Common commitment needed to end caste-based discrimination: Speaker Aryal

Kathmandu. Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal has expressed the belief that the National Day for the Elimination of Caste-based discrimination and untouchability would further strengthen the determination of building a society free of discrimination.

Speaking at a program organized to mark the National Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Untouchability here on Thursday, he said that caste-based discrimination, untouchability, social exclusion, economic backwardness and deprivation of opportunity still exist in the society.

He said that the Day is an important milestone in Nepal’s history to move towards equality and light by breaking the dark aspects of social discrimination.

“Today is a day of historic importance in Nepal’s journey towards social justice, equality and human dignity,” he said. Turning the pages of history, it is a cornerstone of the journey to the light, breaking the discriminatory aspects. On this day, our society is still plagued by caste-based discrimination, untouchability, social exclusion, economic backwardness and deprivation of opportunities. ’

Stating that the pain and suffering of the Dalit community for centuries was deep and complex, he said the Day was not only an opportunity to remember history but also to reiterate the common commitment to end injustice and exclusion.

“The pain that Dalits have been facing for centuries is complex and unbearable. Today is not just a day to remember history. This is also a day to reiterate our shared commitment to end discrimination, injustice and exclusion,” he said.

Stating that the State was committed to ensuring respect, security, equal opportunity and justice to the Dalit community, he said ending caste-based discrimination and untouchability was not the responsibility of any single agency.