April 27, 2006

GENEVA – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) welcomes recent efforts to restore a democratic system in Nepal, and urges parties to that country's internal conflict to demonstrate a commitment to justice and democracy by respecting the human rights of all people.

In a statement issued on 26 April, LWF General Secretary, Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko said he hoped that agreements in dealing with the current political crisis would "address the underlying grievances, which predispose Nepalese society to instability."

Nearly three weeks of pro-democracy street protests in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, forced King Gyanendra to restore the country's parliament, which is expected to reconvene on 28 April. The king assumed power in February 2005, citing government failure in controlling the Maoists whose decade-old insurgency has resulted in the deaths of thousands. The group has declared a three-month cease-fire.

In his statement, Noko indicated that hope for sustainable peace and human development in Nepal could only be created through genuine and committed attention to the underlying injustices that have fed the internal conflict and political crisis in the country.

He also urged the partners of the LWF's work in the country to increase their essential support "at this critical historical moment for the people of Nepal."

In Nepal, the LWF works with the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups through its Department for World Service (DWS) program. In the country since 1984, DWS Nepal primarily focuses on people who are subjected to severe discrimination, especially the Dalits (untouchables), freed Kamaiyas (former bonded laborers), the Bhutanese refugee community, and women in general. The Geneva-based LWF Office for International Affairs and Human Rights has helped lead international advocacy on the issue of caste-based discrimination in Nepal and on the Bhutanese refugee question in particular.

Further information about the LWF/DWS program in Nepal is available at: http://www.lutheranworld.org/What_We_Do/DWS/Country_Programs/DWS-Nepal.html.

Lutheran World Information