Sudan Kandel  Reporter

Kathmandu, March 21, 2025 (Chaitra 8, 2081) – Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Since the United Nations adopted the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in 1965, March 21 has been observed globally every year with various programs dedicated to eradicating racial discrimination.

Nepal is also a signatory to this convention. On this occasion, Dalit civil society organizations and other institutions in Nepal are organizing various programs to discuss the state of racial discrimination and measures for its elimination.

Despite Nepal’s significant inequality and widespread caste-based discrimination, the country ratified the convention as early as 1971. Nepal has enacted laws making caste-based discrimination and untouchability punishable offenses. Furthermore, in 2006, the reinstated Parliament declared Nepal a caste-discrimination-free nation. The current constitution also includes provisions that criminalize caste-based discrimination.

However, in practice, incidents of discrimination, injustice, and atrocities against the Dalit community continue, often under the protection of individuals in responsible state positions.

Although Nepal’s Constitution of 2015 (2072 BS) guarantees two fundamental rights—one against untouchability and another for Dalit rights—these rights have neither been effectively implemented nor have the necessary laws been fully enacted.