KATHMANDU: Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Raj Kumar Gupta, has emphasized Nepal’s commitment to protecting the rights of indigenous nationalities, calling for greater international cooperation to promote their dignity, welfare, and empowerment.
Addressing the 24th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) at the UN headquarters in New York today, Minister Gupta highlighted that Nepal’s Constitution guarantees extensive rights to indigenous communities. His remarks were shared by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kali Prasad Parajuli.
Minister Gupta stated that Nepal has adopted the principles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, using them as a foundation to promote justice and equality.
He informed the forum that Nepal’s 16th periodic plan focuses on inclusion, empowerment, and equitable development aimed at ensuring social justice for indigenous communities.
He emphasized that indigenous children in Nepal have the right to education in their mother tongues, and that Nepal’s legal framework ensures the protection of indigenous rights, including communal ownership of land and property.
He also noted the provision of monthly allowances for endangered indigenous groups.
As a signatory to the ILO Convention 169, Nepal is committed to preserving the identity, language, and culture of indigenous peoples, the Minister affirmed.
However, Minister Gupta acknowledged that despite Nepal’s legal guarantees and inclusive policies, significant challenges remain—particularly in ensuring access to quality healthcare, education, decent work, economic opportunities, and other essential services for indigenous populations.
In this context, he urged the international community to increase investment in these sectors and support Nepal’s efforts to preserve and promote indigenous cultures.
Minister Gupta reaffirmed Nepal’s readiness to collaborate with the United Nations and global partners to enhance the rights and opportunities of indigenous nationalities.
He stressed the importance of global cooperation to secure a more just and equitable future for indigenous communities worldwide.
The ongoing UN session is centered on the theme: “Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within United Nations Member States and the United Nations system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges.”
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