Campaign against Nepal’s caste discrimination organized in Germany

Chemnitz (Germany), August 31- A group of social workers in Chemnitz has been active in the initiation for eradication of caste system of Nepal. The group, yet to be formally named, is organizing various programs including a photo exhibition and a signature campaign organised for 4 days in Freeburg, Germany on 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th of September. It may be the first time in Germany, where the Nepalese people from both sects- those belonging to the so-called upper castes and the so-called lower castes are organizing demonstrations together for the eradication of age old caste discrimination still prevailing in Nepal. In addition to the Nepalese activists, even Germans including a Professor are taking part actively in this campaign. Many locals who have heard about the initiatives have been extending a strong moral support for this campaign. Many students across Germany have started discussing about how to eradicate the caste system through their different internet discussion forum, as they believe that it can not be eradicated only by force. The discussions are in German, but are very interesting.

The plan of the group’s campaign is to reach out to all ruling and opposition parties of Germany first, and then the same will be followed in European Union (EU) countries so that they would put forward conditions on their investments in the international aid– at least a quarter part of the international aid should go to the lower caste people. Many letters have already been sent from Germany to the Speaker of the Parliament and to many weeklies and the Nepal Journalist Association which are collecting all the solidarity letters sent.

The next plan of the group in the future is to organise a funeral journey of caste system from Mechhi through Mahakali to Bhagirathi Ganga (Holy River) signifying the death of caste discrimination not only in Nepal but also that the impact of eradication of caste system will be in India. The symbolic dead body of caste system will be burnt in Bhagirathi Ganges River, and both so called upper and lower caste people will take part in this rally.

The main demands of the social group are outlined as follows:

Main demands to German government:

1. The problem of caste discrimination in Nepal must be regarded as international problem, since it is a human rights problem of the world.

2. When it comes to providing financial aid to Nepal, the attention must be paid to the condition that the international aid programs go to so-called lowest caste people who have been victimized by the caste discrimination for long time- at least a quarter of the foreign aid going to Nepal must be spent for the discriminated caste people.

3. Member countries of the EU and other industrialized countries must be cautioned about the caste discrimination problem, so that they would pay attention to addressing the problem.

4. Pressure to the Nepalese government must be exerted by the international community so that the Nepalese government is obliged to implement programs for the upliftment of lower caste people.

Main Demands to the Nepalese government :

1. Establish a law which prohibits and penalises heavily agianist acts of discrimination on the members of the discriminated caste, and

2. Pass a special education bill which ensures free education and financial support for children from the discriminated caste.

The group is seeking international solidarity and help against the eradication of caste discrimination and strong support to the campaign

Report by:

Nab Raj Roshyara
Member of the campaign group and coordination for the initiation for eradication of caste system
TU Chemnitz Germany
http://castedisrimination.blogspot.com/
Mobile Phone: 0049-174-6241948
Email: 1. rnab@mathematik.tu-chemnitz.de 2.roshyara@yahoo.com.