FEDO demands dedicated bench in courts to deal with caste-based discrimination

Published On: May 18, 2023 01:55 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, May 18: Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO) has demanded the government establish a dedicated bench to deal with the cases of untouchability and caste-based discriminations in each court. Moreover, it has drawn the government's attention towards a delay in constituting the 'untouchability surveillance center' at each local body as announced by the government earlier.

The provincial conference of Dalit women representatives and rights activists organized by FEDO in Pokhara on May 16-17 urged the government to promptly ensure a separate bench at each court in the country to look after the cases of untouchability and caste-based discriminations and implement the announcement to set up the surveillance center in each local government.

FEDO wants the State to recognize untouchability and caste-based discrimination as 'a social crime against humanity' with stringent legal actions against it, according to FEDO Central Chairperson Kala Suwarnakar.

The event held with the theme of 'justice, equality and dignity' demanded the State ensure the just representation of Dalit women in each State apparatus and in political committees and in the election.

"Despite the proclamation about elimination of untouchability time and again by the State, its de-facto practices continue to cause injustice to the related communities, preventing them from living with dignity," the event concluded.

The provincial conference also sought that the bill relating to Dalit empowerment introduced during the term of the then Chief Minister Krishna Chandra Nepali Pokhrel be concluded soon.

The event urged the provincial government to make the council of ministers and thematic committees inclusive and increase investment for the education, health and capacity enhancement of Dalit women. In addition to this, it has called for the implementation of the Dalit-responsive budget in the province and local level.

The event was attended by Dalit women representatives and Dalit rights activists from 11 districts in the Gandaki Province.

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