Sambhali Trust volunteer highlights India's inclusive community model at UNHRC
Geneva, June 17
At the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Sambhali Trust volunteer Lara Mailen Delutis highlighted India's tradition of community support and inclusion, emphasising the role of grassroots initiatives in assisting vulnerable and displaced populations.
Addressing the Council, Delutis said that international solidarity extends beyond cooperation between governments and is rooted in compassion, dignity, and human connection.
"International solidarity is not only about cooperation between States, but also about human compassion that transcends borders, communities and identities," she said.
Drawing on Sambhali Trust's work in western Rajasthan, Delutis shared experiences of supporting women, children, migrant and displaced families, and members of gender minority communities through education, healthcare access, counselling, skills training, and social support programmes.
Highlighting India's approach to inclusion, she noted that strong community networks, combined with public welfare systems, help vulnerable individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
"India's long social tradition of community support, together with public systems for education, health, legal aid and welfare, creates space for local inclusion," Delutis told the Council.
She emphasised that civil society organisations play a critical role in complementing government efforts by building trust within communities and helping people access essential services without fear or discrimination.
According to Delutis, many of the families supported by Sambhali Trust have moved in search of safety, stability, and livelihood opportunities. Grassroots organisations help such families secure documentation, access public services, and integrate into local communities.
Calling for people-centred approaches to international solidarity, she stressed that dignity, privacy, and respect must remain at the heart of efforts aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.
Her intervention showcased India's grassroots-driven model of inclusion, where communities, public institutions, and civil society organisations work together to strengthen social cohesion and empower those most in need.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartening to see India's inclusive traditions highlighted at UNHRC. But let's not forget that our public systems still have a long way to go in terms of accessibility and quality. Grassroots organizations fill gaps that the government should ideally be covering. Still, this is a step in the right direction. 🇮🇳
The Sambhali Trust model is exactly what India needs more of - combining our traditional community support with modern systems. I've seen similar work in my own village in UP where local NGOs help migrant workers get ration cards and school admissions. This people-first approach is our strength! 👏
Grassroots inclusion is great but we need systemic change too. How many trans persons actually have access to education and jobs without stigma? How many displaced families have land rights? The NGO model shouldn't replace government accountability. Still, good to see an Indian perspective being shared at UNHRC.
This is such an important conversation! Our 'community-first' ethos is something the West often doesn't understand. In India, we don't just rely on the state - neighbours, families, local groups all step up. The Sambhali Trust model proves that when we combine traditional values with modern systems, we can create real change. 😊
Interesting to see an international volunteer highlighting India's community model. I'm from the UK and we often hear about India's challenges, but rarely about these grassroots success stories. The emphasis on dignity and privacy in supporting vulnerable populations is something all countries could learn from.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.