12 Days campaign against Caste-based Discrimination and ...

12 Days campaign against Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability A brief report by Bhakta Bishwakarma, Nepal National Dalit Social Welfare Organisation During a 12-day period – from 24 May until 4 June 2013 – Dalit civil society organisations in Nepal organised a campaign against caste-based discrimination and untouchability. This report was written by one of the organisers. The Government of Nepal has acknowledged through national and international human rights forums that the Dalit community of Nepal has lagged behind in all social, economic, and political spheres as a result of century-long caste based discrimination and untouchability. In order to the cause, the state has made some laws and declarations. In 19 March 2002 the National Dalit Commission was established. The declaration of Nepal as an Untouchability Free Nation (4 June, 2006) was made by the reinstated parliament after people's movement II paved the path towards restoring the dignity and human rights of Dalits. The article 14 of the Interim Constitution 2007 guaranteed the Rights against Untouchability as the fundamental rights. The Caste Based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act 2011 endorsed by the legislative-parliament on 24 May made any practices of discrimination and untouchability at both in private and public places a crime, and punishable according to the law. The government has also established a “mechanism to end the caste-based discrimination and untouchability and promote Dalit rights in 2011” for the practical and effective implementation of all the laws and state commitments. Despite these declarations and legal and constitutional provisions, Dalits are still facing the worst forms of discrimination on the ground of caste in every sphere of life. Rights have not been realized; the practices in society have not changed significantly; Dalits are facing abuses and brutal attacks while attempting to enjoy their rights and freedom enshrined by the constitution. Therefore to create pressure, provide policy feedbacks to accountable agencies for fair and effective implementation of anti-discrimination laws and provisions; sensitize the wider society and stakeholders about the state commitments and laws for combating caste based discrimination; and promote collective action among key actors to end caste-based discrimination and untouchability “A 12 Days National Campaign against Caste Based Discrimination” took place from 24 May to 04 June 2013 [10-21 Jestha]. Dalit Civil Society has organised a series of activities which are highlighted below: 24 May 2013 (11 Jestha 2013) Press Meet On the first day of the Campaign, Dalit Civil Society organised an interaction program entitled "Media as a means to end the caste-based discrimination and untouchability" with the coordination of Jagaran Media Centre. The Information and Communication Minister Mr. Madhav Pandey was the chief guest of the interaction program with the participation of high level officials of Government and Private Print and Electronic Media houses, Federation of Nepalese Journalist, senior Journalists, media analysts and representative from various Dalit Civil Society organisations. 26 May 2013 (12 Jestha 2013) On the third day, Samata Foundation organised a discussion program on electoral process at national level with the participation of concerned stakeholders.

NNDSWO District Chapter Dadeldhura organised lobbying meetings with VDC secretaries on the implementation of the CBD and Untouchability Act and also organised a peace rally and mass demonstration at the district head quarter. In Rupandehi district, Jagaran Media Center organised a discussion with chiefs of security agencies. 27 May 2013 (13 Jestha 2013) On the Fourth day of the Campaign, Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO) conducted an orientation programme on the CBD and Untouchability Act 2011 and National Action Plan and UN Resolution No. 1325 and 1820 targeting Dalit Rights Activists, representatives of Dalit Civil Society Organizations. Joint Secretary Mr. Sadhu Ram Sapkota and woman activist Ms. Bandana Rana facilitated the orientation session. Similarly, NNDSWO District Chapter Dadeldhura organised peace rally and mass demonstration at different Village Development Committees. 28 May 2013 (14 Jestha 2013) On the fifth day of the campaign the interaction program on the agenda of CBD and Untouchability was oganised by NNDSWO in coordination with other Dalit civil society organisations in Kathmandu with the participation of leaders of sister organisations of major political parties, representatives of DCSOs and Dalit Rights Activists. The interaction was focused on strategies for moving the Dalit movement forward. Dadeldhura, Rupandehi and Siraha submitted memorandum to chief of District Office, major political leaders of different parties. 29 May 2013 (15 Jestha 2013) The Republican Day fell on the sixth day of the Campaign. Dalit Rights Activists and Dalit Civil Society showed their participation in different programs of the celebration of Republic Day and advocated for effective implementation of the CBD and Untouchability Act 2011. Ensuring Dalit rights will enable every citizen of the country to celebrate Republic Day in a real sense. 30 May 2013 (16 Jestha 2013) On the Seventh day the Dalit Civil society visited the office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and drew the attention to the on-going cases of abuse and brutal attack on the Dalit community in different parts of the country. The civil society organisations also urged NHRC to consider the cases of discrimination and untouchability as a Human Rights case and submitted a detailed list of the cases of abuse and atrocities against Dalit that occurred this year as a reference for the commission. To respond to the issues raised by Dalit Civil Society, NHRC organized an interaction program with the concerned stakeholders to identify their respective roles to give an end to such discriminations on 5 June 2013 – the day after the end of the campaign. 31 May 2013 (17 Jestha 2013) On the Eighth Day, Professional Development and Research Center (PDRC) organised a discussion program on “Dalit Students education and teachers role” with the participation of responsible authorities from education sector and development organizations, Nepal national guardian association and Madhesi Teacher forum, Nepal Teacher Association, Nepal Educational Repubican Forum. The discussion was focused on dropout rate of Dalit students.

1 June 2013 (18 Jestha 2013) On the Ninth Day, Samata Foundation organized a TV talk program on CBD and Untouchability Act. 2 June 2013 (19 Jestha 2013) On the Tenth day the Dalit NGO Federation organized interaction program on CBD and Untouchability with law enforcement agencies. The interaction program has the participation of Nepal Police and the office of the Attorney General. Rupandehi organized a mass awareness program like street drama on CBD and Untouchability. The local Dalit Right Activists also submitted memorandum to the political parties at local level. 3 June 2013 (20 Jestha 2013) On the 11th day of the campaign, Dalit Civil Society organisations submitted a five points demands Memorandum to the President of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister), the Honorable Khil Raj Regmi. The DCS also shared different cases of abuses and atrocities facing by the Dalit community at this moment despise the existence of law made the Government. Thus they urge for strict implementation of the law and punishment of the perpetrators of each practice of discrimination and untouchability. Samata Foundation launched a research book conducted on Terai Dalit focusing on Dom Community and organised a discussion program on research findings. The discussion program was attend by the eminent researcher and analyst from both Dalit and non-Dalit community. Radio Jagaran has broadcast different programs related to CBD and Untouchability Act. 4 June 2013 (21 Jestha 2013) On the last day of the campaign, Dalit Civil Society jointly organised a peace rally with the participation of the major leaders of different political groups, Dalit rights activists, representatives of different civil society organisations, journalists and local people. The march started from Bhrikutimandap and passed thorough Bhadrakali, Ratna Park and reached City Hall and the rally was followed by an interaction program entitled "Declaration of Untouchability Free Nation and issue of ending Untouchability". The interaction was organised by NNDSWO in coordination with Dalit Civil Society Organisations. During the interaction program a newsletter of status of caste-based discrimination was released. There was participation of more than 1000 people in the programme. Links: Appeal: 12-day campaign against caste discrimination in Nepal IDSN news story: Nepal: Dalits campaign for equal rights