Nepalese trade unionists arrested - TUC protest
HE Mr Prabal S.J.B Rana, CVO
Head of Mission
Royal Nepalese Embassy
12A Kensington Palace Gardens
London W8 4QU
Trade union rights in Nepal,
I have written to you several times in the last two months about our concerns about the situation in Nepal. Now we learn of further attacks on trade unionists by the regime you represent.
We understand that Mr. Dharmananda Pant, leader of the trade union confederation GEFONT has been ordered to serve a prison term of up to 90 days. We understand that the detention order is based on allegations that he has given interviews and made statements against the spirit of the Royal Proclamation of 1 February on the border between Nepal and India, thus hurting the friendly relationship between the countries and disturbing the peace. The TUC believes that leading a procession of trade unionists demonstrating in favour of peace, democracy and trade union rights cannot be considered a legitimate reason for imprisoning Mr. Pant, who merely exercised his internationally recognised right to freedom of association.
We must also protest strongly against the arrest of GEFONT Vice Chairperson Lalit Basnet, Zonal Chief of Hetaunda Zone and National Executive Committee Member Madhusudan Khatiwada and Kamalesh Jha, GEFONT Zonal Chief of Bara and National Executive Committee Member during a demonstration against the violation of human right and trade union rights in your Majesty’s country. The TUC has been informed that Lalit Basnet and Madhusudan Khatiwada were arrested on April 8 during a demonstration for restoration of democracy, human rights and trade union rights organised by the trade union movement. Kamalesh Jha was arrested in Kalaiya.
The exercise of fundamental trade union rights such as demonstrating in favour of democracy, human and trade union rights cannot be considered a legitimate reason for arresting trade union leaders.
Furthermore, the TUC remains extremely concerned at the continued arrests of trade union leaders and the continued suspension of trade union and other human rights in Nepal.
As you are undoubtedly aware, the Kingdom of Nepal is under an obligation to respect the fundamental right of workers to freedom of association, by virtue of its membership of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). In view of the case against your government currently before the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association on violations of freedom of association, the Government of Nepal should refrain from further trade union rights violations, such as the arrest and imprisonment of trade union leaders.
The TUC strongly urges you to convey to the Nepalese Government our demand that it immediately takes measures to stop arresting trade union leaders and release all those currently detained and imprisoned.
I would appreciate it if you could keep me informed of developments in these matters.
Despite your continued refusal even to acknowledge the TUC’s concerns on this matter, let alone respond to them - a refusal which is deeply offensive and which we have raised with the Foreign Secretary Mr Jack Straw - I remain keen to meet with you to discuss these matters in person.
Yours sincerely,
Brendan Barber
General Secretary
cc Rt Hon Jack Straw MP
Guy Ryder, ICFTU General Secretary
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