NEPAL

CERD 27TH No. 18 (A/8718) (1972)

69. The initial report of Nepal, which was due in 1972, was considered at the 110th and 112th meetings of the Committee. While some members noted with satisfaction that the report expressed Nepal's opposition to racial discrimination, all the members who participated in the discussion observed that it contained no information on measures taken to give effect tot he provisions of the Convention, including those which laid down mandatory obligations requiring specific legislative action by a State Party.

70. In the statement he made before the Committee at its 110th meeting the representative of Nepal explained why his Government had chosen to submit a brief report: Firstly, the Government of Nepal deemed it appropriate to explain the basic philosophy underlying its accession to the Convention and, secondly, as there was no racial problem in Nepal, it did not consider that there was any immediate need to adopt legislative, judicial, administrative or other measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. He assured the Committee that both the letter and spirit of the Convention would be observed in his country through the adoption of pertinent legislative, judicial, administrative and other measures, as and when necessary, and that the next report to be submitted by his Government would be more detailed than the present one.

71. At its 112th meeting, the Committee decided to consider the initial report submitted by Nepal unsatisfactory and to address a communication to the Government of Nepal, through the Secretary-
General, noting the statement made by the representative of Nepal before the Committee and expressing the hope that the information required under article 9, paragraph 1, of the Convention, will be furnished by 1 June 1973 in accordance with the guidelines contained in the Committee's communication of 28 January 1970 (CERD/C/R/12) 7/ and the general recommendations adopted by the Committee at its fifth session (see paragraphs 79 to 91 below). The Committee at its 119th meeting on 25 August 1972, approved the text of the communication to be sent to the Government of Nepal (see annex III below).

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7/ [Official Records of the General Assembly, Twenty-fifth Session, Supplement No. 27 (A/8027), annex III-A.]

CERD 28TH No. 18 (A/9018) (1973)

274. The initial report of Nepal, submitted on 18 May 1972, was considered by the Committee at its sixth session. It was deemed unsatisfactory and additional information was requested. The supplementary report, submitted on 19 April 1973, was considered at the eighth session (154th meeting).

275. Several members expressed the view that the report under consideration contained more comprehensive information than had the initial report and noted that it contained not only references to relevant provisions of the Constitution and legislation of the reporting State but also the texts of those provisions.

276. Some members observed that the information contained in the report was not organized in conformity with the guidelines laid down by the Committee; that it related only to legislative measures, whereas article 9, paragraph 1, of the Convention requires States parties to report on judicial, administrative and other measures as well; and that on the whole it related to human rights in general and not to racial discrimination in particular. It was further noted that information relevant to the provisions of articles 4 and 7 was lacking. In the view of some members, those provisions mentioned in the report which related directly to discrimination appeared to deal only with discrimination by public authorities and in public service. The hope was expressed that future reports would not only fill the lacunae indicated thus far, but would also furnish information on the ethnic composition of the population and on the status of the relations of the reporting State with the racist régimes in southern Africa.

277. Some members inquired about the import of section 18 of the Civil Liberties Act of 1954. Did that section mean that the right to file a suit against the Crown was confined to cases concerning property and contracts? And did the provision that the Government "shall not be liable to pay compensation for any tortuous act of a government servant" apply also to breaches of racial equality by public officials, thus in effect restricting the enjoyment of the rights expressly provided for in article 6 of the Convention? One member, noting that in many instances a general statement of law was qualified by a phrase such as "except in accordance with the law", asked whether the Constitution expressly prohibited discrimination and declared discriminatory laws null and void, and, if so, whether procedures had been established to test the constitutionality of laws.

278. The representative of Nepal stated that, since the various racial groups in his country lived in harmony, it had not been necessary to adopt specific legislative, judicial, administrative or other measures to implement the Convention; however, it was directly or indirectly stated in some legislation that the adoption of such measures was possible when specific cases arose. He assured the Committee that he would convey the comments made by members to his Government. He informed the Committee that his Government maintained no diplomatic, consular or trade relations with South Africa and that it had always strongly supported the relevant measures adopted by the Security Council and other United Nations bodies. Questions which had not been dealt with in the report under consideration would be dealt with in future reports.

279. The Committee decided to consider the report satisfactory, welcomed the continued co-
operation of the Government of Nepal, and expressed the hope that many of the questions raised in the discussion would be answered in a future report.

