March 20, 2014. Kathmandu
On the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21st March, the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters, AMARC Asia-Pacific, Association of Community Radio Broadcasters of Nepal, ACORAB (http://acorab.org.np/), and the Jagaran Media Centre, JMC (http://www.jagaranmedia.org.np/), have decided to work jointly to mobilize community radios of Nepal against all kinds of discriminations, especially against caste-based discrimination.
As per a recently signed MOU, the three organizations will carry out activities to highlight caste-based discrimination and to promote a more equitable, inclusive and accountable democracy in Nepal. Activities will include mobilization of community radios to broadcast specially produced programs against discrimination that will include radio documentaries, reportages, features, news items, call-in programs, interviews and road-shows. Community radios have been appealed give special impetus to the movement against caste-based discrimination through their programming.
The decision of the three organizations follows the commitment expressed by community radio broadcasters of Asia-Pacific region, as expressed during the 3rd AMARC Asia-Pacific Regional Conference held in Seoul, South Korea from 2-5 December 2013. The assembly in Seoul reiterated the commitment of the community radio movement to work towards ending all kinds of discriminations including caste-based discrimination.
Caste-based discrimination, as highlighted by the Dalit movement is one of the worst forms of discriminations in Nepal. Dalits, the discriminated people under a traditional caste system, suffer social restrictions and deprivation from economic opportunities, as well as a general neglect by the state and society. More than twenty Dalit caste groups exist in Nepal. It is estimated that the number of Dalit people in Nepal is about 13 percent of the total population.
–Press Release from AMARC Asia-Pacific
