Book including 12 incidents of Dalit human rights violations launched

Biru Nepali, KATHMANDU, AUGUST 4: A book that incorporates a dozen of incidents of Dalit human rights violations was released amid a function here in Kathmandu on Thursday. 

The book entitled ‘Nyayako pahunchma Dalit?’– Access to Justice for Dalit–edited by Bhim Bahadur BK, Biru Nepali, and Krishna Darnal was jointly launched by chairman of the parliamentary Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee Krishna Bhakta Pokharel and Devraj Bishworkarm, chairman of National Dalit Commission. 

The book published by Jagaran Media Centre has incorporated the incidents of human rights violations of Dalit and marginalized communities. 

Despite the fact that Nepal’s constitution has guaranteed dignified life for all its citizens as under the fundamental rights section Article 24 has guaranteed rights against caste-based discrimination and Article 40 has provisioned rights for Dalits, many Dalits are killed just because they were born in a Dalit family. 

Pokharel admitted that the people of Dalit community are still facing caste-based discrimination just because of the social norms and values. He said such discrimination cannot be wiped out unless they are brought to stern legal action and punishment. 

Chairperson of the Directive Principles, Policy and Responsibilities Implementation and Monitoring Committee Nira Devi Jairu said despite being the best constitution in the world Nepal is witnessing an increase in killings due to the caste system because the implementation of laws was very weak. 

Chairman of the National Dalit Commission Bishwokarma said everyone should unite against injustice. He also requested all the Dalit and non-Dalit lawmakers to raise their voices in favour of Dalits at the Parliament. 

Addressing the function, senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi said the authorities tend to end serious human rights violations through agreement. 

Dalit rights activist Ganesh Bishwokarma said the incidents against Dalits were discouraged from registering by the people in the high-level government authorities which is a matter of serious concern. 

At the function, senior journalist and litterateur Kedar Sharma called for the need of non-Dalits to raise the issues of Dalit and it is essential for both communities to cooperate to end the ongoing discrimination against a significant chunk of the society. 

Chairperson of the Dalit Women’s Association Kala Swornakar said there is a need of pressure from the citizens level to ensure the human rights of all the people. 

Writer and researcher JB Bishwokarma said Nepal’s adjudication system and justice administration failed to act responsibly on the incidents of discrimination and atrocities faced by Dalit community. 

Chairperson of the Jagaran Media Centre Kamala Bishworkarma said the book has only incorporated one or two reports of all seven provinces of the country just as a representation. She said it is essential for everyone to focus on bringing change in practice instead of preaching about ending the existing discrimination in our society.