CERD 29TH No. 18 (A/9618) (1974)

222. The Committee welcomed the continuing attempt, made by the Government of Nepal, to supply the information requested at previous sessions; it noted regretfully, however, that the information contained in the second periodic report was not complete. The Committee was gratified by the information regarding the implementation of articles 2 and 3 of the Convention, as well as the information provided in response to general recommendation III; and it noted with appreciation the assurance that the Government of the reporting State was "considering the formulation of specific laws and regulations providing for severe punishment of offences against human rights and acts of racial discrimination".

CERD A/33/18 (1978)

106. Much of the information contained in the third periodic report of Nepal had already been supplied in earlier reports; some of it was not relevant to the provisions of the Convention; and in one instance information in the present report was at variance with information furnished previously: the text of article 10 of the Constitution of Nepal quoted in the third periodic report differed substantially from the text of the same article given in previous reports. Information on the implementation of articles 5, 6 and 7 of the Convention and on the ethnic composition of the population, lacking in earlier reports, was not given in the report under consideration.

107. The only new information in the third periodic report of Nepal concerned the Press and Publication Act, 1975, of which article 5 constituted only partial compliance with the provisions of article 4, subparagraph (a), of the Convention. There was no information on compliance with the requirements of paragraph (b) of article 4 of the Convention, nor on the penalties which were imposed for violation of article 5 of the Press and Publication Act, 1975.

108. The representative of Nepal assured the Committee that he would bring to the attention of his Government the comments made by members of the Committee.

CERD A/37/18 (1982)

106. The fifth periodic report of Nepal (CERD/C/65/Add.6) was considered by the Committee without the participation of a representative of the reporting State.

107. The Committee, while expressing regret at the absence of a representative of Nepal, welcomed the fact that the report conformed to the Committee's revised general guidelines on the form and contents of reports, that the report was more comprehensive than previous ones and provided information on the demographic composition of the country and that the Government of Nepal did not maintain diplomatic relations with the racist régime in South Africa.

108. In connection with article 2, paragraph 2, of the Convention, it was noted that the demographic breakdown provided in the report was based on linguistic and religious criteria, and the wish was expressed that the Committee would be provided with information relating to the ethnic composition of the population and to the demographic breakdown of the most backward regions, as well as statistics on investment in those areas. The report showed that section 5 (a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1954 empowered the Government to make special provisions in accordance with article 2, paragraph 2, of the Convention and it was asked whether the Government had in fact ever made such provisions and whether there were any legislative or administrative measures specifically providing, for example, for reserved scholarships or for a fixed percentage of jobs or seats for the minority communities in the Panchayat system of government.

109. As regards article 4 of the Convention, reference was made to the relevant provisions of the Constitution and other legislation of Nepal and it was observed that those provisions partially satisfied the requirements of article 4 since they did not contain explicit reference to specific measures for the prevention of racial discrimination which were called for under article 4 (b) of the Convention. Even though it appeared from the legislative provisions quoted in the report that the Government of Nepal had broad powers to control acts of racial discrimination likely to disturb harmony and good relations among the various groups of the population, the Government was nevertheless requested to undertake a detailed examination of the provisions in question in the light of its undertakings under the Convention in order to enact further legislation to comply fully with the provisions of article 4. Clarification was also requested on the text of article 17 of the Constitution which seemed to imply that the national legislation could reverse provisions of the Constitution. With particular reference to article 4 (c) of the Convention, it was pointed out that in its second periodic report, the Government of Nepal had stated that it was considering the formulation of specific laws and regulations providing for punishment of offences against human rights and acts of racial discrimination, but that no subsequent information had been provided on that subject. In this connection, some Committee members asked to see the text of the Referendum (Crime and Punishment) Act of 1979 in order to determine exactly whether and how it complied with article 4 (c).

110. In connection with article 5 of the Convention, some members of the Committee emphasized the importance of article 10 of the Constitution of Nepal, which the Committee had already considered at earlier sessions. It was, however, recalled that in considering the previous periodic report of Nepal, the Committee had pointed out that the text of article 10 of the Constitution given therein differed substantially from that in earlier reports, and it asked whether the text given in the present report was in fact the authentic text. It also asked whether, in view of Nepal's geopolitical situation, there were groups in that country who continued to have refugee status and what was the Government's policy concerning the conditions and rights of the alien population.

111. With regard to article 7 of the Convention, fuller information was requested on the steps taken in Nepal to promote understanding and harmony among the various ethnic groups.

