Unity In Diversity Bolsters National Integrity: President Paudel

Kathmandu, Aug 9: President Ramchandra Paudel reminded that the country's Constitution has ensured rights to all communities by acknowledging unity in diversity.

Addressing a programme organised by the Indigenous Nationalities Commission on the occasion of the 32nd International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, the-Head-of-State said, "Nepal is a country with multi-case, multi-language, multi-religious and multicultural features." The unique identity and culture of the indigenous people who have been living here since ancient times remain as the national pride of Nepal, according to him.

Paudel said, “The indigenous peoples are the children of this land and have a lasting, inner and deeper connection with water, land and natural resources.” The President said it is the government's responsibility to ensure the meaningful participation of indigenous nationalities at the policy and decision-making levels. He added that the latest data shows an encouraging 36.8 percent participation of indigenous communities at the local level.

He said he believed that access to education for these communities should be further increased to promote their overall advancement. Nepal is in the forefront in the international forum in view of the protection and promotion of indigenous rights and it is the first country in the entire South Asia to endorse ILO Convention No 169.

The President, reiterating full commitments to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Convention on Biological Diversity, said these international documents recognize rights and cultural independence of indigenous nationalities. It is noted that Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169) is a major international treaty adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on June 27, 1989 which exclusively promotes rights, cultures, lands, and the way of life of indigenous and tribal peoples.

Since the establishment of the federal democratic republic system in the country, Nepal has through the Constitution, provisioned for the establishment of the 'Indigenous Nationalities Commission', the President said. He expressed confidence that this constitutional body is championing on the empowerment of indigenous peoples by protecting their glorious history, language, and culture, and that it will continue to play its role more effectively.

According to the President, journey towards a prosperous Nepal will remain incomplete in absence of justice to and rights of indigenous nationalities." National integrity will be further reinforced by addressing remnants of past conflicts and dissatisfactions through democratic dialogues and constitutional procedures and promoting durable peace, maintaining community goodwill and unity."

"We should not forget that rights of all castes, classes and the backward communities have been ensured in democracy," he underscored.

Underlining the need to economically empower the indigenous nationalities through the commercial transformations of their indigenous knowledge, skills and technology, the President pressed the need to pursue a policy of securing economic advantages by connecting indigenous culture to tourism through the implementation of innovative approaches like 'open-air living museum'.