Posted: 09/12/2010
December 10th is World Human Rights Day, recognizing the work of human rights defenders worldwide. Every day human rights defenders work to end discrimination by campaigning for equitable and effective laws, reporting and investigating human rights violations and supporting victims.
Asha staff and residents of Asha slums are waging a daily battle for human rights in Delhi slums. The gap between rich and poor in India and the social oppression of the poor and disadvantaged classes results in major human rights violations for slum dwellers. In every aspect of its work, Asha is helping slum dwellers realize their rights to health, education, gender equality for adequate housing and living conditions, and financial inclusion.
Asha believes that every slum dweller, man, woman or child, should have the self-confidence to demand their rights and the avenues to pursue justice. Asha organizes slum dwellers into groups and gives training and encouragement that enables them to engage in advocacy. Slum women who were once afraid to leave their homes, are taught to circulate petitions and meet government officials, resulting in real practical improvements to their community environments. By persistently demanding their rights, slum dwellers in Asha slums across Delhi have gained access to electricity, water and sanitation. When the government destroyed Thokar No. 8 slum and thousands of people lost their homes, Asha helped them make their case until they were allocated land in Savda Ghevra.
Above: Asha's financial inclusion programme has enabled slum dwellers to gain rights to banking services.
Asha staff and Community Health Volunteers talk to poor and vulnerable slum residents about government schemes that could improve their circumstances. Previously, Delhi’s banking services were effectively off-limits to slum dwellers. Asha’s financial inclusion scheme has given tens of thousands the opportunity to open bank accounts and take out loans.
Asha believes it’s never too early to fight for human rights. Asha’s children’s groups participate in rallies and visit with their elected representatives. They are the next generation of human rights activists. This year, Asha's work in education rights has helped 170 slum children enter University, the largest numebr in India's history.
Above: Slum children participating in an education rally
You can take a stand against human rights discrimination by supporting the work of Asha. Make a donation, tell friends and colleagues about Asha and encourage them to join the fight this Human Rights Day.
Click here to support human rights by making a donation to Asha.
Return to more recent news articles
I used to drink too much and beat my wife, and then she died. Asha has helped me to get better and to find work. I was suffering from TB but couldn’t travel to get treatment. I went to the Asha clinic where they diagnosed the TB, and now they check that I'm taking my medicine so I can fully recover.
Devender, Ekta Vihar
