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Dalits in Nepal
According to the census of 2001 Dalits constitute around 13 percent of the total population of Nepal. However, some reports have shown that the Dalit population figure is more than 20% of the population of Nepal. There are more than 23 discrete Dalit groups in Nepal.
The Dalits have for generations been treated as untouchable and thus discriminated against and excluded from many spheres of social life. The Hindu religion is the root cause behind this caste based discrimination because Dalits are put in the bottom of the Hindu caste hierarchy.
The Hindu caste system was legalised in the Kathmandu Valley in the 15th century and through out Nepal by the Civil Code (Country Code of the year 1854). Social interactions between groups of people were to strictly follow the caste status of these various groups as conferred by this Code. Dalits were legally suppressed by this Code because as per this Code they occupied the lowest social status. Numerous restrictions were put in terms of mobility, interaction, education, practice of religious, commerce, industry and other spheres of life. Although the New Civil Code of 1964 abolished untouchability and other forms of caste-based discrimination, people tend to practice them as a part of their tradition and culture. After the people's movement of 2006, the Interim Constitution has very seriously taken up the issue of caste discrimination. The reinstated House of Representatives on June 4, 2006 declared Nepal an "Untouchability- Free Nation". Despite these positive measures, discrimination continues.
Situation of the Dalit
Dalits suffer from discrimination and disadvantages across all spheres - social, cultural, political, economic, educational, health and religion which affects every aspect of their lives and denies their human rights in terms of economic livelihood, educational opportunities and attainments, social and political inclusion. Studies carried out by development organizations in Nepal state that there are more than two hundred specific caste-based discriminatory practices in Nepal.
Dalits have poorer infant and general health - 171 in 1000 Dalit children under the age of 5 years die, compared to 69 for Brahmins and 75 for Newars1. Dalits are less educated than their higher caste counterparts - 76.4% of Tarai Dalits have never attended school compared to only 26.6% of Tarai Brahmins/Chhetris and...