71st CEDAW Session: Nepal Reiterates Commitment to Women Rights

In a step towards addressing issues concerning women rights in the country, Nepal voiced its concerns at the ongoing 71st Session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Nepali Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Tham Maya Thapa issued a statement as part of the Sixth Periodic Review of Nepal at the session.

Thapa informed CEDAW about the steps and measures taken by the Government of Nepal towards safeguarding women rights, end discrimination against women and implementable measures for women empowerment.

Speaking in detail about the initiatives, Thapa informed that Nepal Government has enacted 16 laws in support of fundamental rights and freedoms provisions as promulgated by the constitution.

She went on to say that Nepal has made important achievements to institutionalize women’s rights since the time it ratified CEDAW.

“Nepal became a state party to CEDAW when the multiparty system was restored in the country in the early 1990s. We have been making efforts in line with the set principles and spirit of CEDAW since then,” reads Thapa’s statement.

Speaking further on active women participation in national politics, Thapa said, “Women’s representation through election has reached over 40 percent. This level of participation of women at the political and policy making level has set a milestone in the history of women representation in Nepal,”

She spoke on various other issues pertaining to safeguarding of women rights and women empowerment.

See: Full Statement of Tham Maya Thapa to the 71^st CEDAW Session

Another Nepali official, the Ambassador/Permanent Representative Deepak Dhital also highlighted Nepal Government’s initiatives towards social equality, equality, socio-economic empowerment and status enhancement of Nepali women in an inclusive manner.

He said the government is currently reviewing and revisioning the existing laws along with developing new legal frameworks under its federal set-up.

See: Full text of H.E. Deepak Dhital’s Statement to the 71^st CEDAW Session

Other officials including the Joint Secretary of Women Ministry Radhika Aryal and Joint Secretary of Nepali Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Phanindra Gautam also informed the delegates about legal provisions put forth by the Government of Nepal.

Besides participating in interactive sessions, Minister Thapa thanked for a constructive dialogue with the CEDAW Committee and hoped this would help Nepal strengthen its efforts towards promotions and protection of rights of women.