य पारेको छ । एकातिर वालवालिका भविश्यका कर्ण्र्ाार भन्ने अर्काेतिर पोखिएका तोरीका दानासमेत टिपेर धनि वन्न पाठ सिकाउने कुवेरका कथा, हत्याहिंसा गरेर सत्ता जित्ने हाम्रो शासकीय इतिहासदेखि महाभारत र रामायणका कथाहरु हामीले पढेका छौ, हाम्रा वालवालिकाले पढीरहेका छन् । फेरि हामी वुद्धको शान्ति र त्यागका वारेमा सिकिरहेका छौं । यस्ता किसिमका युगको पाठले कसैलाइ सद्दाम हुसेन त कसैलाई रुजोलिन रुजवेल्ट वनाएको छ, कसैलाइ विश्वभरी साम्रज्यवाद विस्तार गर्ने नेपोलिन वोनापर्ट हुन सिकाएको छ । त्यसैगरी कसैलाई अमेरीकन राष्ट्रपति जर्जबुश वनाएको छ भने कसैलाई विन लादेन धारतिर उन्मुख गराएको छ । यसरी हामी र्सवहारा अवस्थामा रहुंन्जेल राष्ट्रियता र नेपालीत्वको कुरा गर्र्छौ, फेरि अवसरको सानो ढोका भेटियो भने राष्ट्रवादलाई लात मारेर अमेरीकी ग्रीनकार्ड लिन भौतारिईरहेका हुन्छौं । के मुलुक हाक्ने भविश्यका कर्ण्र्ाार युवाहरुले सिकेको पाठ यही थियो त - यसको मुल जरो हो - हामीले वाल अवस्थामा ग्रहण गर्ने विरोधाभाषपर्ूण्ा शिक्षा प्रणाली, हाम्रा अभिभावकहरुको मानसिक संस्कार र हामी आफैंले निम्त्याएको गरीवी, शासकहरुले नै श्रृजना गरेको सामाजिक दासता र शोषण, दमन, सांस्कृतिक उत्पीडन । यर्सथमा हर्ेर्ने हो भने सानो स्तरमा होस् या राष्ट्रिय अन्तर्रर्ााट्रयस्तरमा शक्ति छिन्नकै लागि युवाहरुलाई परिचालन गर्राईन्छ, त्यही संस्कारमा आजपनि युवाहरु जेलिईरहेका छन् ।

अभियानको मान्यता:
दलितहरु जनमसिद्ध कलाकार हुन्, जो श्रृजनाका श्रोत र संस्कृतिका संवाहकहरु हुन् भन्ने हाम्रो मान्यता छ । त्यसैगरी ललितकला र सिल्पकला सिंगो राष्ट्रलाई अभिमूखिकरण गराउने सशक्त हतियार नै र राष्ट्रकेा वहुमूल्य सांस्कृतिक गहना पनि हो । जुन समाज रुपान्तरणको दृटिकोणले पनि महत्वपर्ूण्ा छ । र, यसलाई संरक्षण, सर्ंवर्धन र परिचालन गरी उन्मुक्त पार्नु समाज र राष्ट्रको दायित्व पनि हो, जसको माध्यमबाट इतिहासदेखि दवाईदैं ल्याईएका यी दलित समुदायको मानसिकता माथि उठाउन एवं भावनाकेा विकास गराउन यस्ता साँस्कृतिक माध्यमको विकास गर्नु आजको आवश्यकता हो । यद्यपि उपेक्षित, उत्पीडित तथा दलित भनिएका यी वर्गका विभिन्न पक्षमा सयौंको संख्यामा विकासमूखि संघ-संस्थाहरु स्थापना भएका छन् र यीनै वर्गकै लागि भनेर करोडौं रुपैंयाहरु खर्चिएका छन् । यस्ता संस्थाहरुले दलितका अधिकारमूखि तथा सामाजिक, आर्थिक, शैक्षिक विकासलाई वढी जोड दिएकेा भएतापनि यी सवैको ढोका खेाल्ने आधारभूत तत्व भनेको हाम्रो ब्यैयक्तिक मान्यतामा विकास हुनु हो, सामाजिक भावनामा परिवर्तन हुनु हो र हाम्रो आफ्नै समुदायको सास्ंकृतिक यथास्थितिमा रुपान्तरण आउनु हो । जसलाई हाम्रो समुदायमा रहेको साँस्कृतिक कलाले विशेषतः युवाहरुलाई समेट्छ र तिनै युवाको सहभागिता र परिचालनमार्फ नयाँ मान्यताको मूलुक निर्माण गर्न सकिन्छ भन्ने अवधारणामा यस समानताका लागि साँस्कृतिक अभियानको स्थापना भएको हो ।

