But Un and foreigners whoa re trying to solve Nepalese political problems finally realized and openly came up with this: Nepalis suffering from racial discrimination on daily basis: UN The United Nations has said that large numbers of Nepalis, especially members of the Dalit and indigenous people as well as refugees and other ethnic communities, are suffering from racial discrimination on a daily basis. In a press statement issued on the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the United Nations (UN) system in Nepal said, "In Nepal, this is a crucial day to reflect on the impact that racial discrimination has on the lives of all Nepalese. It is also an opportunity to commit to action to address and eliminate such hindering practices." Matthew Kahane (File Photo) Matthew Kahane (File Photo) “Fighting racism and discrimination should not be seen as a campaign of charity but one of social justice that is needed for the economic and social progress of Nepal,” the statement quoted UN Resident Coordinator, Matthew Kahane as saying. “Discriminating any group of people ignores a critical mass of human potential and closes doors to development,” he added. Caste-based discrimination has been recognized as a critical problem worldwide, with particular impact in South Asia. In Nepal nearly 40 percent population falls under so called Dalit and indigenous, which are considered as untouchables. The 1990 constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal clearly states that discrimination against anyone on the ground of caste and race is subject to punishment. The legal provision however has not proved adequate to solve the issue of caste discrimination and untouchability. “Nepal has international and domestic legal obligations to take action to eliminate caste-based discrimination,” said Kahane, adding, “But today, we would like to focus on the issue of everyday racism and on how we can all take action to address what should be considered a great challenge to all Nepalese, women and men, girls and boys, from all walks of life.” “Today, is a day for all of us to stop and think about what we could do to help eliminate racial discrimination in our communities: in the schools, the workplaces, in the village and towns. Small actions may trigger big changes,” Kahane further said. U N secretary general Kofi Annan, in his message on the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, said, “We are all aware that many of man’s greatest atrocities have had racial underpinnings, but the collective toll inflicted by routine racism is frequently overlooked.” The UN has chosen the theme “Fighting Everyday Racism” to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. nepalnews.com pb Mar 21 06