Nepal’s Indigenous Communities Must Safeguard Their Rights

Nepal’s Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister, Viraj Bhatt Shrestha, has emphasized the need to institutionalize and transfer the rights of indigenous communities to future generations.

Speaking at an event in Kathmandu on Sunday to mark the 32nd World Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Minister Shrestha recalled the struggles of indigenous communities to protect their language, culture, property, and identity.

He noted that Nepal’s constitution has ensured the rights of indigenous peoples in areas such as proportional inclusion, social justice, and identity.

Minister Shrestha said the current government has committed to protecting the traditional skills and cultural values of indigenous communities through its policies, programs, and budget.

He stressed the need to link the rights of indigenous peoples to opportunities and the economy.

‘Today is not just a day for celebration, but also a day for reviewing history and making a commitment to ensure the future of the next generation,’ Minister Shrestha said.

‘Our culture should not be limited to just being showcased during festivals, but should be a source of identity and economic strength.

We must transfer our traditional knowledge and skills to the next generation by linking them with science and technology.’

Minister Shrestha also highlighted the impact of urbanization, rapid modernization, and climate change on indigenous communities, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to protect water, land, and forests.

He emphasized that Nepal’s diversity is its main strength and that protecting the country’s intangible cultural heritage is a shared responsibility of the state and the community.