धेरैलाई विदितै भएको कुरा हो- समानताका लागि साँस्कृतिक अभियान हाम्रो समाजमा रहने जनसुमदायमा भावनात्मक परिवर्तनको विकास गर्राई साँस्कृतिक रुपान्तरणकेा लागि विगत ४ वर्षेखि कार्यरत विशुद्ध सामाजिक र युवा परिलक्षित संस्था हो । यसले आफ्नो लक्ष स्थापना गर्नका लागि युवाहरुलाई सशक्तिकरण गर्ने, तिनमा नेतृत्व विकास गर्ने र तिनको परिचालित गर्राई सभ्य समाजकेा निर्माण गर्ने कार्यमा तदारुकता देखाईरहेकेा छ । सानै रुपमा भएपनि दलितहरु भित्र रहेको साँस्कृतिक प्रतिभाहरुको प्रस्फुटन गर्राई त्यसैमार्फ समाजमा ब्यापक चेतना जागृत गराउने प्रकृयामा यो जुटीरहेको छ । यसले अन्य स्थापित संस्थाहरुको समन्वयमा विगतमा पनि जातीय छूवाछूतविरुद्ध सचेत पार्ने उदेश्यले मेचीकाली अभियान र उपत्यकामा ठूलास्तरका साँस्कृतिक कार्यक्रमहरु सम्पन्न गरिसकेको छ ।

यो अभियान युवा दलितहरुको आकांक्षा र भावनालाई प्रतिनिधित्व गर्दै अनवरतरुपमा अगाडि वढिरहेको कुरा सवै सामू स्पष्टै भएकेा कुरा हो, जसले नेपालमा सदियौंदेखि उत्पीडन र पीडाका तीतो अनुभव संगैं समाजको तल्लो तहमा राखिदैं ल्याईएका वर्ग-दलित समुदायको उत्थान र हितका लागि यिनको हकाधिकार वहाली गर्ने तिनलाई विकासका मूलप्रवाहीकरणमा समाहित पार्ने प्रयाशमा यसले आफ्नो अभियानलाई निरन्तरता दिई रहेको छ । यसै परिपे्रक्षमा दलित समुदायको हकअधिकार सुनिश्चीत गराउन सवै दलितमूखि संघ-संस्थाहरुको समन्वय र सहकार्यमा यिनको सामाजिक-साँस्कृतिक यथास्थितिमा ब्यापक परिवर्तन ल्याई सभ्य समाज तथा राष्ट्र निर्माण गर्नुपर्ने तथा त्यसैबाट जातीय छुवाछूत-उन्मूक्त समाज स्थापना हुने र यस किसिमको समाजबाट मात्रै पुरानो संरचनालाई भत्काई मूलुकमा नयाँ संरचना निर्माण हुनेमा यो अभियान विश्वास राख्दछ ।

निष्कर्षः
तर्सथ, जनआन्दोलन र समावेशी लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्रको मर्म अनुरुप राज्यको पर्ुनर्संरचना गरी दलित जनताको पनि यो राज्य हो र उनको पनि समान अधिकार छ भनि वोध गराउने हो भने पुरानै किसिमको आलेटाले राजनीतिक संस्कारसमेतको अन्तगरी राजनीतिक दलहरुले पार्टर्ीींयन्त्रलाई संस्थागत बनाउदैं दलित समुदायलाई प्रतिशतगत अनिवार्य सहभागिता गर्राई पर्ुण्ा समावेशीराज्यको स्थापना गरेमात्र लोकतन्त्र प्राप्ती र राज्य पुनसंरचनाको सारभूत उपलब्धी हुने स्पष्ट छ । अतः देशमा दिगो शान्ति र समृद्धि छाउन तथा दलितहरुको राज्यप्रति अपनत्वको भावना विकास गराउन राज्यद्धारा देहायको ब्यवस्था भएमा यस ४२ औं अन्तर्रर्ााट्रय जातिभेद उन्मुलन दिवशको र्सार्थकता हुनजान्छ ।

