Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Dhan Raj Gurung, participated in the opening ceremony of the Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination held in Sao Paulo, Brazil on 29 November 2023.
This is the third edition of the Global Forum held under the auspices of UNESCO. This year’s discussions centered on the theme ‘Race to the Top: Putting racial equity and justice at the forefront of development agendas.’
Addressing the ministerial segment of the Forum, Minister Gurung shared key transformations made in the policy, legal and institutional landscapes since the promulgation of the Constitution in 2015 towards ending discrimination and ensuring social justice, the Embassy of Nepal in Brasilia, Brazil stated in a press release on November 30.
Highlighting the constitutional provisions to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, the Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Nepal to ending all forms of discrimination, including those based on caste and gender, and achieving equality and justice. The audience appreciated Nepal’s achievements in creating inclusive governance, as reflected in the country’s representative parliament and administration, among others.
Nepal urged the international community for cooperation in capacity building of the countries in need, enabling them to achieve goals of equity and justice.
Stating that Nepal’s democratic polity and a strong political will have advanced this agenda in the right direction, Minister Gurung reiterated Nepal’s commitment to international human rights instruments to which it is a party. Referring to the National Penal Code and Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability Act that criminalize caste-based and other discriminations, he shared that a ‘zero tolerance’ approach of Nepal has started to show its results.
In the margins of the Forum, the Minister exchanged views with Ministers, heads of delegations and senior officials of UNESCO on the matters of mutual interests. He is scheduled to interact with the Nepali community living in Brazil tomorrow. Accompanied by Ambassador of Nepal to Brazil Nirmal Raj Kafle, the Minister is leading a three-member delegation.
