A series of killings of young Dalits in Nepal, including a 12-year-old girl found hanging from a tree, show that caste-based discrimination is rampant in the country. The government is failing to enforce laws against discrimination, the Dalit community needs protection, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

On May 23, a 12-year-old Dalit girl from Rupandehi district, Nepal was found hanging from a tree. A day before, she was forcibly married to her rapist, a man from a dominant caste. A preliminary police investigation found that she had been raped and murdered. A complaint was lodged by the police only after pressure from the civil society.

On the same day, May 23, in West Rukum district, 18 young men, mostly Dalits, were targeted by a violent mob. Hurling stones and epithets, more than 50 people from the village belonging to a dominant caste chased the young men to the edge of the river. Over the next several days, the bodies of six men were recovered from the river. Four of the six men were Dalits.

Reports, including the observation from a group of Parliamentarians who visited the site of the incident, suggest that this act of violence was premeditated and was the outcome of caste-based discrimination. Among the dead is 21-year-old Nabraj BK, who was attacked by the villagers because he was in a relationship with a 17-year-old girl from the village and belonged to a dominant caste.

According to media reports, a local government representative was part of the group of villagers who organized the forced marriage of the raped 12-year-old Dalit girl in Rupandehi district. Another local government representative, from Rukum district, is now in police custody for his involvement with the violent mob.

For justice to be realized, there needs be an independent, effective and credible investigation that holds the suspected perpetrators accountable.

Take action now and call on the Nepali authorities to ensure accountability and justice in the death of and violence against the Dalits.

Sign the petition urging Nepal’s Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa 'Badal' to:

Ensure independent and impartial investigation into the recent killings of Dalits.

Bring the suspected perpetrators to justice through fair trials.

Provide reparations to the victims and families of victims and ensure the safety and protection of the witnesses.

Take urgent action to protect the right to life and dignity of Dalits in Nepal through effective implementation of the existing laws.