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The Jinnah-Ambedkar Chair at the Center for South Asian Studies, University of the Punjab, organized an international webinar under the banner of Ambedkar Society for South Asia (ASSA) to commemorate World Human Rights Day. The webinar, titled "Human Rights & Marginalised People in South Asia", took place on 10th December 2023 at 2:00 PM (PST).
Title: "Human Rights & Marginalised People in South Asia" with following Participants:
1. Prof. Dr. Hemlata Maheshwar (Professor of Hindi at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi India)
2. Jai Prakash Kardam (Analyst, Activist, Ex-Govt. Employee, New Delhi India)
3. Prof. Dr. Sujatha Surepally (Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Satavanaha University, Telengana, India)
4. Umar Javed, (Analyst, Researcher, Jounalist from Pakistan)
5. Hassan Javaid, (Researcher, Producer at Samaa TV from Pakistan)
6. Prachi Salve ((Rights Expert - India with Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD), Advocacy Fellow of National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR), Delhi, India)
During the webinar, the participants engaged in insightful discussions regarding human rights issues faced by marginalized communities in South Asia. Topics such as discrimination, social exclusion, and the need for inclusive policies were explored. The speakers shared their expertise, experiences and research findings to shed light on the challenges faced by marginalized individuals and communities. Prof. Dr. Hemlata Maheshwar, spoke about the need for some important reforms in the society regarding human rights. She talked about her native country India that especially after BJP government came into power in 2014, starting from the Pune Dalit riots against Dalits to termination of Dalit rights activist Lakshman Jadav, there are thousands cases of human rights violations. Mr. Jai Prakash Kardam, spoke about the importance of social justice and equality for all. He said that the countries always governed by constitution while the societies are governed by religion. This conflict gives rise to the violations of human rights. As in India, a Dalit or low caste man cannot have moustaches, he cannot ride a horse on his wedding and so on; while constitution is giving all basic human rights to Dalits, Low castes and upper-castes, but there the religion is not allowing him to get these rights. Similarly, maximum rape cases in India are associated with Dalit women. This also shows that the caste system is the main source of violations in India. He emphasized the need for inclusive policies that address the needs of marginalized communities and provide them with equal opportunities. Prachi Salve, a rights expert from India, highlighted the issue of caste-based discrimination and violence against Dalits, which continues to be a major human rights concern in India. She also spoke about the need for effective implementation of laws such as the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes Act. Mr. Umar Javed added that South Asian population is 25% of the world's total population with vast diversity, but the political and societal systems here are not focused on humanity. Most of the countries have same type of suppression in context of marginalized communities. He also shared his insights on the situation of Muslims in India and spoke about the need for interfaith dialogue and harmony. Prof. Dr. Sujatha Surepally said that the basic issues of human rights violations in India are connected with caste system and based on work and descends. She mentioned that in India there are more than 50 thousand atrocities cases registered against Dalits in last 3 years while this year around 57000 such cases came into limelight. Similarly more than 2000 rapes are being recorded every year in India. She said that the reforms are needed in our electoral process, education and the implementation of constitutions. Dr. Hemlata Maheshwar emphasized the importance of collective efforts, collaboration and advocacy in bringing about positive change and safeguarding the rights of marginalized people in South Asia. Women's empowerment and education as a means to combat gender-based violence and inequality. Mr. Hussain Javed said that the basic problem of human rights violations in South Asian countries are linked with the implementation policies. The constitutions have all the acts and articles regarding human rights but the people are not aware of their rights due to many loop holes in education system, political process and judiciary. He also shared some facts about the recent human rights violations in Pakistan and India. The webinar concluded with a call to action, urging individuals, organizations and governments to work towards creating an inclusive and equitable society that upholds the principles of human rights for all. The Jinnah-Ambedkar Chair at the Center for South Asian Studies, University of the Punjab, and the Ambedkar Society for South Asia (ASSA) were commended for their efforts in raising awareness and promoting dialogue on these crucial issues.
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