Project Overview
Executive Summary
The project entitled as “Strengthening Public Awareness and Advocacy to End Untouchability and Caste Based Discrimination in Nepal” was implemented by Rastriya Dalit Network (RDN) Nepal with the financial support of Enabling State Programme (ESP). The project was implemented for the period for the period from 1 July, 2013 to 31 December, 2013 in Kailali, Kanchanpur, Doti and Aacham district of Sudurpaschim province in close coordination with National Dalit Commission, Dalit NGO Federation and other local partners. The project targeted government agencies Ministry of Law, National Dalit Commission, Office of Prime minister, Nepal Police, the judicial system as well as the key civil society stakeholders as primary target groups. The project was implemented considering that the practice of untouchability and caste based discrimination is considered as a major barrier for unequal socio-economic development and inequality among different groups in Nepal. Even economically and politically powerful Dalits bear the brunt of this discrimination.Almost one-fifth of the total population is therefore directly under the brunt of caste based discrimination and untouchability. Besides, even within the Dalit community, there is a practice of discrimination.
Impact: Contribute towards elimination of caste-based discrimination and untouchability
Outcome: First year of the Ten Years Strategic Plan (TYSP) and action plan on CBDU implemented through constructive engagement between the government and the civil society.
Outputs:
Output 1: Increased action against untouchability and discriminatory practices towards Dalits and the level of compliance of none discriminatory practices established at the local level.
Output 2: Enhanced institutional capacity of Dalit organizations along with their improved governance
Key Activities:
Activities under Output 1:
- Untouchability free society campaigns
- Establish and scale up Dalit vigilance center
- Legal rights training forthe members ofDalit vigilance centers
- Sensitization workshop to front line officers/individuals from CDO, DDC, Police office, Dalit leaders, lawyers, teachers, religious leaders and political leaders on caste-based discrimination and inclusion
- Interactive discussion with CDO, DDC, VDC, Police, Service providers and VDC leaders
- Seminar on caste based discrimination with victim-survivors
Activities under Output 2:
- Scoping the roles and responsibilities of local partners
- Develop basic operation directive for the establishment of Dalit vigilance center
- Prepare a detail advocacy implementation plan and strategy and advocate for elimination of untouchability
- Training, workshop and meeting
- Legal support
