This communication was submitted to the UN
Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Prof. James Anaya, on 6
August 2012 to provide information regarding violations of human rights of
indigenous Newar people of Nepal, and/or continued threat thereof, by the road
expansion drive in Kathmandu valley – mainly in Kathmandu metropolis and
Lalitpur sub-metropolis, with the case in point of Ugrachandi temple of
Lalitpur.
Below is the detailed account regarding current
immediate risk of demolition of Ugrachandi (Tamka:dya:) temple, a historical
holy shrine of Newars in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, without any consultation with
and consent of local Newar communities for expansion of road in the area.[1] This violates their right
“to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage” as provided
by UNDRIP article 31 along with their right to Free, Prior and Informed
Consent.
