Kathmandu, Dec 17: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has praised Nepal for being a world leader in protecting and ensuring the rights of sexual and gender minorities (SGM).
Addressing a panel on ‘Pathways to LGBTQI+ inclusion in national laws and policies’ at the Equal Rights Coalition Conference in Berlin, Germany on Tuesday, the minister highlighted Nepal’s achievements in inclusion and human rights for the LGBTQI+ community, making the country a model for the world.
“Nepal’s journey towards these initiatives has been long and complicated, but we have ensured their rights through progressive laws.”
Dr Rana highlighted Nepal’s key achievements in the LGBTQI+ rights.
First, the 2007 verdict of Supreme Court legally recognised the SGM community and directed the amendment of discriminatory laws. The ruling also paved the way for legally recognising same-sex marriage, making Nepal the first country in South Asia to do so.
The court’s landmark decision has been cited in courts across the world –including the Supreme Court of India, the European Court of Human Rights, and courts in the United States.
Second, Nepal has enacted several progressive laws for inclusion and human rights of sexual minorities, making it the world’s 10th country to provide constitutional rights and protection to the community. Its federal parliament got Asia’s first openly gay elected official in 2008.
It has ensured special provisions to protect, empower, and develop gender and sexual minorities.
Third, on the administrative front, the Election Commission added the third option of gender identity in voter rolls in 2010. This recognition was later extended to the federal census and passports in 2015.
Additionally, Dr Rana underscored that in an effort to further advance the SGM rights, the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs, at the Federal Level; the Social Development Ministries at the provincial level and local municipalities have allocated budgets for LGBTQI for their livelihood, and the 16th Periodic Plan of Nepal has accorded priorities to the community.
However, she acknowledged ongoing challenges, stating that, “We need to further simplify the administrative processes in the issuance of official documents. There are still some cases where the LGBTQI+ community faces violence and severe mental health issues.”
She urged the global community to reflect on Nepal’s journey and adopt inclusive policies. “Nepal’s progress in inclusion is a testimony that inclusivity is achievable, even in countries with lesser resources and wealth if there is a strong political will and a synergetic whole-of-society approach.”
Underscoring the need for safeguarding minority rights not only through legal reforms but also by promoting acceptance within society, Dr Rana concluded, “Nepal’s experience shows that diversity strengthens societies. I encourage other nations to embrace this principle and build a more inclusive future.” #Nepal
