The Campaign to Restore Archaeological Kamalpokhari of Thamel on Monday filed a complaint against Marriott International regarding its involvement with Chhaya Center in Kathmandu with the US National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines within the US Department of State. The Campaign, in the complaint, denounced the abuses to which Marriott International, a leader in the tourism and accommodation sector worldwide, is connected in violation of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises through its franchise Aloft Kathmandu Thamel located in the Chhaya Center (also known as Chhaya Devi Complex). The Complex is constructed on communal Guthi (trust) lands – traditionally holding a holy pond and its surrounding structures and lands – of the local indigenous Pradhan Newars following decades of encroachment and unlawful acquisition of those lands.

The Complaint alleges failures by Marriott International to conduct effective human rights due diligence for its involvement in the Complex and associated human rights impacts on the indigenous Newar community through its continued operations in the Complex. While the local Pradhans and cultural and rights activists have constantly opposed the construction of the Complex at various national authorities and even with the UN mechanisms, the lead activist has been continuously facing retaliations due to his legitimate activism against the Chhaya Devi Complex. Marriott International is directly linked to the harms caused by the Complex but has failed in addressing them.

The complainants are seeking to facilitate resolution of the issues raised in the complaint. Specifically, they are seeking that Marriott International fully acknowledge its direct link to the human rights abuses through its relationship with the Chhaya Devi Complex, and then mitigate the remedy the abuses, including through temporary or permanent suspension of its relationship with the Complex.

The complainants have not disclosed the full complaint document in accordance with the NCP’s confidentiality requirements.

For more information about the campaign, go to https://cemsoj.wordpress.com/human-rights-advocacy/restore-paleswa-pukhu-in-thamel/