CERD A/42/18 (1987)

516. The sixth, seventh and eighth periodic reports of Nepal submitted in one document (CERD/C/148/Add.1) were considered by the Committee at its 787th meeting on 9 March 1987 (CERD/C/SR.787).

517. The report was introduced by the representative of Nepal, who provided additional information about the political structure of his country and State policy.

518. Members welcomed the presence of a government representative, which afforded an opportunity for more substantive and constructive dialogue with the Committee. Although the report provided new information and answered questions raised in connection with the previous report, it was regretted that the consolidated report had not been compiled strictly in accordance with the Committee's guidelines (CERD/C/70/Rev.1). The hope was expressed that the next report would be presented in accordance with those guidelines and that it would contain information on the composition of the population.

519. In relation to the implementation of article 2, paragraph 2, in conjunction with article 5 of the Convention, members noted the valuable information contained in the annex to the report on districts declared as underdeveloped areas and their populations. In that context, they wished to know how the areas were demarcated, whether the inhabitants of those areas represented ethnic groups distinct from the main population of Nepal or whether they were of the same ethnic stock, whether each area was ethnically homogeneous or mixed, and whether persons of particular castes or religions were concentrated in those areas. Also in connection with those areas, they requested additional information on investment and budget allocations, particular problems, the occupation of the population (animal husbandry or crop production), the efforts made by the Government to develop the economy, the literacy rate and the percentage of the population receiving primary, secondary and higher education. It was noted that the establishment of a Remote Areas Development Committee was an important measure and additional information was requested regarding its terms of reference and the number of local representatives of such areas appointed to that body. It was asked whether that Committee had a purely advisory role or whether it was actively involved in the implementation of development programmes. Members of the Committee also asked for further information about other special measures adopted by the Government, they asked whether scholarships had been introduced, whether a fixed percentage of jobs in administration or seats on the panchayat bodies were reserved for people from the remote areas, and what the language of education was.

520. With regard to article 3, members requested further details on the implementation of that article, particularly because five years had elapsed since the submission of its fifth report, which contained information on the Government's policy of opposition to apartheid, and because there had been a number of developments in the situation in southern Africa and at the international level in the interim.

521. Concerning article 4 of the Convention, members of the Committee were disappointed to note from the report that Nepal had made a reservation (the text was classified under declarations and/or statements of interpretation in conformity with the practice of the Secretary-General as depositary of the Convention (CERD/C/60/Rev.1)) with regard to that article. It was suggested that the Government could avail itself of the opportunity, under article 20, paragraph 3, of the Convention, to withdraw its reservation so as to ensure the applicability of the important provisions in article 4. A question was also raised as to whether the human rights covered by the Convention were effectively protected by the penal legislation of Nepal and the Government was encouraged to consider drafting specific legislation that would give direct effect to its provisions.

522. Regarding the implementation of article 5, it was pointed out that there were strict limitations on the right to freedom of opinion and expression in the interest of national unity, indivisibility and harmonious relations. According to Amnesty International, certain difficulties had reportedly arisen with regard to the registration of the National Teachers' Organization, which had led to a number of arrests. It was asked whether those arrests had been made in the interest of public order or for other reasons. It was also observed that the authorities could impose 90 days of pre-trial detention and that there were many prisoners of conscience in Nepal. Additional information was requested regarding the "back-to-the-village" national campaign, and it was asked whether rural development precluded political participation at the grass-roots level, as it appeared that the village bodies were currently devoid of political power. Clarifications were requested regarding the political and constitutional status of those Rastriya Panchayat members who had created a forum outside the panchayat system and it was asked whether they were able to continue their political activities under the party less system. Explanations were requested concerning the grounds on which some members of the Christian community in Nepal had been taken into custody.

523. Members of the Committee expressed the hope that the next report of Nepal would contain information on measures adopted in pursuance of articles 6 and 7 of the Convention which were of fundamental importance, in particular on the remedies available to persons who considered that their rights under the Convention had been violated. It was also asked whether the Convention could be invoked directly as domestic law in the courts.

524. In reply to the comments made and the questions raised by members of the Committee, the representative of Nepal informed the Committee that, according to the 1981 census, Hindus accounted for 89.5 per cent of the total population of the country, Buddhists for 5.3 per cent, Muslims for 2.7 per cent, and Jainists for 0.1 per cent; there were small numbers of Christians and other religious groups. Some 58 per cent of the population spoke Nepalese, a large number of other languages also being spoken. There were linguistic and cultural similarities with some parts of India.

