Christian schools such as this one could be accused of converting students.

Take a stand for religious freedom in Nepal

Things are changing fast in Nepal, after the 240-year-old Hindu monarchy was abolished, and the country was declared a secular republic in 2008. A new Constitution is currently being drafted, marking the last stage in this transition.

But, CSW is concerned that the proposals for the Constitution would not properly protect religious liberty. This isn’t just a side issue – religious freedom is at the heart of the debate about the new Constitution. If Nepal is going to move forward successfully into becoming a secular, pluralist republic, it must get religious freedom right.

One of the proposals for the Constitution specifically states that “No person shall be entitled…to convert a person from one religion to another.”  A second proposal would, confusingly, grant the right to “disseminate” one’s own religion, but not “to convert another person…against his or her desire”. On the surface, this looks acceptable, but is not necessary (since any act of coercion could be prosecuted under other laws) and would only serve to fuel prejudice against conversions and against religious minorities.

Christian schools and hospitals could be at risk

Placing restrictions on conversions is against protections for religious freedom in international law, but that’s not the only problem. The wording of these proposals could lead to a situation (as in the five Indian states with anti-conversion laws) where peaceful evangelism is at risk of prosecution, or where Christian schools, hospitals and charities are at risk of being accused of converting the people they are helping and therefore facing legal reprisals.

This is your chance to help ensure true freedom of religion in Nepal’s new Constitution!

 

Pray

Why not add a prayer to our Prayer Wall to show your solidarity with Christians in Nepal?
>>> Visit the prayer wall

Protest

Take just a few minutes today to email your MEP, urging the European Union to emphasise the importance of protecting religious liberty in Nepal’s new Constitution. Once you’ve done this, you’ll also be given the opportunity to email your MP, asking them to raise this issue with the Nepali Ambassador to the UK.
>>> Use your voice to safeguard freedom of religion in Nepal

Join

Want to receive urgent action requests straight to your inbox?

Sign up today to receive CSW's weekly Relay e-newsletter and quarterly Response magazine. 
>>> Sign up today

 

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a human rights organisation which specialises in religious freedom, works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promotes religious liberty for all.

For more information, please call 0845 456 5464, email admin@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk