Kathmandu, 23 April: Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Rajkumar Gupta, has stated that the Constitution has provided sufficient rights to indigenous nationalities.
According to Kali Prasad Parajuli, spokesperson for the Ministry of General Administration, Minister Gupta made these remarks at the
Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Rajkumar Gupta, has stated that the Constitution has provided sufficient rights to indigenous nationalities.
According to Kali Prasad Parajuli, spokesperson for the Ministry of General Administration, Minister Gupta made these remarks at the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Minister Gupta highlighted that Nepal has adopted the principles outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing that these principles are fundamental to promoting justice, equality, and recognition for indigenous communities.
“The Constitution of Nepal ensures the rights of indigenous communities. With the introduction of proportional representation and a reservation system, the representation of indigenous nationalities in both political and administrative sectors has been increasing,” he said.
According to his secretariat, Minister Gupta noted that the 16th periodic plan of Nepal is focused on ensuring the inclusion, empowerment, social justice, and equitable development of indigenous nationalities. He stated, “Indigenous children are being provided opportunities to study in their mother tongues. Nepalese law protects the rights and privileges of indigenous groups and supports community ownership of land and property.”
Spokesperson Parajuli added that Minister Gupta mentioned the government has provided social security grants, including monthly allowances, to endangered indigenous groups, ensured community participation in major project selections, and implemented practices of free, prior, and informed consent. As a party to ILO Convention 169, Nepal is committed to preserving the identity, language, and culture of indigenous nationalities.
Despite these initiatives and best practices to promote indigenous rights, Minister Gupta acknowledged that significant challenges remain in delivering health, education, decent employment, economic opportunities, and other outcomes. He called on the international community to increase investment in these areas and to support the preservation and promotion of indigenous cultures.
He expressed Nepal’s readiness to collaborate with the United Nations and global partners to ensure the dignity, welfare, and empowerment of indigenous communities. He also urged for cooperation and coordination to advance the progress of all indigenous communities and to create a brighter future.