525. He explained that the figures given in the table of districts declared as underdeveloped areas in the annex to the report related to total populations and not to ethnic groups. The districts in question had been identified as underdeveloped for administrative purposes. The Government's main objective had been to remove the imbalances between regions in the distribution of the fruits of development and to raise the economic and social status of neglected rural areas and disadvantaged communities through the mobilization of resources on the basis of local capacities, requirements and skills and through the participation of the population, particularly in remote areas, in regional development activities. The imbalances between regions were due to geographical conditions and differences in population, agricultural wealth and development investment. Those imbalances had now been reduced in fields such as education, health, postal services and the provision of safe drinking-water. The "back-to-the-village" campaign was no longer in operation.

526. Nepal remained steadfast in its opposition to apartheid and had great faith in the effectiveness of mandatory economic sanctions against South Africa.

527. The question regarding the possibility of withdrawing the reservation which Nepal had entered in respect of article 4 of the Convention would be referred to his Government.

528. The spirit of the relevant section of the Press and Publication Act No. 2032 (1975), since repealed, had been incorporated in the new Freedom of Speech and Publication Act No. 2037 (1980). A number of teachers had been arrested, but the matter had been settled amicably and the teachers were working again. More information on Nepal's implementation of articles 6 and 7 of the Convention would be given in the next periodic report. In that connection, he said that, on Human Rights Day, the ideals enshrined in human rights instruments had been highlighted by eminent persons in the mass media and at meetings. Humanitarian law and human rights were studied at university. A substantial number of voluntary organizations were working in different fields to create an atmosphere of love from which all racial hatred was excluded.

529. Finally, he assured the members of the Committee that the dialogue with his country would continue and that the questions which had remained unanswered would be referred to Kathmandu.

CERD A/52/18 (1997)

149. At its 1196th meeting, held on 10 March 1997 (see CERD/C/SR.1196), the Committee reviewed the implementation of the Convention by Nepal based upon its previous report (CERD/C/148/Add.1) and its consideration by the Committee (see CERD/C/SR.787). The Committee noted with regret that no report had been submitted to the Committee since 1986.

150. The Committee welcomed, however, the presence of a delegation of the State party at its meeting and the oral information provided on legal developments relevant to the implementation of the Convention in the State party. The Committee welcomed, in particular, the information that Nepal will resume its reporting obligations under the Convention shortly.

151. The Committee therefore invites the State party to submit its next report in time for the fifty-first session of the Committee and to include in that report information on the legislative, judicial, administrative or other measures giving effect to the Convention, in accordance with the Committee's general guidelines regarding the form and contents of reports to be submitted by a State party under article 9, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

CERD A/53/18 (1998)

421. The Committee considered the ninth to the thirteenth periodic reports of Nepal (CERD/C/298/Add.1), at its 1292nd meeting, on 13 August 1998. At its 1301st meeting, on 20 August 1998, it adopted the following concluding observations.

A. Introduction

422. The Committee welcomes the opportunity to resume the dialogue with Nepal after a lapse of 11 years. The Committee notes with appreciation that the report submitted by the State party is a comprehensive document complying with the Committee's general guidelines. The Committee welcomes the frankness and self-critical approach of the report and the constructive dialogue with the State party's delegation.

B. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention

423. It is noted that Nepal, one of the least developed countries of the world, is a highly multi-ethnic and multicultural society. It is also noted that the widespread poverty and the presence of a large number of refugees from neighbouring countries may affect the full implementation of the Convention in the State party.

C. Positive aspects

424. The enactment of Nepal's new Constitution (1990), which guarantees basic human rights to every citizen, creates a constitutional monarchy and a system of multi-party democracy, and establishes an independent judiciary, is welcomed. The incorporation of the Convention in the Nepalese Constitution (1990) is appreciated by the Committee.

425. The enactment of the law establishing a Human Rights Commission in 1997 as well as the establishment of the Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Population and Social Committees of Parliament are welcomed.

426. The State party's openness and willingness to collaborate with non-governmental organizations in its efforts to eliminate racial discrimination are appreciated by the Committee.

427. The willingness of the State party to disseminate its report as well as the concluding observations of the Committee among non-governmental organizations and the public at large is noted with appreciation.

D. Principal subjects of concern

428. The Committee notes the lack of clarity of the information provided by the report on the demographic composition of State party and, in particular, on the composition of the population according to caste, religion and geographical regions.

