Dalit Civil Society Calls on Government to Take Concrete Action to End Caste-Based Discrimination
31-10-2025 10:05
Kathmandu, October 31, 2025
Leading Dalit civil society organizations in Nepal have jointly urged the government to take immediate and concrete steps to end caste-based discrimination, ensure equitable access to education, and uphold social justice.
Ahead of Nepal’s upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the UN Human Rights Council, Dalit rights advocates have raised deep concern that constitutional guarantees of equality and justice remain largely unimplemented. They stressed that Dalit communities continue to face systemic exclusion and structural inequality in everyday life.
Rising Population, Persistent Inequality
According to the 2011 national census, Dalits comprised 13.6 percent of Nepal’s total population. The 2021 census shows a slight increase to 14.4 percent. However, Dalit representation in government services, political institutions, and access to land ownership, education, health, and employment remains disproportionately low.
Despite constitutional and legal commitments, the implementation gap has perpetuated cycles of poverty, landlessness, and social marginalization among Dalit communities. Activists emphasized that without effective action, the vision of an inclusive and equitable Nepal will remain unfulfilled.
A “Caste-Free” Nation Still a Distant Reality
Nepal declared itself a “caste-based discrimination-free nation” in 2006, yet activists noted that discriminatory practices continue to exist in public spaces such as hotels, temples, schools, religious sites, and community events.
They highlighted that incidents of violence and exclusion against Dalits persist, while delays in justice and weak law enforcement have discouraged victims from seeking redress. The continued impunity, they warned, erodes trust in state institutions.
Focus on Empowering Dalit Women and Girls
Dalit organizations also drew attention to the compounded challenges faced by Dalit women and girls, who experience both caste-based and gender-based discrimination. They called for targeted programs that promote education, self-reliance, skill development, and economic empowerment.
Activists further urged the government to introduce school-level awareness campaigns against caste prejudice and patriarchal norms, fostering respect and equality from a young age.
Justice, Representation, and Emerging Challenges
The statement also called for strengthening the National Dalit Commission, ensuring judicial access for Dalit victims, and implementing Dalit rights policies with transparency and accountability.
Rising concerns such as the impact of climate change, the digital divide, and technology-driven inequality were also identified as emerging challenges that disproportionately affect Dalit communities.
In conclusion, Dalit civil society networks and activists underscored the need for solidarity among Dalit representatives, women, and youth. They called upon all levels of government and stakeholders to act decisively to realize the constitutional promise of equality, dignity, and social justice for all.
