Nepali coalition in US to promote concerns of marginalized communities in
constitution drafting
Five Nepali organizations based in the United States have come together to
form a new coalition to advance the concerns of marginalized communities
in Nepal.
Called "The Coalition Advancing the Rights of Marginalized Peoples of
Nepal", it has been formed to provide, as according to a press release
issued by the Coalition, "a platform to foster a culture of peaceful
dialogue and constructive debates among people of differing opinions on
issues related to inclusive politics in Nepal".
The Coalition expressed serious concerns about the process of drafting of
the new constitution, specifically its effectiveness in addressing the
needs and aspirations of marginalized communities, i.e., Dalits Women,
Indigenous Peoples, and Madheshis, who constitute the majority population
in Nepal.
So the Coalition intends to inform and engage all Nepalis, with a
particular focus on marginalized communities, in the drafting of the new
constitution in Nepal; identify linkages and support from national and
international organizations to enhance the capacity of Constitution
Assembly members from marginalized communities and advocate for genuine
consultations with Nepalis of all caste, creed, class, religion, and
gender in the drafting of the new constitution to establish an inclusive
democracy for all Nepali people.
"Through lobbying the Nepali government, and by hosting public awareness
programs and creating a space where the protection of rights and
aspirations of Nepalis can be discussed openly, the Coalition will work to
ensure that all Nepalis, within or without Nepal, will be able to
participate in drafting the new constitution," the release added.
The five founding organizations (open to further expansion) that make up
the Coalition are Adhikaar for Human Rights and Social Justice, Alliance
for Democracy & Human Rights in Nepal (ADHRN) Association of Nepali
Teraian in America (ANTA), Federation of Indigenous Peoples of Nepal in
America (FIPNA, an alliance of 15 Janajati organizations), Nepali-American
Society for Oppressed (NASO) Community.
As its first major endeavor, in response to the Nepali government's
request for inputs from the Nepali Diaspora on drafting the new
constitution, the Coalition said it will also hold series of public
meetings in the United States where Nepalis of different groups and ethnic
backgrounds will be encouraged to discuss and make suggestions on how the
new constitution should be written. nepalnews.com Mar 10 09
