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State and Religion - Participatory Constitution Building in Nepal Booklet Series No. 1
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Nepal is a country with religious, social and cultural diversity. There are several religious and ethnic groups in the country. The 2001 Census classified the population of Nepal into six broad religious categories: Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Kirat, and others. Hindus accounted for 80.62 per cent, followed by Buddhist (10.74 per cent), Muslims (4.2 per cent), Kirat (3.6 percent), Christians (0.45 per cent) and others (0.4 per cent). The interim Constitution of 2007 (BS 2063) defined Nepal as a "secular, inclusive and fully democratic state"as a "multiethnic, multilingual and multi-cultural country". Defining the relationship between the state and religion and guaranteeing and protecting the freedom of religion and belief are significant challenges for every country. The emotional and cultural affinity of many people with religious beliefs and practices is deep, in particular in Nepal. Historical attempts of the state to interfere in this sphere have often failed. The challenge is to find a balanced relationship, which keeps the state free from undue interference from religious bodies and institutions, and protects the freedom of religion and belief on an equal and non-discriminatory basis. The principles of non discrimination on the basis of religion and the freedom of religion and belief are also enshrined in international human rights law. In most countries the details of this relationship are not regulated in the Constitution itself which often just states the principle of secularism as such. However, it will help subsequent legislators and judicial authorities to understand the intention of the CA if it discusses the subject thoroughly and agrees on a number of guiding principles thereon.
#StateAndReligion #FreedomOfReligion #RespectForDiversity #ConstituentAssembly #InclusiveConstitutionOfNepal #ParticipatoryConstitution
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Publisher:
CCD/UNDP
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(2009
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Type / Script:
Publication
in English
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Keywords:
RELIGION, STATE, FEDERAL SYSTEM, FEDERALISM, MONETARY POLICY, CONSTITUTIONS, CONSTITUTIONAL LAW, HUMAN RIGHTS, CIVIL RIGHTS, POLITICAL RIGHTS, WOMENS RIGHTS, FREEDOM, HUMAN SECURITY, HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS, RIGHT TO PEACE, CAPACITY BUILDING, JUDICIAL SYSTEM, COURTS, DEVELOPMENT, GOVERNMENT, ELECTIONS, GOVERNANCE, GOVERNMENT POLICY, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, LOCAL FINANCE, ELECTIONS, CAPACITY BUILDING, DALITS, ETHNICITY, PLURALISM
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Thematic Group:
UNDP
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Social and Institutional Developoment
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Thesaurus:
01.07.00
- General And National Law
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Reference Link:
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