Fourteen international human rights organisations submitted a petition to Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on 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.