6th session of the Forum on Minority Issues IV. Promotion and protection of the identity of religious minorities Permanent Mission of Nepal Thank you, madam chairperson. Nepal welcomes the organisation the invitation to the 6th session of the Forum on Minority Issues. We appreciate the role played by the forum as a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues concerning minorities. Madam chairperson, the promotion and protection of the identity of minorities is (…) important, in order to maintain and develop the religious and cultural practices and traditions. Taking this into account and in recognition of the diversity of its population and culture, Nepal has undertaken various legislative and institutional measures accordingly. The right to equality is guaranteed by in the interim constitution of Nepal 2007 that also provides equal protection of law. The identity of minorities is protected through the proportional, inclusive and its representation in the structures under the right to social justice. The rights of all communities to preserve and promote their language, scripts, culture, artefacts, and cultural heritage is also guaranteed. Each community has the right to receive basic education in their modern tongue. Nepal is a secular state; the right of religion is protected as a fundamental right. Every person has the right to profess, practice, and preserve their own religion as handed down from ancient times. Similarly, every religion denomination has the right to maintain its own independent existence and for this purpose to manage and protect their religious places and trusts. No person is denied access to any public religious place, or preventing from any religious act. The national foundation for development of indigenous nationalities works for the development of the minorities and preservation of their distinct culture and lifestyles. Madam chairperson, in conclusion, my delegation believes that the concrete efforts made by, for instance, in furthering the identity of minorities despite the inherent challenges of this recognition. Support to such efforts needs to be reflected in relevant in international and national discourses. I thank you madam chairperson.