ILAM, September 12, 2026

With a collective commitment to completely eradicate caste-based discrimination and untouchability to build an equitable society, the historic 13-point 'Ilam Declaration–2083' has been issued in Ilam. The declaration was adopted following a two-day district-level joint workshop organized by Human Rights Forum (HURF) Nepal, Ilam, supported by Misereor Germany and held in collaboration with the District Coordination Committee (DCC), Ilam, under the project "Solidarity for Ensuring Dignity: A Collective Effort against Caste-Based Discrimination through Policy Awareness at Local Level". The assembly made a landmark declaration to observe the period from 2026 to 2036 (2083–2093 B.S.) as the 'Dalit Rights Decade' to drive multi-dimensional empowerment of the Dalit community.

Through the declaration local government units of Ilam district pledged to implement the anti-discrimination campaign as a 'Municipal Pride Project' and institutionalize 'Dalit-Responsive Budgeting' (DRB) with explicit budget coding in the SuTRA system. Furthermore, local governments agreed on a concrete roadmap to enact a 'Local Dalit Rights Act', form 'Dalit Rights Committees', formulate evidence-based 'Dalit Profiles', and establish 'Local Human Rights Desks' within the upcoming fiscal year. Progressive provisions also mandate modernizing traditional vocations, integrating anti-untouchability curriculum into local schools, creating scholarship funds, maintaining zero tolerance against discrimination, and suspending political party membership for individuals engaging in untouchability practices.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the workshop chaired by HURF Nepal Chairperson Mohan Singh Thebe, Koshi Provincial Minister for Tourism, Forest, and Environment, Hon. Khinu Langwa Limbu, emphasized that enacting policies and declarations must be accompanied by strict, practical implementation. Minister Limbu informed that the 'Dalit Rights and Empowerment Bill' registered in the Provincial Assembly is currently under clause-by-clause discussion in the Social Development Committee of the Provincial Assembly.

The first day workshop was held with the chief guest of former Member of the House of Representatives Hon. Mahesh Basnet. The workshop witnessed the active participation of DCC Ilam Chief Jayaprakash Rai, High Court Biratnagar Ilam Bench Judge Hon. Shyam Kumar Bishwakarma, Maijogmai Rural Municipality Chair Kus Bahadur Thebe, Sandakpur Rural Municipality Chair Tularam Gurung, Ilam Municipality Deputy Mayor Vishnu Maya Limbu Dahal, Deumai Municipality Deputy Mayor Pabi Maya Rai, Sandakpur Vice-Chair Hari Lungeli, Maijogmai Vice-Chair Prabina Rai, ward chairs, and executive members.

Additionally, Chief District Officer Laxman Dhakal, District Police Chief (SP) Kuldip Chand, Armed Police Force SP Keshavraj Pokharel, District Coordination Officer Goma Dhamala Ghimire, political party leaders including Rabindra Subedi (CPN-UML), Niroj Khadgi (Nepali Congress), Tara Prasad Acharya (RSP), NGO Federation President Bhakta Bahadur Thami, District Bar Association President Taranath Parajuli, Senior Advocate Jas Bahadur Lungeli, media professionals, and Dalit rights defenders attended the program.

The workshop sessions were facilitated by expert Karna Bahadur Nepali, HURF Executive Director Devendra Kumar Biswakarma, and Project Coordinator Man Kumar Baraily, with host/support from Suresh Portel, Ranju Thami, and Urmila Rai. To ensure strict compliance with the declaration, a high-level 'District Joint Monitoring Committee' chaired by DCC Ilam will conduct public progress reviews every six months.