A/HRC/7/68 page 13 51. In the context of talks with marginalized groups, on 8 August, the Government reached agreements with the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities; on 31 August, with MPRF; and on 13 September, with Chure Bhawar Ekta Samaj, which relate, inter alia, to representation, inclusiveness, respect for indigenous rights and participation of marginalized groups in public affairs. However, as the process of dialogue has not been fully participatory, not all groups feel common ownership or that they have been genuinely consulted. The signatory organizations have also challenged the slow pace of implementation, and Madheshi and Janajati discourse became more radical towards the end of the year. Several have established self-defence, volunteer or youth brigades. While the organizers insisted that they were not armed, they described security as one of their key roles and there are concerns about how the groups might be used, including in an electoral context. Possible use of under-18s in such activities is also a concern. 52. A comprehensive approach to the participation, non-discrimination and representation of marginalized groups has been lacking; dialogue and talks have taken place with different groups separately and agreements have been reached piecemeal. With regard to the right to participation, the process of dialogue must ensure that it reflects the views of those at the geographical margins in remote and isolated parts of Nepal. Some of the Adivasi and Janajati groups are highly marginalized and in danger of losing their language, identity and culture. This threat to their individual and collective rights must be recognized and addressed, as should be the lack of participation of Dalits - highly underrepresented in decision-making and State structures - in the national dialogue and at the district level. 53. Despite recognition of women’s rights, including representation, in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Constitution, in practice there has been little progress towards addressing the extreme lack of participation of women at all levels of Government, State and political parties. For example, of the 35 secretaries appointed by the Cabinet late in 2007 to 19 ministries and 8 committees and offices, only 1 was a woman. Women parliamentarians, activists and members of political parties have expressed their deep disappointment and frustration at the lack of progress in representation, and there is a need for affirmative action programmes. 54. Other forms of discrimination against women, including the dual discrimination affecting women from marginalized groups such as Dalits, are also of concern. Gender-based violence, including domestic and sexual violence, the risk of trafficking, discriminatory laws, and especially a lack of access to justice to seek redress for abuse and/or discrimination, continue to affect the lives of women. In 2007, a total of 38 cases of sexual violence - 24 of the victims being girls under 18 - were reported to OHCHR, though many other cases are thought to have gone unreported. They included reports of upper-caste individuals raping Dalit women and girls. Victims who seek justice and non-governmental organizations who support victims of sexual violence continue to be the targets of violent reprisals. Supreme Court hearings of a petition to amend the statute of limitations for presenting complaints of rape (currently only 35 days) were repeatedly postponed in 2007. OHCHR participated in several discussions on a bill on domestic violence currently under consideration by Government. 55. Discrimination also occurs on the basis of sexual orientation. OHCHR intervened in a number of cases of arbitrary arrests and alleged ill-treatment by police of individuals linked to