429. The Committee expresses its concern at the insufficiency of information provided on the full implementation of article 4 of the Convention, especially on how this principle is reflected in other domestic legislation (for example, the Penal Code) and is applied by judges, lawyers and civil servants.

430. The Committee, having noted that the caste system in Nepal has been abolished by law, nevertheless expresses its concern that this system still functions and appears embedded in parts of the Nepalese culture. In this connection, the Committee is also concerned at the limitation that this system imposes on the effective enjoyment by all groups of the rights enshrined in article 5 of the Convention.

431. With regard to the implementation of article 6 of the Convention, the Committee expresses its concern at the lack of clarity concerning the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court vis-à-vis lower courts in cases of racial discrimination, and that members of the public may not be sufficiently aware of the protections against racial discrimination provided by the Convention and by local remedies. In this connection, the lack of information on complaints concerning racially motivated offences as well as the absence in courts of lawsuits alleging racial discrimination may indicate that awareness of the Convention is not high among judges, lawyers and the public at large.

432. The Committee is concerned about the situation and condition of the 100,000 refugees from Bhutan in Nepal.

E. Suggestions and recommendations

433. The Committee recommends that the State party in its next report provide fuller information on the demographic composition of the population in the light of paragraph 8 of the reporting guidelines. The Committee requests the State party to provide information in its next periodic report on the implementation of practical measures to eradicate the practice of the caste system.

434. With regard to the implementation of article 2 of the Convention, the Committee, while welcoming the State party's initiatives, including its affirmative action programmes aimed at improving the living conditions of the less developed groups, invites the State party to provide information on the results of these initiatives in its next periodic report.

435. In view of the State party's declaration on articles 4 and 6 of the Convention, the Committee repeats its suggestion to the State party that it avail itself of the possibility, under article 20, paragraph 3, of the Convention, to withdraw its reservations in order to ensure the full applicability of the provisions of articles 4 and 6.

436. The Committee requests the State party to provide information in its next periodic report on the implementation of article 4 of the Convention, especially on how it is reflected in domestic legislation (for example, the Penal Code) and applied by judges, lawyers and civil servants.

437. The Committee recommends that comprehensive information be provided by the State party in its next periodic report on the effective enjoyment by all groups of the rights under article 5 of the Convention, in particular concerning participation in public life under article 5 (c) and enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights under article 5 (e). For this purpose, the Committee recommends that national or ethnic minority associations in the State party be consulted on their experiences regarding these matters.

438. Emphasizing the role of the judicial system in eliminating racial discrimination, the Committee requests the State party to provide information in its next periodic report on the existing legal mechanisms available to lodge complaints in cases of racial discrimination, including information on the role of the Supreme Court and lower courts as well as the legal aid system. Additionally, the Committee requests the State party to provide information on measures undertaken or envisaged for improving public awareness of the Convention.

439. More information concerning the composition and activities of the Human Rights Commission and the above-mentioned parliamentary bodies as well as the result of their activities in the elimination of racial discrimination in Nepal would also be appreciated.

440. In connection with the implementation of article 7 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to ensure the training and education of law enforcement officials, teachers, social workers and students in the prevention of racial discrimination, and to include the teaching of human rights in school curricula.

441. The Committee calls upon the State party to fully observe the human rights of refugees and displaced persons of Bhutan and to negotiate with the Government of Bhutan towards a peaceful solution of this important issue.

442. The Committee recommends that the State party ratify the amendments to article 8, paragraph 6, of the Convention, adopted on 15 January 1992 at the Fourteenth Meeting of States Parties to the Convention.

443. It is noted that the State party has not made the declaration provided for in article 14 of the Convention, and some members of the Committee requested that the possibility of such a declaration be considered.

444. The Committee recommends that the State party's next periodic report, which was due on 1 March 1998, be an updating report and that it address all the points raised in these concluding observations and during the consideration of the report.

CERD A/55/18 (2000)

289. The Committee considered the fourteenth report of Nepal (CERD/C/337/Add.4), which was due on 1 March 1998 at its 1415th meeting (CERD/C/SR.1415), held on 9 August 2000. At its 1427th meeting (CERD/C/SR.1427), held on 18 August 2000, it adopted the following concluding observations.

1. Introduction

290. The Committee appreciates the submission of the report, which contained a frank and open discussion of the State party's socio-economic profile, as well as detailed information on the legal framework relating to the implementation of the Convention.

