New York Nepal Group Applauds First Sitting of Nepal's Constituent Assembly

Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Utsav New York Declaration - 2008

1. For the first time in the history of Nepal, in the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly elected directly by the people of Nepal, Nepal has been declared a Federal Democratic Republic, thereby realizing and guaranteeing irreversible people's sovereignty, complete freedom and social justice, thereby providing innumerable possibilities of progress and prosperity by heralding a truly democratic age in Nepal. In this truly historical context;

We, the Nepalese residing in the Greater New York area, which have proudly expressed solidarity with, and provided assistance to, the democratic struggle of the Nepalese people, express our exhilaration. We salute the Nepalese people who have, through their exemplary and decisive people's movement capable of inspiring the rest of the world, and despite pressing civil conflict, successfully established a true democracy. We congratulate the present interim government of Nepal for the completion of a successful Constituent Assembly election.

2. Taking into consideration the Nepalese people's half-century of struggle to establish democracy, and the partial successes thereof; In giving the highest regard to the process of social transformation and the struggle against the then-ambitious monarchy, and the fact that the only logical conclusion of the decisive and historic People's Movement II would have been an inclusive, Democratic Republic, the Constituent Assembly has fulfilled its monumental duty by proudly making a declaration accordingly. In this historic moment;

3. We believe that the Constituent Assembly will honor and provide continuity to the proud will of the people by rising above party politics and giving the highest regard to the interests of the Nepalese people, thereby; Bringing an end to the influence of a centralized governing system, limited caste and class hierarchy in the state administration and mechanism, thereby, providing equal rights and opportunities to the indigenous ethnic groups, women, Madheshis, Dalits, the underprivileged, the minority and the marginalized groups, thereby, fulfilling the people's basic needs, eradicating the current level of poverty, thereby, establishing a system which will prevent nepotism, thereby, strengthening transparency, accountability, and good governance based on merit, thereby, constructing a constitution accordingly;

4. Realizing inclusive representation in the Constituent Assembly of various castes, languages, religions, gender, regions and classes, we are of the belief that this will further strengthen sovereignty, solidify indivisibility and national unity. We demand that the similar fully inclusive policies be clearly stated in the new constitution, and that they constitutionally guarantee the implementation thereof;

5. The government of new Nepal must honour and practice the values and agreements of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, thereby bringing an end to impunity and ensuring law and order, guaranteeing respect for inalienable and fundamental rights of the people. Further, the government and the political parties must demonstrate commitment to the people's right to information and freedom of the press.

6. We, the Nepalese of the Greater New York area urge the Government of Nepal to adopt clear policies that ensure the proper rights of the Nepalese Diaspora around the world and utilize their resources, skills and talents toward the development of Nepal;

7. By reminding that the real, moral guarantee of the advent of the republic in Nepal can only be achieved by providing full justice to those Nepalese who have suffered in political conflicts in the past, to those whose human rights have been violated, to those whose human dignity and life have been stolen, to those known and unknown who were disappeared;

8. We close this declaration by expressing our deep respect and condolence to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the process of securing sovereignty for the Nepalese people through people's movements, for they are the ones who are the true and rightful owners and the instruments of this great transformation. Long Live the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal!

New York Republic Nepal Utsav Committee Anil J. Shahi, Shailesh Shrestha, Somnath Ghimire, Biswa Shah, Binod Limbu, Arjun Gurung, Bishnu Subedi, Tek Gurung, Sanjaya Parajuli, Pradeep Thapa Magar, Satendra Shah, Sita Kharel, Keshabram Rai, Munindra Nembang, Indra Tamang, Pasang Dorchi Sherpa, and,

Nepalese and the Nepalese organizations of the Greater New York area, USA.

This is our testimony, which we who are present give witness by signing here below:

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