Calls for amending discriminatory laws

Law experts have pointed out that out of the 345 existing laws, 59 are discriminatory towards people with psychosocial disabilities.

This fact was highlighted at a program organized by the KOSHISH National Mental Health Self-Help Organization. The speakers at the program said people with psychosocial disabilities were suffering additional pain due to the discriminatory laws and the social situation.

A documentary on the sufferings of the people with psychosocial disabilities resulting from such discriminatory laws was screened on the occasion. Discussions were also held on the issue. The documentary was prepared by the organization.

President of the Federal Parliament's Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee, Krishna Bhakta Pokharel said anyone could suffer from the problem of psychosocial disability and that discrimination against people with this problem is a crime against humanity.

He made it clear that the laws made after the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015 are not discriminatory against people with psychosocial disabilities and pledged to direct the government immediately to amend the existing discriminatory laws.

President of the parliamentary committee on monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the State directive principles, policies, and obligations, Niradevi Jairu said the committee was committed to amending the discriminatory laws.

President of the parliamentary committee on national concern and coordination, Dil Kumari Rawal Thapa described the discrimination against people with psychosocial disabilities as a sensitive issue that is of everyone's concern, pledging that the committee would pay attention to this aspect while making laws in the coming days.

Senior advocate Dr. Chandrakanta Gyawali made a presentation on constitutional provisions related to citizen's rights, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, and the discriminatory provisions in the national laws.

According to Dr. Gyawali, out of the existing 345 Acts and 288 Regulations, 69 Acts and 12 Regulations have provisions discriminatory to the people with psychosocial disabilities, which are preventing people with this type of disability from enjoying various rights and facilities.

Moreover, this has also led to the violation of civil, economic, and political rights, along with the use of derogatory words and phrases.

A case has been filed at the Supreme Court recently at the initiation of the Organization, seeking annulment of the discriminatory provisions and derogatory terms as well as upholding the voting rights of the people with psychosocial disabilities.

Executive Director of KOSHISH, Matrika Prasad Devkota lamented that society still is not receptive to the people with psychosocial disabilities and the discrimination they face at the hand of society remained as a deep scar throughout their life. He added that society's this attitude towards people with psychosocial disabilities has led to increasing suicides by such people.