Geneva [Switzerland], March 19 (ANI): On the sidelines of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), representatives of the Sambhali Trust brought attention to the experiences of India’s desert communities and cross-border asylum seekers, highlighting displacement, dignity, and grassroots empowerment.
Govind Singh Rathore, founder of Sambhali Trust, outlined the organisation’s work supporting women, children and gender minorities through vocational training, primary education and holistic development. Founded in 2007 and granted UN ECOSOC consultative status in 2015, the Trust has expanded its advocacy from Rajasthan to international forums.
Speaking at the UNHRC, Rathore called attention to asylum seekers arriving in Jaisalmer from Pakistan, describing perilous journeys across the Thar Desert often undertaken without food or water. He said many migrants feel that, despite hardships, living with dignity in India is preferable to what they left behind.
To share these stories, Sambhali Trust organised two events in Geneva: a photo exhibition, “Desert Daughters of India,” on March 24 showcasing visual narratives of women who crossed borders under extreme conditions, and a side event on March 26 featuring a film screening and the launch of a publication documenting their experiences.
Volunteer Tasha Mauricette Stoppler stressed the need to address minority rights globally and described Sambhali’s grassroots approach in Rajasthan, where the organisation works closely with marginalised women and children to understand their needs and provide tailored support. She said the Trust focuses on concrete action to uplift communities and on using international platforms like the UNHRC to raise visibility for underreported issues affecting gender minorities and vulnerable populations.
Through its UNHRC participation, Sambhali Trust seeks to link local realities with global advocacy, urging recognition of the resilience and aspirations of those seeking safer, more dignified futures. (ANI)
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