Constitution must address rights of indigenous, minority and marginalized communities: Angdembe

Kathmandu: Nepali Congress (NC) parliamentary party leader Bhishma Raj Angdembe has spoken of the need for constitutional amendments to incorporate the rights and interests of indigenous peoples, ethnic communities, minorities and marginalized groups.

The leader of the major opposition party expressed his view while addressing a ceremony organized by the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) at Khulamanch in Kathmandu, marking the 32nd World Indigenous Day on Sunday.

Describing the traditional dances, cultural performances and other forms of indigenous heritage as integral to Nepal’s identity, he underscored the urgency to preserve them. Angdembe also took the event as an opportunity to articulate that his party disagrees with the committee formed by the government to recommend constitutional amendments.

Similarly, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha noted that Nepal’s strength lies in its diversity which, he stressed, should be protected through tolerance and social harmony. He also emphasized preserving the country’s linguistic, religious and cultural diversity.

Also, speaking at the event, Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, called for promoting indigenous communities through community development. She also urged preservation, conservation and intergenerational transmission of cultures of indigenous communities.

Likewise, CPN (UML) leader Prithvi Subba Gurung pointed out the need to internationalize indigenous issues. UNESCO representative to Nepal, Jaco du Toit, highlighted the important role of indigenous peoples in protecting Nepal’s nature, culture and heritage. He also acknowledged the pivotal role of the indigenous communities in preserving heritages across the world.

NEFIN Chairperson Nima Lama Hyolmo called on the government to formulate relevant laws to implement the ILO Conventions as he added that 19 years have elapsed since Nepal ratified it.

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