Kamaiya

Kamaiya denotes a traditional system of bonded labor in Nepal; the victims of this system are also mentioned Kamaiya or Kamaiyas.

History

Different forms of forced labor existed in Nepal since the 17th century. Traditionally, could obtain loans people without land or work of landowners who allowed them to secure their livelihood. In return, they had to practically as serfs live on the land of the landowner and work. Since the landowners demanded exorbitant rates, whole families have been forced over the years and generations to work. They were the landowners committed by the burden of debt and had because of their social position no other choice but to pay down debt with their work force. Following the eradication of malaria in the Terai region in the 1950s and 60s began a massive influx of settlers, who urged the residents for centuries Tharu ethnic group of the marginalized. They took land claim and registered it. Below their name, which traditionally belonged to the Tharus The Tharus had no proof of ownership of land they farmed, and were forced to earn their living as agricultural laborers. The usual among Tharus Customs, to gain helpers for field work, was gradually replaced by the system of forced labor Kamaiya, in the jargon of the Tharu means as much as hardworking hired farm workers.

The Kamaiya system was particularly members of the ethnic group of the Tharu in western Nepal and Dalit ( " untouchables " ) throughout the country.

Abolition

After increasing protests, the government of Nepal declared on 17 July 2000, the Kamaiya system abolished, all Kamaiya for free and their liabilities for canceled. The abolition was confirmed by the Kamaiya Labour ( Prohibition ) Act in February 2002. Approximately 18,400 families ( 70000-100000 persons) were identified as Kamaiya and liberated.

To the poverty of those affected - as the main cause of the system - to fight the liberated Kamaiya rehabilitation and in particular land was made ​​to secure their livelihoods in view. During the liberation of Kamaiya is largely prevailed from debt bondage, but the implementation of this support has been slow. Many Kamaiya were dismissed from their landowners in poverty, without receiving any support. Although other land was assigned to which, however, turned out to be not suitable for agriculture.

Human rights organizations such as Anti-Slavery International also assume that even thousands remain in Kamaiya debt bondage.