The Power of collective action
The Universal Periodic Report is a report that is prepared by NGO’s CSO’s and other stake holders to evaluate the progress made by each country to the SDG’s. India has been a signatory to the SDG’s and therefore a periodic report is presented every four years at the UN. Having had the opportunity to be at the UN in 2017 when India was reporting on her progress report, I was filled with curiosity of what India would report especially o Goal no. 2, 3 and 4. I along with other Indian delegates were both shocked and ashamed to listen to the false report being presented. After the report was given we cornered the Minister and asked how a report of this kind could be presented….what he said shocked us.
Since then I have always tried to join groups tht work for the UPR. During the past two years many online gatherings took place by the WGHR- Working Group on Human Rights. I was more than engaged as the issues being addressed were so close to my heart. So, when I got an invitation to attend the physical meeting at Delhi on 15, 16 September, I was so gripped to be there. The issues – land rights and homelessness; labor laws and the disparity; religion and its divisiveness as a new phenomena; right to Associations and Assemblies. All these and much more were beign discussed – women and children; violence and abuse. You ahd to choose.
There were dignitaries from various embassies and we all sat around tables, sharing from the ground level what was happening and the dignitaries had time to ask for details and clarifications. The earnestness and seriousness of lay people was again a reminder of how casual, complacent we as Religious have become. We were so engrossed with the discussions, drafting our suggestions to be reflected in the presentation, that we had no time to even get our meals. It was a very enriching experience and a moment of grace and gratitude when your work at the grassroots was recognized, complimented and appreciated. I cannot but emphasize the importance of working at this level and ensuring the issues of our people reach the appropriate forums.