Kathmandu, 2 July 2025 — Indigenous leaders from Nepal raised urgent human rights concerns with Dr. Albert K. Barume, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, during a high-level meeting organized by LAHURNIP. Representatives from 12 affected communities reported violations, including forced evictions, militarization, land grabbing, cultural erasure, and development and conservation projects conducted without FPIC on their lands.
Limbu leaders condemned the commercialization of their sacred site, Mukkumlung, under the Pathibhara Cable Car Project, which proceeded without FPIC. Newa leaders reported forced evictions, militarization, and the destruction of heritage sites in Khokana and Balaju under the guise of infrastructure development.
The leaders urged the UN to hold the Nepalese government, companies, and investors accountable for violating both constitutional protections and international obligations, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and ILO Convention 169. They emphasized that development must be inclusive, respect Indigenous identity, and be grounded in self-determination.
Dr. Barume expressed deep concern over the widespread violations and pledged to closely monitor the situation, using his mandate to demand accountability and advocate for remedial actions.
