Minister Modi addresses 22nd session of UNPFII

Kathmandu, April 19 :  Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Aman Lal Modi has said despite constitutional and legal provisions, due to the historical fact of marginalization, most of the indigenous communities are still way behind in terms of socio-economic development and their representation in state mechanism.    

Addressing the 22nd session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York on Tuesday, he highlighted that that there are several special measures in the Constitution for the marginalized indigenous communities to ensure their fundamental rights and a fair share of representation in all areas of national life.    

He further stated that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' is fully committed to making every possible effort to ensure the equitable presence of indigenous communities in governance.    

As a party to the ILO Convention 169, Nepal is committed to promoting and protecting the unique identity, languages and cultures of indigenous people, the Minister reiterated on the occasion and shared that two independent constitutional bodies – the Indigenous Nationalities Commission and Tharu Commission- have been established to protect and promote the rights and interests of the indigenous peoples.    

Minister Modi also urged the international community in terms of research and treatment of sickle cell anemia from which especially the Tharu community of Nepal has been suffering since long.    

The 22nd session of UNPFII is being held in New York from April 17 to 28 under the theme "Indigenous Peoples, human health, planetary and territorial health and climate change: a rights-based approach."    

The Nepali delegation to the Session is led by Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Modi. The delegation also includes the Chairperson of Tharu Commission Bishnu Prasad Chaudhary, members of the Indigenous Nationalities Commission and Tharu Commission, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations Amrit Bahadur Rai and Mission officials. (RSS)