Human Rights Concerns of NASC

1) Inequitable Access to Legal Justice Systems.

Being one of the most disadvantaged groups in India, the Adivasi people experience severe injustices in governmental and legislative systems. Acts that apply significantly to Adivasi people include;

Acts that consist of embedded discriminatory principles include

The abovementioned Acts have had varied success in enabling Adivasi people’s access to rights, as such require intense amending simultaneously with more effective implementation due to;

2) Violation of Economic and Livelihood Rights.

As a consequence of the above structural challenges Adivasi people are forced to face, their capacity to earn sufficient income is diminished. The Forest Department in particular restricts much of their traditional ways of life, including sustainable trade and agricultural practices. Escalating global and national value on individual responsibility and market principles combined with a sheer lack of basic needs force them to leave the forest and enter employment that often further violates rights to livelihoods. Below minimum wage work and the leading issue of Bonded Labour forces the majority of Adivasi people below the international poverty line of $1.25/day (World Bank).

“Bonded Labour occurs when a person is forced to work in order to pay off an illegal advance. The employer takes advantage of the labourer’s vulnerability by restricting their freedom to travel, seek alternative employment opportunities, sell goods and services or be paid the minimum wage.” (International Justice Mission -IJM)

A survey of rescued bonded labourers stated that 94% of victims are Adivasi people (IJM). Industries found to be involved in this form of modern day slavery include but are not restricted to;

The harmful legacy this leaves on people’s mental health and ability to regain meaningful and fair employment is a detriment to Adivasi victims’ right to economic livelihoods.

3. Displacement, Discrimination and Violation of Social and Cultural Rights.

Adivasi communities have been historically marginalised and oppressed by dominant society’s inequitable developments. Their identity as individuals and as a group emerges as the major victim, as the attacks on their rights to social inclusion and engagement in their own culture are prominent.
Patterns of deprivation of customary rights over natural common resources; minerals, water and forest products not only reduce capacity to earn income but destroy the deep connection to earth integral to Adivasi life. More specifically,

Processes of government and private agendas still fail to include Adivasi people in consultation for decisions made about them, where as 
“Indigenous People’s participation in decision making and the right to free, prior and informed consent are at the core of Indigenous peoples’ rights” (The Indigenous World 2011 of UN)

It is fundamental for Indigenous people to preserve and develop their cultures and ways of life and effectively participate in the ‘development’ discourse, benefiting them as peoples and not only the state as a whole.

4) Plight of Women and Children.

Women and children are the most vulnerable people of all societies; Adivasi communities are not exempt in this. It is evident that if a woman’s rights are secure, the family’s and community’s rights are protected, as such, traditionally, Adivasi life was matriarchal. However due to globalisation’s patriarchal values, they stand to lose their supports and resources. As women are often given the responsibility of rearing children, their struggle goes hand in hand.

Women are often the principle campaigners for the protection rights, however still face exclusion from any consultation, support or rehabilitation. Women’s concerns currently consist of;

Oppressive patriarchal systems and poverty limit education opportunities, resulting in low levels of literacy and technical skills and therefore reduces the capacity for ‘modern’ employment. This issue also directly relates to children. Further issues affecting wellbeing of young people are;

with what values and approaches?
A common thread on which to base assessment and intervention is the Sustainable approach: 
Increasing application of sustainable practice for long-lasting positive changes owned by the community itself.

Values underpinning our framework for practice include;

where to from here?

how will we get there?

Human Rights Protection Strategies

Summary.

The current political climate is not conducive to the enactment of [UDHR] peoples’ rights. The dominant agenda of Capitalism infiltrating India through Globalisation has resulted in structures of greed and ignorance. Campaigns for legislation to be introduced have been successful. However, implementation has not been visible on the ground. The role of the NGO therefore, is to highlight legal frameworks and increase awareness and understanding among marginalised populations about their violation of legal rights (economic, labour, education, health, cultural etc) and mobilise communities to access them. If quality of life is not improved, there exists the opportunity to band together in filing a case against the government for the purpose of holding them accountable.