Majhi Indigenous Peoples Started Developing Their Community Protocol

The Majhi Indigenous Peoples of Manthali Municipality-6, Kunauri, in Ramechhap District, Bagmati Province, have initiated the development of  community protocol. The protocol seeks to revitalize their traditional governance systems, assert control over their territories, protect their cultural integrity, and preserve their knowledge systems, identity, sovereignty, and human rights.

The Majhe Sawa, the customary self-government and judicial institution of the Majhi Indigenous Peoples, which has been revitalized in Kunauri village, has decided to establish thematic committees to support the development of the community protocol. These committees will document their traditional governance systems, biodiversity, customary legal frameworks, customary lands, and the knowledge and cosmovision associated with their lands and territories as essential elements of the protocol.

LAHURNIP, in collaboration with the Majhe Sawa, organized a community workshop from January 27 to 28, 2025, in Manthali and Kunauri villages. The workshop focused on community protocols and Indigenous rights to self-determination, as outlined in ILO Convention No. 169, the UNDRIP, and existing domestic laws and policies.

Lawyers from LAHURNIP and customary leaders of the Majhi Indigenous Peoples facilitated the workshop.