Equality and Justice are fundamental principles underlined in the UN Millennium Declaration. The ‘development is a human right’ approach challenges exclusion and deprivation of socially marginalised groups like women, children, disabled, dalits, minorities and tribal communities. Achieving the MDGs would be impossible unless these groups are mainstreamed into government plans and policies.
19-10-2009Nearly 200 million people globally are victims of discriminations based on the notions of purity and pollution. Recently, a UN body deliberated on the recognition of caste as race and proposed to ensure that this scourge needs to be fought against, writes noted social activist and author Ram Puniyani.
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06-11-2009The National Assembly of Pakistan has unanimously passed a bill to provide for a higher punishment for sexual harassment. In a rare show of concern for women without a dissent, the lawmakers have expanded the definition of the crime to facilitate prosecution.
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Image: The draft by women activists was introduced in the house early this year by then information minister Sherry Rehman/ Photo credit: APP
30-10-2009Absence of government's commitment in India to young children’s rights has led to deficit childhood and jeopardised the development of their fullest potential, says NCPCR chairperson.
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Image: There is no law protecting children's rights in the 0-6 age group/ Photo credit: BuisnessWeek
28-09-2009Dalit community in Nepal was particularly susceptible to various kinds of diseases because their houses did not have stoves and toilets. All that is now changing with the untiring effort from a Member of Parliament, who also happens to be a gay, writes Sudeshna Sarkar.
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