2. Positive aspects

291. Welcoming the information from the delegation that the National Human Rights Commission began its activities at the end of May 2000, the Committee looks forward to being kept informed about its future work.

292. The Committee welcomes the initiatives undertaken by the State party, such as the Decision of 17 July 2000 on the emancipation of bonded labourers and the adoption of the 1997 Compensation for Torture Act, demonstrating its commitment to furthering the human rights of its people.

293. The Committee welcomes the adoption of the State party's Ninth Plan, containing important policies, strategies and programmes, which aim inter alia, to eradicate racial discrimination against disadvantaged groups by addressing their socio-economic development.

3. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention

294. In light of the multi-ethnic and multicultural society of the State party, the Committee notes that the existence of certain traditional customs, i.e. the caste system, and social attitudes are obstacles to efforts to combat discrimination. The Committee further notes that extreme poverty, which affects a significant part of Nepal's population, and the presence of a large number of refugees from neighbouring countries are factors which represent serious difficulties in the fulfilment of the State party's obligations under the Convention.

4. Concerns and recommendations

295. In view of the State party's reservation on articles 4 and 6 of the Convention, the Committee remains concerned that the full implementation of those provisions may not be ensured, and therefore reiterates its previous recommendation to the State party to consider withdrawing its reservation.

296. The Committee requests the State party to provide in its subsequent reports information, on, inter alia, the National Human Rights Commission's responsibilities, composition, methods and achievements particularly in combating racial discrimination. The Committee recommends that, the State party provide adequate resources to ensure the capacity and effectiveness of this institution.

297. The Committee expresses concern about the absence in the report of disaggregated data on the population, including by age, sex, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, including caste, and language. The Committee recommends that the State party provide these data in subsequent reports.

298. While noting the detailed information provided in the report of constitutional and legislative provisions relating to the implementation of the Convention, the Committee regrets the absence of any information on the effectiveness of these measures. The Committee emphasizes that guarantees of non-discrimination laid down in constitutional or legislative provisions, without mechanisms to monitor their application, do not on their own ensure the enjoyment of non-discrimination. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendations that the State party provide information in subsequent reports on the practical implementation and monitoring of articles 4, 5 and 6 of the Convention, including on mechanisms for the receipt of complaints, conducting investigations and prosecutions and implementing consequent decisions.

299. The Committee remains concerned at the existence of caste-based discrimination, and the denial which this system imposes on some segments of the population of the enjoyment of the rights enshrined in the Convention. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation that the State party provide information in its next periodic report on the implementation of practical and substantive measures to eradicate the practice of the caste system, including measures for the prevention of caste-motivated abuse and the prosecution of State and private actors responsible for such abuse. Moreover, the State party is encouraged to implement, inter alia, affirmative measures to advance and protect persons subjected to caste-based discrimination.

300. The Committee emphasizes that the State party is responsible for ensuring that the Convention is implemented at the local level, and recommends that the State party ensure adequate support to local authorities, including development of professional capacity, for implementation of the Convention and that it continue to prioritize and target social services for persons belonging to the most vulnerable groups.

301. The Committee is concerned about the situation of a large number of refugees from neighbouring countries in Nepal, and regrets the absence of any information in the report on their situation. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned at the absence of legislative protection for refugees and asylum-seekers. The Committee requests the State party to include in subsequent reports information on the situation of refugees. It reminds the State party of the importance it attaches to international instruments relating to the protection of refugees and to the adoption of national legislation that ensures that refugees enjoy the rights contained in the Convention.

302. In connection with the implementation of article 7 of the Convention, the Committee reiterates its previous recommendation that the State party take all necessary measures to ensure the training and education of law enforcement officials, teachers and social workers, and include the teaching of human rights in school curricula. The Committee encourages the State party to carry out comprehensive public education campaigns to combat discriminatory traditional customs and societal attitudes. The Committee would welcome information in subsequent reports on the effectiveness of these measures.

303. It is noted that the State party has not made the declaration provided for in article 14 of the Convention, and some members of the Committee requested that the possibility of such a declaration be considered.

304. The Committee recommends that the State party ratify the amendments to article 8, paragraph 6, of the Convention, adopted on 15 January 1992 at the Fourteenth Meeting of States Parties to the Convention.

305. The Committee recommends that the State party's report be made readily available to the public from the time it is submitted and that the Committee's concluding observations on the report be similarly disseminated.

306. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure the submission of its fifteenth periodic report, and that it be an updating report, addressing all the points raised in the present observations.