Kathmandu, May 31:

Australian ambassador Graeme Lade said today he is hopeful that the changed political scenario in Nepal will benefit the Dalit community.

“Nepal has given a lot of emphasis on inclusiveness and I hope Dalit communities, probably the most down-trodden Nepali community, will benefit from this,” Lade said addressing the inaugural function of a three-day Dalit Human Rights Violations Reporting Training organised by Jagaran Media Centre (JMC) at Nagarkot.

The ambassador said he was impressed by Dalits’ efforts to improve their livelihood. By training Dalit journalists on reporting of human rights violation, the JMC will produce a number of Human Rights defenders, he said.

The ambassador hoped that participants will work to protect human rights of the Dalits.

Lade also said the Australian government has provided 66,000 Australian dollars for a JMC project.

JMC president Rem Biswokarma said Dalit journalists will have to face more challenges in the changed political context.

“We need responsible reporters, who can also work as human rights defenders, besides reporting cases of human rights violation,” he said, adding that many human rights violations are not reported.

Outgoing president of the JMC Subash Darnal said training will be provided to Dalit journalists based in various districts. Some 20 Dalit journalists from 10 districts are receiving the training.