Kathmandu : Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has called on the international community to take more effective measures to end racial discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and systemic injustice.
Addressing a high-level meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to mark the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, Khanal said discrimination and exclusion continue to hinder the full development of human potential.
He said traditional forms of prejudice are also emerging in new forms with the rapid advancement of technology, particularly in the digital sphere and artificial intelligence (AI). He noted that algorithmic bias has created new challenges in addressing discrimination.
Khanal said the principles of the Durban Declaration are deeply connected with Nepal’s national consciousness and constitutional values, stressing the government’s commitment to social justice, equality, and inclusion.
He emphasized the need for political leadership to take concrete initiatives to address the historical and institutional discrimination faced by the Dalit community. In this context, he cited the apology extended by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane from the parliamentary rostrum to the Dalit community as an example of a commitment to social justice.
“Justice begins with institutional humility and moral accountability,” Khanal said.
He said such initiatives should be accompanied by legal and structural reforms aimed at ending caste-based discrimination.
During his address, Khanal also highlighted that Nepal’s Constitution guarantees equality before the law, prohibits all forms of discrimination, and provides for proportional inclusion to ensure representation of historically marginalized communities.
He said Nepal is a party to seven major international human rights conventions, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Khanal outlined four priorities for the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. These include effective enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, expanding human rights education from the school level, ensuring meaningful participation of historically oppressed communities in public policymaking, and regulating artificial intelligence to address racial bias and hate speech.
He also stressed the need to strengthen international cooperation to eliminate systemic intolerance and promote greater equality and social justice.
Naresh Admits Using a Saw to Dismember and Dispose of Wife Mamata’s Body 
China and Bangladesh Pledge to Stand Together Despite Global Changes 
Foreign Minister Khanal Holds Talks with Indian Foreign Secretary Misri 
Indian Foreign Secretary Arrives in Kathmandu 
Russian Bombing of School Serving as Aid Centre Kills 33 in Ukraine 
