Nepal Citizenship Law Offers Hope to Many Previously Stateless Individuals
Nepal’s new citizenship law has provided a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of people who were previously in a state of limbo. The legislation, which came into effect on June 22, aims to address the issue of statelessness in the country and grant citizenship to those who had been denied it for various reasons. While this law is seen as a significant step forward, campaigners argue that it still falls short of completely addressing the issue and that many individuals, particularly from the Dalit communities, will still remain stateless.
The implementation of the law has brought joy and relief to many individuals who can now proudly hold their Nepali citizenship certificates. One such person is 31-year-old activist Indrajit Saphi, who had been at the forefront of a grassroots campaign for citizenship reforms. Saphi’s family is also elated, as his three brothers can now apply for passports and seek employment opportunities abroad. I am very happy. My entire family is very happy (that) we are now citizens of our country, Saphi expressed.
Another individual, 21-year-old Perbej Alam, who had previously suffered from depression due to the lack of citizenship, now has renewed hope for his future. Alam aspires to study public health and believes that the new law has opened doors for him. The impact of statelessness on mental health has been a serious concern highlighted by campaigners, as marginalized individuals have faced immense challenges and discrimination.
The Nepal Citizenship (First Amendment) Act faced numerous challenges during its legislative process, with populist politicians posing repeated obstacles. The delays caused frustration and led to protests in the capital city of Kathmandu last month. One man even resorted to self-immolation as an act of desperation. Citizenship has always been a politically charged issue in Nepal, given its size and geographic location between the densely populated countries of China and India. The open border with India allows for extensive cross-border movement, leading to a large number of stateless individuals, particularly in the southern regions where mixed marriages are common.
Although the reforms are viewed as a significant milestone, there is still work to be done in addressing underlying discrimination in Nepal’s constitution, according to Subin Mulmi, a Nepali lawyer and executive director of Nationality For All. Campaigners are particularly concerned about a provision in the new law that requires mothers to declare the untraceability of their child’s father, with the threat of imprisonment if the information proves false. This requirement, combined with the patriarchal nature of Nepali society, could deter many women from making such statements. Additionally, Nepali women will not be able to apply for citizenship for children born abroad, which has grave implications for migrant workers and victims of trafficking.
The reforms in Nepal have caught the attention of the United Nations (UN), which launched a global campaign called #Ibelong in 2014 to tackle statelessness. The UN refugee agency’s statelessness section acknowledges that Nepal’s reforms could inspire other governments to follow suit and highlights the broader benefits of providing people with legal identities and access to employment opportunities. Addressing statelessness not only empowers individuals but also improves tax revenues for the country.
In conclusion, Nepal’s new citizenship law has brought hope and relief to many individuals who were previously stateless. While the reforms are significant, there is still work to be done in addressing underlying discrimination and improving the process further. The campaign to end statelessness continues, and the impact of granting citizenship goes beyond individual empowerment, contributing to societal and economic growth.
