Tuesday, November 8, 2011

100 day campaign against caste discrimination and untouchability


Despite national legal standards and international obligations, caste discrimination and untouchability practices are still prevalent in Nepal, particularly in rural parts of the country.

To widely disseminate the content of the recently promulgated Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act 2068 to ensure its effective implementation, the United Nations Human Rights Office in Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal) and the National Dalit Commission have jointly launched this campaign.

On 16th September, the President of Nepal officially inaugurated the launch of the campaign and over a 100 participants, including Government representatives, Human Rights Defenders and media personalities, took part in the campaign's first National Consultation programme organized later in the day.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that victims as well as their family members are able to invoke the rule of law in order to access justice. A culture of accountability must replace the present culture of impunity in Nepal.

To pledge your commitment to end practices of caste discrimination and untouchability, visit the campaign website: http://www.100daysagainstcastediscrimination.com and make your mark today!

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