Contact Group Meeting Kathmandu, 3 November Day Campaign Against Caste Discrimination and Untouchability 16 September – 24 December 2011

The US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Geoffery Pyatt and US Ambassador to Nepal Scottt DeLisi pledging their commitment at an event in Kathmandu on 17 Oct 2011 jointly organised by the US Embassy, OHCHR and Dalit civil society. Thumb print: pledging the commitment

Caste based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act 2011  Adopted in May 2011, following strong advocacy by Dalit NGOs, HRDs, the NDC, OHCHR and the international community, including through the UPR process.  Nepal first to pass similar legislation in South Asia Key elements:  Criminalisation of untouchability and caste discrimination in both public and private spheres  If the police fails to register a case, complaints can be submitted to the NDC and local bodies.  Increase up to 50% of the punishment and fine when the perpetrator is a public official

The President of Nepal Rt. Hon. Ram Baran Yadav formally launching the Campaign on 16 September 2011 at a function organized at the Presidential Office. The President of Nepal launching the 100-day campaign

Objectives of Campaign  Wide awareness raising on the Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act 2068 to promote its effective implementation.  Outreach to rural and remote areas, where caste discrimination remains rampant, in collaboration with government authorities, human rights defenders, media and civil society.  Promote access to justice for the victims and a culture of accountability.

The Chief District Officer of Baitadi pledges his commitment Taking the campaign to the districts

49 days since the launch of the Campaign…  350 human rights defenders and members of civil society trained on the content of the Act  Around three thousand participants attended events promoting the campaign in the Far West, Western and Central Regions.  Wide outreach and pledges received outside of Nepal through a dedicated web-site and the use of social media.  Received pledges from more than 1100 individuals over the internet and more than 3000 have expressed commitment in person.

To reach out to the youth and the large Nepali community residing outside Nepal, we have setup a special website where people can visit, learn more about the Act and pledge their commitment. Taking the campaign online

Key Upcoming campaign activities  Release of the OHCHR public report “Opening the door to Equality: Access to Justice for Dalits In Nepal”  Regional (South Asian) Experts Roundtable on access to justice for victims of caste discrimination (Kathmandu,14/15 December 2011)

Thank you For more information: United Nations Human Rights Office in Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal) SILU Building, Museum Road, Chhauni, Kathmandu Telephone: Fax: , ,