Demand to Prioritize Dalit Rights in Constitutional Amendment Process

Kathmandu, 24 Asar — The Independent Dalit Civil Society Nepal has urged the government, federal parliament, and political parties to prioritize the rights of the Dalit community, proportional representation, social justice, and inclusion during the constitutional amendment process. Speaking at a press briefing held today, Karn Bahadur Nepali, coordinator of the organization, emphasized that the constitutional amendment should be utilized as a historic opportunity to further strengthen Dalit rights. He highlighted that without meaningful participation of the Dalit community, the amendment would fail to achieve the goals of social justice, stressing that the process must be participatory, inclusive, and respectful of human rights.

The organization has demanded that constitutional provisions against untouchability and caste-based discrimination be made more effective, ensured proportional and inclusive representation across all state organs, clarified land and housing rights for landless Dalits, and empowered the National Dalit Commission with sufficient authority.