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FROM THE FIELD

A Haliya battle won
20 Oct 2008 07:50:00 GMT
 Source: Lutheran World Federation (LWF) - Switzerland (Department for World Service)
Beena Kharel - LWF Nepal

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Social and rights activists holding a banner of a district-level sit-in program to exert pressure on local government agency for Haliyas’ liberation and rehabilitation in far-west Nepal. Haliyas are a type of bonded laborers.
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Social and rights activists holding a banner of a district-level sit-in program to exert pressure on local government agency for Haliyas’ liberation and rehabilitation in far-west Nepal. Haliyas are a type of bonded laborers.
LWF_DWS Nepal

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In a landmark declaration, the newly formed government led by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) abolished the Haliya system (a form of bonded labor) on 6 September 2008. A five-point agreement was reached between a group of agitating Haliyas and the government the previous day.

It was indeed a matter of celebration for the "liberated" Haliyas who are mostly Dalits ("untouchables"). The freed Haliyas, who were in Kathmandu to shore up their movement, celebrated the historic occasion with vermillion powder and garlands. Their six-year long movement against labor exploitation and oppression had won a battle.

The peace and labor ministers had assured the agitating Haliyas in Kathmandu at the time of declaration of liberation that the government would not let the freed Haliyas face the fate of the freed Kamaiyas (another group of bonded laborers) who are still loitering in search of livelihood and rehabilitation.

Around 18,000 Haliya families will be affected by this declaration. Their population is concentrated in far-west Nepal.

The Haliya Movement, which had formally kicked off six years ago in far-west Nepal,has been receiving LWF/DWS Nepal's support since 2003. This year the organization is providing support to the Haliyas under its two development projects: Sustainable Livelihood Improvement Project, and Peace, Reconciliation and Human Rights Project.

Liberation is just the first battle. There are many battles this marginalized group must win. Social and rights activists, and noted political leaders have said many times, including on the platforms provided by LWF/DWS Nepal, that the actual liberation of Haliyas can be lived out by giving them education, employment opportunities, land, house and other essentials for a life of dignity.

Freedom for the Haliyas is the hard-earned result of a comprehensive rights-based advocacy approach adopted by LWF/DWS Nepal with activities stretching from needs assessment, formation of Haliya organizations, public discourse, solidarity movements, political lobby activities, media mobilization and legal recourse. This rights-based approach demonstrates a marked departure from the traditional development approach of service delivery.

However, liberation is just the first of many battles that this vulnerable group must win in Nepal. Social and human rights activists and noted political leaders have said that the true liberation of the Haliyas can only be realized when they have access to education, employment opportunities, land, housing and other essentials for a life of dignity.


[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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