A/HRC/12/34/Add.3
page 2
Summary
The present report follows a visit to Nepal by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of
human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples and focuses on the indigenous
peoples of Nepal, comprehensively referred to as Adivasi Janajati. It reviews the human rights
situation of the Adivasi Janajati, analysing the ongoing process of constitution-making and
political transition as it relates to them and assessing the implementation of Nepal’s expressed
commitment to secure their rights. The Special Rapporteur is encouraged by expressions of
commitment by the Government to advance the rights of Adivasi Janajati, which is manifested
by the ratification of the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169) of the
International Labour Organization and the Government’s support for the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. At the same time, he notes a number of
ongoing human rights concerns related to a history of discrimination against the Adivasi Janajati.
Conscious of the challenges involved in Nepal’s period of transition to democracy, the Special
Rapporteur offers several recommendations that may serve to enhance the recognition and
protection of the rights of the indigenous peoples in line with the Government’s commitments.