South Asian lawmakers’ conference kicks off

Kathmandu / Feb 25: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has reiterated the government’s commitment to end the caste-based discrimination and the practice of ‘untouchability’ from Nepal at the earliest possible.

Inaugurating the South Asian Dalit and non-Dalit MPs’ Conference organised by the Asian Dalit Roghts Forum here today, he said the government is committed to banish the practice of ‘untouchability’ that the dalits have been suffering from since it was not only their problem but the problem of the entire country.

“The dalits of other South Asian countries are also suffering from the problem of caste discrimination that the Nepali dalits have been subjected to at present. Therefore, unity among the countries of South Asia is necessary for ending this ill practice from the whole region,’ Minister Mahat stressed.

He also underlined the need of bringing the dalits, women, indigenous nationalities, Madhesis, Muslims and other oppressed communities into the mainstream of the State and providing them their rights through implementation of the constitution.

Indian lawmaker Dr Narendra Jadahav spoke of the need of ending all forms of discriminations found in the world and not only the caste discrimination practiced within the South Asia region.

German parliamentarian Omid Nauripur stressed on the educational, economic, social and cultural development of the dalit community for their uplift.

Lawmakers from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Germany, Malaysia and other countries are taking part in the two-day conference that will deliberate on the racial discrimination against the dalits based on their profession and caste.

The conference will conclude tomorrow issuing the Kathmandu Declaration. RSS