Ensure political rights of Dalit community to empower them: NHRC

KATHMANDU, Dec 22: Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Anup Raj Sharma has said that economic, social and cultural aspects of the Dalit community could not be strengthened until their political rights were ensured.

He also emphasized taking both their political and economic rights hand in hand for their overall development.

“All Dalit leaders representing various political parties should unite in favor of Dalit rights. Their rights cannot be established unless they hold high positions in the state,” he said while addressing a seminar on the theme of ‘Economic, social and cultural rights of Dalit community: Challenges and opportunities’ held in the capital on Friday. The program was organized by the Dalit Social Service Association.

Similarly, CPN (Maoist Center) leader Bishwo Bhakta Dulal said Dalit’s rights were being established, while another speaker Chakraman Bishwokarma, Chairperson of the Dalit Association, countered to Dulal’s view, saying that despite Dalits rights incorporated in the new constitution, they are yet to come into practice.

Referring to many Dalit people being victimized of discrimination, resulting in death in some cases, he expressed hope that a campaign against discrimination against the community could play a significant role in reducing the ill practice.

Maoist Centre leader Dulal, former Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada, Prof Dr Keshab Khadka presented different papers on economic, social and cultural rights of the Dalit community.

The two-day event has been attended by Dalit leaders and representatives from 35 districts across the country. RSS