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14 August, 2005ICEM News release No. 19/2004
The 20-million-member ICEM has pledged total support to our member trade unions stand with the pro-democracy movement in Nepal. The Brussels-based global union federation of 425 affiliates--including four in Nepal--also condemned harsh government acts in attempting to put down peaceful, pro-democractic demonstrations that have erupted in April in opposition to the actions of Nepal's absolute monarchy.
"We are in constant contact with our affiliates. Together with Nepal's five-party coalition they are defying government repression by seeking a democratic state, and they have our whole and undivided support," stated ICEM General Secretary Fred Higgs.
Nepal's monarchy has banned political dissent, including assembly and print literature in recent days. The Royal Administration authorities have posted curfews in certain areas and the monarchy's troops and security forces have met marches and rallies with rubber bullets, tear gas and baton charges.
The pro-democracy masses have defied the crackdown by staging sit-ins in public areas and at major traffic intersections, resulting in nearly a thousand arrests over the past few days including trade union leaders and leaders of the five-party coalition opposed to total control by King Gyanendra.
"We strongly oppose the continued beastly suppression of the peoples democratisation by this unconstitutional royal government," stated a joint release of two national trade unions centers of Nepal on 5 April. "We appeal to all working people and trade unions in every level for nationwide go-ahead against this inhumane act of the government which has kicked all norms and limitations of constitution and rule of law."
Despite a government ban ICEM affilates responded by launching a 9 April protest march from Asan to Naradevi inside Katmandu that was met with the arrests of seven National Executive members as well as others.
The ICEM's Higgs also issued severe condemnation against Nepal for imposing the archaic Essential Services Act of 1957 on Nepalese society, which effectively bans trade union rights of workers. "Nepal's monarchy must know that applying restrictive bans on democratic rights and on internationally-recognised labour rights is totally unacceptable to the international community. We demand the immediate release of all those arrested and join our affiliates call for the resignation of this royal government"
INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL, ENERGY, MINING AND GENERAL WORKERS' FEDERATION (ICEM)
NATIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE IN NEPAL
April 5, 2004
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
Through the Royal step of Retrogression in October 2002, the nation has been continuously being pushed towards autocracy. The attack has been intensified on the rights gained through the popular mass movement of 1990 and on the constitution. The latest example is the imposition of Essential Services Act 1957 in order to ban the trade union rights of workers.
The Royal Government is trying to suppress the peaceful popular mass movement of five major political parties launched for democracy and progress. Currently, the royal government has attempted to suppress the fast moving phase of the movement being conducted from April 2, 2004 in an inhumane & savage manner. Hundreds of activists and leaders of the political parties have been injured by the cruel lathi-charge, tear gas full of hazardous chemicals and plastic bullets. Even the workers working in the factories/offices and coming to and from office including general people walking on the streets have been victimized by the inhumane suppression.
We strongly oppose the continued beastly suppression of the people's demonstration by this unconstitutional Royal government. We appeal all working people & trade unions in every level for nationwide go ahead against this inhumane act of the government, which has kicked all norms, and limitations of constitution and rule of law. Through this statement we call our local Affiliates/Committees, member and working masses to come forward against retrogression and in favor of democracy & peace. Only in democracy, rights of the working class can be ensured and work can be run smoothly. So we request all entrepreneurs and employers as well to participate and assist this movement from their own places and stands.
Signatories
Mr. Janak Chaudhary President of NICIWU
Ms. Bina Shrestha President of IGWUN
Mr. Kumar Ojha President of NEAEU
Mr. Ramkumar Shrestha President of NEAE