31 May 2020, Kathmandu
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has expressed shock Friday at the killing of five men by opponents of an inter-caste relationship in Nepal last weekend.
“It is distressing that caste-based prejudices remain deeply entrenched in our world in the 21st century, and I am filled with sadness for these two young people who held high hopes of building a life together despite the obstacles presented by their accident of birth,” Bachelet said.
On 23 May, a 21-year-old Dalit man Nawaraj BK and a group of his friends from Jajarkot district traveled to Western Rukum district in Karnali province, the home of Nawaraj’s girlfriend who belonged to a so-called “dominant” caste group.
They intended to escort the young woman back to their home district, allegedly at her request, but were attacked and chased into a river. Five men were later found dead.
Likewise, she has condemned the killing of a 12-year-old Dalit girl in Devdaha village of Rupandehi district who is said to have been forcibly married to her alleged rapist from a dominant caste.
Bachelet has called for an independent investigation into the attacks. She stressed that the victims and their families have the right to justice, truth and reparations.
