Nepal’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Bill Faces Parliamentary Discussion

Nepal’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (Protection) Bill 2081 has moved forward in the House of Representatives, with the International Relations and Tourism Committee holding discussions with experts ahead of clause-wise deliberations.

The discussion, held at Singh Durbar on Friday, was attended by lawmakers, officials from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and experts including Som Dhimal, Nilkamal Chapagain, Bhim Nepal, and UNESCO’s Nepal representative, Christian Manhart.

UNESCO Representative Presents on the Need for the Bill

UNESCO’s Nepal representative, Christian Manhart, presented on the need for the Intangible Cultural Heritage (Protection) Act, highlighting the importance of preserving Nepal’s intangible cultural heritage.

Manhart recalled the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which Nepal ratified in 2010. The convention requires member states to identify, document, and safeguard their intangible cultural heritage.

However, Manhart noted that Nepal’s federal legal framework is still weak in fulfilling its commitments under the convention. He emphasized the need for a clear legal framework to protect Nepal’s intangible cultural heritage.

Key Features of the Convention

Manhart outlined the five key features of the convention, which include:

• Oral traditions and expressions
• Performing arts
• Social practices, rituals, and festive events
• Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe

He also highlighted the 10 areas of commitment that Nepal made when it ratified the convention, including oral traditions, knowledge of nature, and cultural practices.

Next Steps

Manhart explained the next steps that Nepal needs to take to fulfill its commitments under the convention. These include creating a representative list of intangible cultural heritage, identifying the current state of conservation, and preparing a list of urgent safeguarding measures.

The list must be submitted to UNESCO by March 31, and will be reviewed by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The committee will make a final decision in November or December.

Why is the Bill Necessary?

Manhart emphasized the importance of the bill, highlighting two key reasons:

• The 2003 Convention creates obligations for countries to safeguard their intangible cultural heritage.
• A federal law is necessary to create a legal framework to fulfill these obligations.

Once the law is enacted, it will require member states to safeguard their intangible cultural heritage, identify and document it, and update their inventories.

UNESCO will also provide support to member states, including promoting international cooperation, providing technical assistance, and facilitating the exchange of information.