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Fourteen international human rights organisations submitted a petition
to Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala today, Wednesday 7
February, urging him to end the crisis which has left thousands
of freed bonded labourers without food, homes or work.
The petitioners -- Anti-Slavery International, ActionAid Nepal,
ADRA, CARE Nepal, Lutheran World Federation, MS Nepal, Oxfam, Plan
International, Save the Children (Norway, UK & US), Terre
des Hommes and VSO -- are calling on the Government to distribute
enough land to support a family; a minimum of ten katha (one
katha = 17 X 20 metres) is required for the success of any
rehabilitation programme.
United Nations agencies, international organisations and various
governments have offered over US$10 million since the Government
declared bonded labour illegal on 17 July last year. But until land
is made available, these funds cannot be used.
Even though the Nepal Government on 6 December promised between
one katha and five katha of land for each displaced
family, none has yet received any. Apart from this amount being
insufficient to support a family, no system is in place to facilitate
distribution.
Government inaction has led more than 3,000 freed bonded labourers
in Kailali and Kanchanpur Districts to seize land. Throughout Bardiya
and Kailali Districts the authorities have set fire to their huts
in retaliation.
"We are very concerned for the safety and well-being of
the freed bonded labourers. Despite its promises, the Government
has failed to take any constructive action. If its declaration to
end this form of slavery is going to have any benefit, the Government
must act now," David Ould, Anti-Slavery Deputy-Director
said.
The bonded labourers began their demonstrations in May 2000, and
in July moved their protest to the capital, Kathmandu. There are
about 11,000 households of landless bonded labourers in the areas
affected.
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