20 November, 2019
A workshop on housing and land policies jointly organised by Nepal Mahila Ekta Samaj and Nepal Basobas Basti Samrashyan Samaj and supported by Amnesty International Nepal was held on 20 November.
The workshop was aimed at increasing awareness among local representatives in Kathmandu Metropolitan City on the issue of land and housing rights enshrined in the Constitution as fundamental rights, as well as discuss current land and housing policies enacted by the State.
“Local governments play an important role in ensuring that these rights are exercised and protected,” said Bimala Tamang, chair of Nepal Mahila Ekta Samaj. “This is why we wanted to start a discussion, educate representatives about their responsibilities and brainstorm possible solutions to the problem of housing and landlessness.”
Thirteen out of 31 wards in Kathmandu have a presence of informal settlements. The workshop brought together representatives from these wards, members of informal settlement community, rights organisations and media personnel.
During the workshop, three speakers gave presentations on different aspects of land and housing rights. Bhagawati Adhikari of Nepal Mahila Ekta Samaj spoke about the current status of informal settlements in the Kathmandu Valley. Basant Adhikari, executive director of JuRI-Nepal briefed the participants on the current laws and policies related to land and housing rights. Likewise, Raju Chapagai, an advocate and former South Asia researcher at Amnesty International, spoke about international practices; explaining various elements of right to adequate housing, among others.
“Only 30 percent of Nepal’s households have access to safe housing. And as part of the Sustainable Development Goals, we aim to increase this number to 60 percent. But, if we are ever willing to bull doze settlements, then how does it help us reach our goals,” said Chapagai while talking about the discrepancies between the state’s commitment at international arenas and actions back home.
Several local representatives said they recognised the importance of these rights and expressed their willingness to work with the community on resolving issues, particularly related to slum dwellers, that have remained unaddressed for a long time.
“In order to find a resolution, we need to work together,” said one local representative.
The workshop was attended by local representatives, members of the informal settlement community, organisations working on the issue of land, housing and women’s rights and media personnel.