Kathmandu. The ‘Justice Summit 2025’ has concluded in Kathmandu, emphasizing on ensuring effective legal implementation to end caste-based untouchability and discrimination.
The summit, organized in collaboration with ‘Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance’ and ‘Global Legal Defense Fund’ on the occasion of Law Day, was attended by legal practitioners, law students, media persons and civil society representatives from all seven provinces.
Three working papers were presented in the program on topics such as constitution, federalism, inclusion, Dalit women and justice, and fronting beyond caste. Commenting on the working papers, legal scholars, political party leaders, and civil society representatives expressed the view that all state mechanisms should be serious and responsible to end caste discrimination.
At the closing ceremony of the program, the chief guest, Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Kumar Chaurasia, mentioned that the government is serious about issues related to the Dalit community. “The government has taken a policy and legal commitment to end untouchability and caste discrimination,” he said.
The ceremony was also attended by National Dalit Commission Chairman Devraj Bishwakarma, National Women’s Commission Chairperson Kamala Kumari Parajuli, Acting Madhesi Commission Chairperson Jivachh Sah, National Human Rights Commission Member Ramesh Dhungel, Attorney General Ramesh Badal, and Senior Superintendent of Police Ranju Sigdel. Dignity Defender Babita Mahara read out the alternative resolution of the summit.
House of Representatives Member of Parliament Santosh Pariyar noted that although the constitution ensures the rights of the Dalit community, the implementation aspect is weak. “The state still does not seem serious about the issue of Dalits, we will continue to fight until this discrimination ends,” he said. Similarly, Member of Parliament Sita Mijar stressed that the federal, provincial and local levels should bring special programs targeting the Dalit community, saying that the problem has arisen due to weak implementation.
Although this is the first edition of the Justice Summit, the organizing organizations have announced that it will continue in the coming years as well. Pradeep Pariyar, Founder and President of Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance, pledged to continue meaningful dialogue and creative initiatives to end structural discrimination, injustice and violence against Dalits and marginalized communities.
Article 24 of the Constitution guarantees the right against untouchability and discrimination, Article 40 guarantees the rights of Dalits and Article 42 guarantees the right to social justice. The Caste Discrimination and Untouchability (Offences and Punishments) Act, 2068 BS, has declared caste discrimination and untouchability as serious criminal offences. This Act provides for punishment including imprisonment and fine for the perpetrators and for justice including compensation for the victims.
Similarly, the ‘End of Caste Discrimination and Untouchability and Promotion of Dalit Rights Procedure, 2073’ is being implemented, according to which a high-level central committee will be formed under the coordination of the Prime Minister, a coordination committee under the coordination of the Chief Secretary, and a district-level committee under the coordination of the Chief District Officer.
The Government of Nepal has institutionalized the National Dalit Commission as a constitutionally established constitutional commission. However, incidents of citizens losing their lives due to caste have not stopped yet. It is ironic that caste violence has not ended. Women, Dalits, and even Madhesi Dalit women, have become victims of triple oppression. Similarly, people from sexual and gender minority communities are facing even more complications. The suspicious deaths of Rinku Sada and Anandi Devi Sada are presented as the latest example of such caste-based violence.
The role of the three main state bodies—Nepal Police, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the courts—is seen as decisive in determining whether or not victims of caste-based violence receive justice. Therefore, these bodies need to become more sensitive and responsible to effectively implement and enforce established laws. In addition, it is equally important for public representatives to formulate new laws necessary to protect the rights and interests of Dalits and marginalized communities in accordance with the constitution, legal and policy provisions, and to ensure their literal implementation.
प्रतिक्रिया दिनुहोस्