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News and Activities
Welcome Speech by Mr Suresh Acharya at the launching of the book “Nepal: Design Options for the New Constitution”
2010-06-13 — Activities
Chair of this function- Constitution Expert Dr. Surya Dhungel
Rt. Honorable Chairman of the Constituent Assembly Mr Subash Chandra Nemwang
Honorable Chairperson of the Constitutional Committee Mr Nilamber Acharya
Honorable Ministers, CA Delegates
Panelists and commentators,
Friends from international community
Journalists and media persons
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
On behalf of Media Initiative for Rights, Equity and Social Transformation (MIREST Nepal) and Nepal Constitution Foundation (NCF), I would like to welcome you all to this outstanding gathering for the launching of the book, “Nepal: Design Options for the New Constitution”.
I highly appreciate Rt. Honorable Chairman of the Constituent Assembly Mr Subash Chandra Nemwang for giving his important time as a chief guest of the launching of the book edited by Dr. Bipin Adhikari- an eminent constitution expert and writer. Today, we have the great opportunity to invite here luminaries of Nepalese society and media, and international friends supporting the constitution making process in Nepal.
The book-to-be-released in a meanwhile, is based on the resources pulled together at the “International Conference on Dynamics of Constitution Making in Nepal in Post-Conflict Scenario” held in Kathmandu in January 15 to 17, 2010. The conference itself was a unique milestone in the history of constitution making in Nepal, and MIREST Nepal is proud to be associated with that historic event.
MIREST Nepal has been deeply involved in the advocacy of inclusiveness of the political entities including the Constituent Assembly, and the maiden task of building a "People-centric" constitution through its communication outreach programs. MIREST Nepal's initiative has helped ordinary Nepalese citizens to access the CA Delegates and political leaders/experts at their own constituencies. When our democratic dispensation has witnessed, since more than a decade, a political vacuum of elected representation at local bodies, MIREST Nepal was there at out-flanked areas in Nepal to fill this vacuum between the grassroots citizens and the policy-makers on constitutional and governance issues through its dynamic interaction forums and constructive dialogues.
In times such as these, when Nepal, as a Nation is going through a politically chaotic, unpredictable and unprecedented transformational phase, when social solidarity is weak and economic growth is virtually non-existent, when lawlessness, misrule and impunity prevails over the sovereignty, mandate and fundamental rights of the citizens, it sometimes become difficult to remain focused and diligently work towards a tangible goal. Hence, this will be the most crucial and challenging period for the CA delegates, political leaders, experts and stakeholders including the international community who are supporting the constitution building and peace process, from outside.
I sincerely believe that the book-to-be released today, offers new avenues and design options that the policymakers can choose from, while drafting the upcoming participatory constitution. The Constituent Assembly stands as a whole, as a political assembly alone, thus the book could be a vital resource to compliment the efforts of the CA to embolden the jurisprudential foundation and enshrine democratic contents in the new constitution.
The book will be definitely a prize for all stakeholders of constitution making process in Nepal, who can help the Constituent Assembly to identify technical and substantive gaps in the draft. This can, keeping with the lasting principles of constitutionalism assist in bringing-out the constitution at par with international democratic norms and standards.
This new book has come out at a very apt timing. The extension of the tenure of the CA Delegates, though contested by many on political, constitutional and moral grounds, has anyway, came-in as "blessings-in-disguise" paving the way to revisit the whole documents of the thematic committees of the CA, afresh.
There is ever growing perception that the CA has lost its sanctity and appeal as an elected body, after 2010 May 28. Following the lapse of the tenure of the elected representation vis-à-vis in actuality, the expiry of the popular mandate of the people, now it is high time for the CA delegates to rigorously focus on constitution building and to justify their legitimacy and relevance through constant engagements and dialogues with their constituencies.
The constitution, which the people had taken as a symbol of progressive democratic growth could not be delivered in the promised time. But along with our shortcomings we have had opportunities to learn. We have learnt that constructive dialogue can make differences. We have learnt that we are capable of compromise and of solidarity. Let us not lose the small ground that we have gained together. That is the base from which we can create a new Nepal.
The National Constitution Foundation (NCF), Tribhuwan University Faculty of Law and the Supreme Court Bar Association have worked hard to bring out this book with the support of hosts of national and international organizations. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank them all for such great and consistent work.
I would like to end by expressing my sincere thanks to everyone present for taking the time out to participate in this function.
Thank you all, thank you!
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