July 17, 2020 Nepal Sambat 1140 Dilla gaa: Triyodashi
Press Release
In view of the growing unrest in Khokana in the southern region of Kathmandu Valley of Nepal Mandala, the World Newah Organization (WNO) expresses solidarity with the suppressed group of inhabitants in support of their right to protest and their right to cultivate land they own during the seasonal harvest without harassment and government interference. We further assert their right to live with dignity and freedom from fear of violence and coercion from police and military forces. WNO and its many chapters and members around the globe jointly demand that these issues be rectified immediately by local and national authorities. We further demand the immediate end of illegal occupation of indigenous, privately held lands by government entities and forces in the name of false, unlawful projects, including paragliding practice, fast-track highway expansion, and high tension lines. We strongly condemn recent incidents of police brutality to interrupt and end Ashad 15, 2077, the cultural festival celebrating local paddy planting.
In accordance with the International Human Rights Commission’s World Convention, the people of Khokana have the right to deny the projected master plan that starts unapproved fast-track development by curtailing the access of local rural development and invites environmental chaos that is not suitable for human settlement in the region. According to ILO Declaration 169, Article 7 Section 32 and Article 2, Section 15, Subsection 1, all rights are reserved to indigenous people to make choices of determination with regard to land development as needed for the original settlement.
As a member nation of the United Nations Organization, the Government of Nepal is compelled not to violate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP). This ongoing violation of UNDRIP in relation to the local Newah people must be stopped without delay. We believe the concerned authorities will positively commit to creating peace in the region by mutual understanding rather than ethnic oppression. WNO stands ready to consult and offer support for roundtable discussions to eliminate confusion on both sides.
Thank you.
The Executive Board World Newah Organization
Tel: 01-410-404-5388 | E-mail: [email protected] | Web: www.worldnewah.org
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