१. दलित यूवाहरुलाई सत्ताका लागि लुछाचुंढी गर्नेहरुको शक्तिपात्र मात्रै बनाउने र दलहरुले चाहेको समयमा सहादत्व दिने वलीको वोकोरुपमा मात्र नहेरी तिनका निरन्तरता, त्यागलाई गहन अध्ययन गरि मुलुकको आमूल परिवर्तन गराउने क्षेत्रमासमेत समाहित गराउदैं लगिनु पर्ने,
२. दलितहरु आर्थिक, सामाजिक, शैक्षिक, सा“स्कृतिक रुपमा सदियौंदेखि पछाडि पनर्ुृको कारण राजनीति नै हुनाले यिनको उत्थान एवं आरक्षणलाई राजनैतिक रुपमै सम्वोधन गरीनु पर्दछ । दलितहरुको यावत् सवालमा दलितकेा कुल जनसंख्याको आधारमा निश्चित प्रतिशत तोकी आरक्षणको ब्यवस्था
३. अन्तरिम मस्यौदामा दलितका सर्न्दर्भमा रहेका उपरोक्त विरोधाभाषपर्ूण्ा वु“दाहरुमा संसोधन गरी दलितको समुदायले बढी भोट ल्याउनेले जित्ने खालको वर्तमान निर्वाचन प्रणाली अनुसार सिधै चुनाव जित्नसक्ने स्थिति नभएकाले र उनीहरुको संख्या अधिकतम् भएतापनि उनीहरु छरिएर रहेकाले समानुपातिक निर्वाचन प्रणालीअनुसार दलितकेा निश्चित क्षेत्र तोकी, त्यहा“बाट दलित-दलित उमेद्वारवीच नै प्रतिष्पर्धा भई जितेर आउने ब्यवस्थाको खा“चो,
४. संविधानसभाले निर्माण गर्ने नयँ“ संविधानमा राज्यका सवै आंगिक निकायहरु, तह, कुटनीतिक क्षेत्र र राजनीतिक नियूtmिमा दलितको जनसंख्यागत समानुपातिक प्रतिनिधित्व रहने भनि लिखित रुपमा प्रत्याभूत गरिनु पर्ने,
५. दलितका सीप, कला, प्रतिभा, संस्कृति र साहित्यको उत्थान र आर्थिकीकरण गर्न राष्ट्रिय स्तरको प्राज्ञिक परिषद्को गठन हुनु पर्ने,
६. जनआन्दोलन दवाउनेहरुलाई कारवाहीको सिफारिस गर्न बनेको रायमाझी उच्चस्तरीय जा“चवुझ आयोगले पेश गरेको सिफारीस अनुसार जनआन्दोनका जो-कोही दोषीहरुलाई राष्ट्रिय अपराधीको घोषणा गरी कडाभन्दा कडा सजाय तोकी कारवाही हुनुपर्ने,
७. छुवाछूत र जातीय भेदभाव यदि कोही-कसैले जानी जानी गरेमा उस्लाई जन्मकैद वा र्सवस्वहरण गरी फौजदारी अपराध अर्न्तर्गत र हदैसम्मको कारवाही गरी पीडितलाई क्षतीपर्ूर्ति भराउने ब्यवस्था हुनुपर्ने,
८. राष्ट्रिय दलित आयेाग र दलित विकास समितिमा योग्य, सक्षम र दलित आन्दोलनको क्षेत्रमा विशेषज्ञता प्राप्त गरेका सवै पार्टर्ीी विज्ञ ब्यtmिहरुलाई नियूक्त गर्ने ब्यवस्था हुनुपर्ने तथा राष्ट्रिय दलित आयोगलाई मानवअधिकार आयोगसरह संवैधानिक, शक्तिसम्पन्न, स्वायत्त र स्वतन्त्र तुल्याउने संविधानतः ब्यवस्था हुनुपर्ने,
९. नागरिकता प्राप्त गर्ने सम्वन्धमा दलितको भूमिहिनताको प्रथमतः अन्त्य गरिनु पर्दछ तथा राजा विरेन्द्र र वर्तमान राजामा सरेका सम्पतिहरु राष्ट्रियकरण गरी भूमिहिन दलितको अर्थोपार्जनका लागि समेत त्यसलाई प्रयोग गरिनु पर्ने, र,
१०. अवको दशकलाई विशेष नीति र कार्यक्रम सहित दलित विकास दशक को रुपमा घोषणा गरिनुपर्ने ।

धन्यवाद,

सरोज दिलु विश्वकर्मा
समानताका लागि सा“स्कृतिक अभियान ।
(मार्च १९, २००७ मा ४२ औं अन्तर्रर्ााट्रय जातिभेद उन्मुलन दिवशको सर्न्दर्भमा समानताका लागि सा“स्कृतिक अभियानले आयोजना गरेको “राज्यको पर्ुनर्संरचनामा दलित यूवाको भूमिका” विषयक छलफल कार्यक्रममा प्रस्तुत)