Rights watchdogs have asked the government to implement the agreement signed in 2008 while declaring the abolition of Haliya system, the agricultural bonded-labour mainly in practice in the far-western Nepal.

Issuing a joint statement on Tuesday, International Labour Organisation (ILO), the United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), National Dalit Commission and National Women Commission urged the government to  pass the draft of Haliya prohibition bill and to form high level Haliya Emancipation and Rehabilitation Commission as agreed in the past.

"Three years after signing of the agreement, freed Haliyas have not yet received relief and rehabilitation. They are still facing difficulties to access basic needs including food, shelter and health services,” reads the statement.

The statement has also reminded government a number of recommendations on Haliyas' issue which are yet to be implemented. nepalnews.com