Press release

People's declaration echoes united voice of the marginalised

Hyderabad, June 14, 2007: "We are not alone, our struggle has found a new voice", said a jubilant participant at the ActionAid's National Conclave – Towards a People's Alliance.

The conclave culminated today with the adoption of People's Declaration. The Declaration charted out common issues, concerns and unified ways forward for a myriad of social groups from across the country.

The congregation of 1400 plus participants shared struggles, forged new networks and developed strategies for ending exploitation. Groups as diverse as manual scavengers, Gujarat riot survivors, indigenous communities who's land and culture is under threat, HIV positive people, children out of school and sex workers from West Bengal had assembled for the four-day event.

Babu Mathew , country director of ActionAid India and a former law professor and trade union leader pointed to the cruel contrast between India's economic boom and the increasing marginalisation of those who are left out:

"The challenge in India is not just to talk about making growth inclusive, but to make inclusive growth a reality. Rights enshrined in the Constitution must be made good for all citizens, not just the fortunate few.

"Hunger is one of the most extreme forms of denial of rights. The contours of hunger are experienced differently in different communities, countries and continents."

"In India it is clear that displacement and destruction of livelihood are creating India's 'new hungry' as well as reinforcing existing discrimination along the lines of caste, class, religion, ethnicity, gender and sexuality."

Ramesh Singh, head of ActionAid internationally, who attended the conclave said:

"Stronger people's alliances are already emerging. These alliances go beyond social groups, regions and nations to strengthen a global alliance in a common fight against poverty and injustice. We need to build on this momentum with joint action."

Babu Mathew highlighted some of the opportunities for change:

"There is an international convention which exists to protect economic, social and cultural rights. But what is missing is an 'optional protocol'. With an optional protocol, aggrieved individuals can raise their complaint before an international body and seek redressal, similar to the Public Interest Litigation system in India. It is an effective way to name and shame governments on an international stage."

"This currently happens in the case of civil and political rights – over illegal detention for example – but is missing when it comes to rights to food, shelter or health care.   We are calling on the Indian government to join hands with the international community in demanding this," he said.

Presented at a press conference today by representatives from all social groups at the conclave, the people's declaration laid out clear demands.

"Whenever excluded people come forward to demand justice there is brutal state retaliation and repression to any democratic dissent," said Kapileshwar Ram, a dalit community leader from Bihar.

"Together we excluded groups constitute the majority of India's population. While the specific needs, aspirations and rights denied and are many and diverse amongst us, we are united by common demands for dignity and full citizenship," said Anjum from West Bengal, a member of the Indian Muslim women's movement Bhartiya Muslim Mahila Andolan.

Sharing his feelings in response to the declaration, Ramesh Singh said:

"To fight the injustices of globalization – whether of politics or business – we need the power of India. The Indian voice carries immense influence in the world. We hear the voice of Indian government and corporations but we also need India's most marginalised citizens to shine and not just the economy."

"That is what I am seeing here today with the launch of the people's declaration and the emerging people's alliance against poverty and hunger," added Singh.

Specific demands in the people's declaration include:

• Muslims from Gujarat demand full rehabilitation and justice for those affected by state sponsored genocide in 2002.

• Urban poor demand comprehensive repeal of anti-poor policies like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission and Special Economic Zones that have severely affected the livelihoods of women and men making them vulnerable to eviction and violence.

• Dalits demand an end to all forms of caste-based discrimination including the practice of untouchability and forced services such as manual scavenging, caste-based sex work and grave digging, by enforcing existing laws that seek to ensure dignity and self respect of the Dalits.

• Children demand free, equitable, good quality education and nutrition for all children with a child friendly environment in schools, equal opportunities for girls and boys and an end to child labour.

• People with HIV and AIDS demand free medicines for all HIV positive people including medicines for opportunistic infections and life-long anti-retro virals of all regimens including paediatric dosages.

• Fishing communities dropping of the anti-fisher folk policy 'Coastal Zone Management' and strengthening rights of the fishing community in 'Coastal Regulation Zone' notification which recognizes and respects customary rights over the sea and the coast. And for women to be recognised as fish workers in their own right.

• People with disabilities demand meaningful and effective inclusion to be ensured in all domains – education, and employment, – enforcement of existing laws, and framing of new legislations in compliance with the United Nations Convention.

• Women demand equal ownership over land, property and resources, active participation at all levels of governance and an end to all forms of violence against women, including sex selective abortions, killing of girls, child marriages and dowry.

www.actionaidindia.org

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