OHCHR-Nepal expresses gratitude over implementation of ILO Convention 169

Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal) Richard Bennett has expressed gratitide over implementation of ILO Convention 169, which Nepal ratified in 2007, and to discuss promotion of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, which was adopted by the General Assembly last September.

"Transforming the commitments made in these instruments into reality is the challenge that lies ahead", reads a statement issued by Bennett, adding that it's task was to identify and recommend to the Council effective means to implement, develop and mainstream international standards that promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples, and to work with all interested States, UN bodies, international and national human rights organizations, NGOs and indigenous people themselves in doing so. 

Earlier this month, the United Nations Development Group issued Guidelines on Indigenous Peoples’ Issues.

While the Guidelines are designed to assist the activities of UN Country teams, their principles are relevant to all of those working with indigenous peoples, especially duty bearers. The Guidelines state: “In particular, the proposals of indigenous communities to integrate their social, political, cultural and economic rights and their aspirations into future development strategies must be considered so that that the challenges they are facing are fully addressed, respect for their rights and cultures is ensured, and their survival and well-being is protected. In this context, participation of indigenous peoples, including indigenous women, must be an over-arching principle.”

As for OHCHR, in its Strategic Management Plan, 2008-2009, the High Commissioner for Human Rights commits to continuing to promote integration of indigenous peoples into public policies through the development of expertise, guidelines and tools on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

Since the People’s Movement of April 2006, OHCHR-Nepal has been stressing the right to participation of Adivasi/Janajati people in the peace process and in all State institutions, including the upcoming Constituent Assembly polls.