Nepal: protest suspension of democratic rights!

Posted to the IUF website 18-Feb-2005

Share this article.



On February 1, King Gyanendra of Nepal dismissed the government, declared a state of emergency and suspended all democratic rights guaranteed under the constitution (i.e. freedom of opinion and of expression, freedom to assemble peacefully, freedom to move about the country, and protection against preventive detention). Trade union rights have been suspended and meetings of more than 5 persons are banned.

In the wake of the seizure of executive power and the suspension of rights by royal decree, numerous political leaders, student leaders and trade union leaders have been arrested. It is understood that the names of many more trade union leaders can be found on the list of persons to be arrested or detained.

In a statement issued following discussions between Nepalese unions (affiliates, fraternal unions and the national centre, NTUC) and IUF Regional Secretary, Ma Wei Pin, who was in Nepal when King Gyanendra seized power, the IUF condemned the declaration of the state of emergency, particularly as a response to the problem arising from the Maoist armed struggle in the country, pointing out that this measure will do nothing to resolve the political crisis in the country but will only serve to militarise it further.

The actions taken by the King of Nepal constitute violations of fundamental, internationally-recognised rights. The IUF expresses solidarity with Nepalese workers in this time of crisis and support for their long-held aspirations for democracy. It joins the Nepalese unions in demanding that the personal safety of trade union leaders be respected, that those arrested be released immediately and unconditionally and that they be allowed to function freely representing their members.

WHAT YOU CAN DO!

Send a message to the King of Nepal, calling for the immediate restoration of democratic freedoms and the full exercise of trade union rights and human rights!

His Majesty, the King of Nepal
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Fax: +977 1 416 016 / 419 044 / 416 007

Your Majesty,

I am writing to convey my condemnation of your seizure of executive powers through a declaration of a state of emergency on February 1, 2005 with the consequent suspension of all democratic and trade union rights.

I am aware of the manifold difficult political problems that Nepal faces. The measures that you have taken will not resolve these difficulties.

I urge you to seek a fairly mediated political settlement through a three-way political negotiation involving your representatives, the Maoists and the constitutional political parties in order that a lasting peace and a robust democracy may be established.

Meanwhile, I urge you to release immediately and unconditionally all trade union and political leaders who have been detained and to immediately restore all constitutional, democratic and trade union rights so that economic activity and tourism may resume.

Yours sincerely,

Kindly send copies of any message you might send to the IUF secretariat. We will convey them to our affiliates in Nepal.

Click here to send this message by e-mail to the King of Nepal!


We thank you in advance for your solidarity and support.