Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, March 22:

Concern for Children and Environment-Nepal (CONCERN-Nepal) has opposed racial discrimination prevalent in society and expressed solidarity with those fighting against all forms of discrimination.

“We urge the government to eliminate discrimination against Dalits and immediately end the malpractice for the sake of four million Dalits in the country,” said Bijay Sainju, executive director of CONCERN-Nepal on the occasion of 39th International Day Against Racial Discrimination, which was observed worldwide yesterday.

Due to lack of awareness, nearly two million children from the Dalit community are deprived of basic rights like education. Discrimination from fellow students and teachers also discourage them from completing formal education.

“CONCERN has witnessed several cases where children have been forced to migrate from the villages due to compelling factors,” said Sainju.

These haphazard migrations landed them on the streets. They were involved in child labour which was hazardous for their physical and mental growth.

Of the total children working in stone quarries, 34 per cent belong to Dalit community as per the national survey conducted by the organisation in 2002. Another study by CONCERN-Nepal, conducted in 2003 on child labour in restaurants and tea shops, reveals that nine per cent of child workers are Dalits.