Permanent Mission of Nepal on Item VI
male
Madam Chair, Nepal appreciates the role of the Forum as a platform for promoting
dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to the persons belonging to minorities and
we support this novel effort. My delegation views that we all a [serious] responsibility to
protect the rights of persons belonging to minorities. To participate effectively in cultural,
religious, social, economic and other spheres of life. In particular, the protection of rights
of the minority women needed special attention given their vulnerability and their unique
challenges with discrimination. Nepal attached high priority to protection of rights to all
segments of the population including the minority. We have adopted a multi-point
approach including social economic administrative as well as legal affirmative measures
for the advancement of women as well as a rights-based approach to social economic and
political empowerment of women including the minority women. The [Constitution]
Assembly of Nepal entrusted to prepare a new democratic constitution consists of almost
one third of its 601 members women. The Supreme body stands as a symbol of
inclusiveness. The National Women Commission is an autonomous statutory body has
been established for the protection and promotion of the rights and interest of women
including their effective inclusion in Development Ministry. [not clear] due regard to
inclusion from the minority communities. Nepal practically implemented the national plan
for actions on CEDAW and engaged in platform of action. More 150 laws provide for
affirmative provisions for women in education held an employment and have strived to
secure gender justice. Discriminatory provisions in existing laws are being repealed and
harmful social practices and sexual harassment at work place have been duly addressed.
Access to education, health, entrepreneur skills, economic resources, entitlements to land
ownership and fixed property are some steps are taken to empower rural women. Social
protection measures have been devised for women considered to be in vulnerable
situation. Targeted programs such as gender responsible projects and allocation of
resources have been introduced. Nepal launched its special program in 2010 against
gender based violence a centre level complaint management has been established so that
immediate action can be taken in cases where concerned agencies refuse to register
complaint of when they are responsive. The gender-based violence desk has been
established in all 75 district police offices. In conclusion, we believe that constitutive
efforts in capacity building and [not clear] needed at all levels in order to foster rights of
minority women and ensure their full empowerment and participation in all sectors of
society.