Nepal was the first country in Asia to ratify the ILO Convention 169. The objective of the Pro ILO 169 program, which is funded by Norway, is to support the consultation and participation of indigenous people in the constitution making process and help key local and national institutions to integrate the Convention into their policies and practices.
Why support?
It has long been recognized that Nepal is a multi ethnic and multi lingual country, but widespread discrimination still occur. The Indigenous peoples of Nepal have been one of the most marginalized groups, despite constituting up to 36 % of the population. Continuing discrimination and exclusion of certain groups may damage the democracy and lasting peace in Nepal. In addition it is especially important to promote participation of indigenous groups in local development projects to ensure local ownership and lasting development, as well as protecting the traditions and cultures of various indigenous groups.
The Pro ILO 169 program thus benefits not only the indigenous communities, but also the Nepali society as a whole. In addition, it can also help other marginalized groups as new ways participation are developed.
What is being done?
The Pro ILO program runs activities throughout Nepal, aimed at local communities and indigenous organizations. Through awareness raising campaigns, workshops and trainings, they seek to improve the knowledge about the Convention. Additionally, they work to develop consultation and participation mechanisms on key issues, such as state reform, natural resources, education, culture and language, with the Constituent Assembly, Ministries and other key government institutions.
Moreover, they work to build the capacity of government institutions on issues related to indigenous people at central level and in the districts, and provide technical support on how to integrate the Convention into the current legislation. They also work to develop mechanism for monitoring the implementation process of ILO convention 169.
Progress and Challenges
Representatives from the Norwegian Embassy recently went on a field trip to see the progress and challenges faced by the program. The participants of workshops and trainings emphasized the important tool that the ILO convention is for promoting indigenous rights, and the progress made as a result Pro ILO program. Moreover, at the national level, an action plan is in the cabinet waiting for approval, which will mean 13 ministries has to allocate separate funds for IP development.
However, despite the positive ratification the Convention and the progress made, there are still many challenges for the implementation. Although the workshops and trainings have improved the level of knowledge, many do not have sufficient knowledge or do not understand the implication of the Convention. There is a continuous need for more knowledge and information about the existence of a Convention for Indigenous people and what this actually entails at both local and national levels. Norway will continue to support the important work for improving indigenous rights also in the future.