In the provincial and federal parliaments, few voices have been raised about the necessity of recognising and governing the country's diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious communities
Indigenous Peoples in Nepal have long faced discrimination. Despite the constitutional provisions of Nepal's rich cultural diversity, indigenous communities have faced socio-economic inequality, land tenure insecurity, and political exclusion for centuries. In the current changing environment, a comprehensive approach that includes legal reform, socio-economic empowerment, and inclusive development strategies is needed to ensure the practical realisation of internationally recognised indigenous rights in Nepal. Implementation of community land rights mechanisms is essential to respect the cultural heritage and ancestral land rights of indigenous peoples.
Policy interventions are needed to mainstream indigenous perspectives in national development plans. Mechanisms for consultation, free prior and informed consent (FPIC), and dispute resolution should be strengthened. Mutually beneficial partnerships between indigenous communities and external stakeholders should be promoted to prevent conflict.
The promotion of indigenous rights is centred on several fundamental principles that are central to the dignity, identity, and well-being of Indigenous Peoples around the world. The Parliament should have a comprehensive discussion on the UN Declaration of Right of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) and the right to self-determination, which affirm that indigenous communities have the freedom to determine their political status and to pursue their economic, social, and cultural development in accordance with their aspirations and traditions.
Another key area relates to the rights of indigenous peoples to their lands, territories, and natural resources. It was highlighted that indigenous communities have an inherent right to own, use, manage, and control their ancestral lands and resources, which are deeply connected to their history, spirituality, livelihoods, and cultural existence. In Nepal, the growing challenges posed by the state's demolition of structures, environmental degradation, and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, despite injunctions issued by the courts, also require serious reflection in the Parliament.
The importance of cultural rights should be further emphasised. The need to preserve, protect, and promote indigenous cultural heritage, traditions, customs, and traditional knowledge systems should be emphasised. Parliamentary deliberations should acknowledge that indigenous cultures represent an invaluable repository of knowledge and social values that make a significant contribution to the collective heritage of humanity.
The need for Indigenous Peoples to be actively involved in all decision-making processes that affect their lives and communities should be emphasised. In this context, the FPIC principle should be discussed in the parliaments as an important mechanism to ensure that indigenous communities are consulted respectfully and transparently before implementing any policies, projects or development interventions that affect them.
In addition, parliaments should guide and monitor the adoption and implementation of culturally appropriate education systems that respect indigenous identity, history, and knowledge traditions. The Parliament should also take the lead in protecting indigenous languages, recognising that language is an important vehicle for culture, memory and identity.
It should also emphasise the right to health, affirming that Indigenous Peoples are entitled to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. It should also include a thorough discussion on the importance of accessible health services, as well as the recognition and protection of traditional healing practices and indigenous medicinal knowledge, which play a significant role in the well-being of communities.
Nepal is a place of coexistence of diverse identities, including more than 125 ethnic groups and their native languages and cultures. Inclusion acknowledges this rich environment of diversity, regardless of their background or identity. It affirms the equal dignity and rights of all individuals and communities.
Nepal's ancient and medieval history is full of social hierarchies, caste discrimination, and exclusionary practices. These discriminatory practices have continued into the modern and post-modern eras. The single-caste hegemony in state institutions, through inhumane practices, has marginalised tribal, Dalit, and Madhesi communities from political, economic, and social opportunities. Inclusivity seeks to address these historical injustices and ensure equal access to rights, resources, and opportunities for all citizens.
In the absence of inclusivity, the constitutional commitment to a federal democratic republic remains only on paper. In a pluralistic state filled with diversity, if single-caste hegemony persists, rebellions can erupt. Without inclusive progressivism, democratic institutional processes cannot foster the public participation needed for the country's development. In this situation, governance cannot reflect the will and interests of the entire population. The state urgently needs to address the gradual erosion of legitimacy, accountability, and trust in government. By harnessing the talents, knowledge, and contributions of all citizens, regardless of their background, Nepal can achieve sustainable development that leaves no one behind.
As a member of the international community, Nepal is bound by the principles of inclusiveness in various international treaties and agreements, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Declaration on the Status of Indigenous Peoples.
The government has been hesitant to fulfill its responsibility to ensure the rights of Indigenous Peoples. In the provincial and federal parliaments, few voices have been raised about the necessity of recognising and governing the country's diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious communities, and ensuring their representation and participation in all spheres of society, in accordance with the principles of inclusiveness enshrined in the Constitution of Nepal.