Sambhali Trust highlights plight of refugee women at UNHRC
Geneva, March 24
The Sambhali Trust hosted a compelling photo exhibition titled 'The Desert Daughters of India' at the iconic Broken Chair Monument in Geneva on the sidelines of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Stories of resilience, displacement, and survival echoed as the event brought global attention to the struggles of women and children, particularly asylum seekers from Pakistan now living in Rajasthan's desert regions.
Founder of the Sambhali Trust, Govind Singh Rathore, addressing the gathering, emphasised the urgency of amplifying grassroots human rights concerns. He noted that the exhibition represents the lived experiences of women who have crossed borders under distress and are striving to rebuild their lives in Jaisalmer. Rathore highlighted that, despite global conflicts, it is essential to bring such personal narratives to international platforms like the United Nations. He also expressed gratitude to the UN and the Geneva Canton authorities for providing space to showcase these stories.
Rathore highlighted Sambhali Trust's long-standing commitment since 2007 to empowering women, children, and gender minorities. Stressing a broader message, he called for a world rooted in peace and equality, asserting that human rights must be addressed from grassroots levels rather than through top-down institutional approaches.
Volunteer Tasha Mauricette Stoppler, who has been associated with the organisation for two years, described the exhibition as a small but significant step towards awareness. She said the initiative aims to shed light on the harsh realities faced by marginalised women and children in western Rajasthan, many of whom endure violence and lack access to basic opportunities. According to her, platforms like this are crucial to ensure that their voices are heard globally.
Meanwhile, Virendra Chouhan, Strategic Representative of the Trust, reiterated the need for empathy towards asylum seekers.
Speaking at the exhibition, he urged the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to adopt a more compassionate approach towards displaced communities. He highlighted Sambhali Trust's work in providing vocational training and educational support through dropout centres, helping women regain dignity and independence.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the awareness, I hope the focus remains on empowerment and solutions, not just showcasing hardship. The vocational training mentioned is the real key. Let's see more action on the ground in Jaisalmer.
It's heartening to see an Indian NGO getting this kind of international recognition. The situation in Rajasthan's border areas is complex. These women show incredible strength. We need more empathy as a society.
Reading this from abroad. It's crucial that human rights narratives come from the grassroots like this. A photo exhibition at the UN is a powerful way to create change. Kudos to the volunteers.
Respectfully, while the cause is noble, I wonder about the long-term impact. Geneva exhibitions are good for awareness, but what about policy changes? Will the UNHRC actually do anything concrete? Hope this leads to real support.
As someone from Rajasthan, I've seen the challenges firsthand. The desert is not an easy place to live, especially for those who have lost everything. Education and skills training are the way forward. More NGOs should follow this model.
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