European Union recently came up with their statement addressing Nepal’s constitution, recommending Nepal to work out for the amendments within the time framework. To large extent, their statement was appreciable, but the question stays, how justifiable was it for EU to talk about different sovereign country’s internal affair? Maybe, Indian influence was able to impress EU. Similar influence was tried for Japan as well, which was rejected by Japan then. The rude response of Nepal Government towards European Union certainly seemed to gain international concern at this phase.
Nepal has launched new constitution just few months back. This constitution was officially brought into practice with the support of 507 votes out of 601. Any democracy believing personality would highly respect this democratic practice. First, because, after the end of monarchy, this was the first constitution ever that had been written by the hands of citizens of Nepal, and had been it has been promulgated by citizen of the country, who went to the post of President. One reason why the world was viewing Nepal carefully was because those rebel groups, who were struggling for decade under the name of ‘Maoism’, was into mainstream politics, and played significant role in constitution drafting process. Hence, after 20 years of their rebellion story, they equally joined hands in constitution drafting process.
Massive earthquake that took place year back in Nepal, destroyed lives and properties in a wide range. However, on a positive note, it created unity among leaders and they worked for timely constitution drafting process.
Germany, United States, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan and few other countries have welcomed the constitution immediately after it was released. It was Europen Union as well, who welcomed the constitution back then. However, there are lot other countries who have not shown any response towards the constitution, indicating, either neutral reaction or negatively sloped symptom through it. And it’s surprising to see European Union now recommending to make necessary ammendements soon. International support would have meant a lot, however, there exists issues that have to be addressed. Even the countries, welcoming Nepal constitution has mentioned ongoing conflict in Southern Nepal.
One important aspect, that must have surprised the world about being secular. Nepal had been holding the position of ‘Only Hindu Country’ in the world, however, with due respect to every religion, Constitution of Nepal declared that Nepal is a secular country. This also indicated that Nepalese believe state and religion should not be linked. Despite having two-third Hindu population, it shows due respect to every religion on earth.
There has been remarkable progress on citizenship issue, because Nepal has finally allowed citizenship in the name of father or mother. Earlier, promoting patriarchy, only father’s name was counted at the time of issuing citizenship, which had kept various citizens in restriction. Lot of progress have been made over marriage with foreign citizens, in regard to citizenship as well. There is recognition for LGBTI peoples in Article 18 and other articles that have made attempt to address their issue. Nepal has been marked first Asian country in this regard. Despite having progressive constitution, and support from International communities, Southern Nepal is still heated as it was at burning stage. Death of 40 peoples, and on going protests are the issues there. Ethnic group, who had been marginalized since the history, Madhesi, Tharus believe that the constitution is not for them, and have not addressed their issue. Hence, they boycotted the Constitution Drafting process in the end, and sat down for protests. Their move makes constitution a controversial. They were holding 58 seats out of 61, and hence the constitution was promulgated even without their presence.
Their dissatisfaction is carefully observed by Human Rights Society around the world. United Nations and Amnesty International has already quoted over the Human Rights Violation issue in Southern Nepal. The pressure of state, and the agitation happening is clear indication thereby. Apart, the other half of the world also believes that constitution drafting is done under the pressures imposed by Government. There were curfews in various part of the country at the time.
There are lagging points that that Nepal is facing like the incident of May 3, when the Government moved to revoke vaild work visa of Canadian Citizen, Robert Penner because he tweeted something concerning Human Rights. Also, prominent journalist and activist, Kanak Mani Dixit was arrested. Apart, relationship with India further dimmed when President visit to India was cancelled, and the ambassador to India was called back. This further took shape on 11th May, when Dubey talked up to making border strict like Bangladesh and Pakistan with Nepal as well. Nepalese however decided and believed that they can resolve the issue on their own. Then Prime Minister Sushil Koirala cancelled his United States visit, for United Nations General Assembly in order to take the ongoing issues of Southern Nepal seriously. However, even after changed Government, and new PM the issues are not resolved. Leaders in Nepal are currently engaged actively in peaceful talk with Madhesh (Southern Nepal)’s leaders. Madhesi leaders however have decided to strengthen their protest. One important expectation from International community at this important phase of Nepal is to believe in Nepalese, that they can work on their own. This constitution drafting process has taken lives of 15 thousand people. Large amount of country’s budget was spent on this. Nepal is economically backward, and step behind from rest of the world because of the past conflict and the political transition phase. It is also important not to provoke anyone, because on receiving international support, any individual or party can get provoked. We also expect about positivism and optimism from Nepal. It has to be understood that Nepal is developing nation, and it takes time for the change.
We thank all the international community for the support. We also expect international community’s support in the future days ahead. We believe constitution of Nepal, may not be perfect, but we trust on necessary amendments with the passage of time. However, it is always good to be citizen of the country holding constitution. India is no exception, and Nepal cannot proceed ahead without support from India. China can never be alternative for Nepal, hence, Nepalese all want to smoothen relationship and move foreward.
Published in The State Times of June 2, 2016
http://news.statetimes.in/constitution-nepal-international-community/
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