Geneva — At the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Virendra Singh Chouhan, president of the Sambhali Trust, highlighted the global challenges of racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. He warned these problems erode human dignity, disrupt social harmony and create barriers to equal access in education, employment and justice, deepening divisions and hindering inclusive development.
Chouhan pointed to India’s constitutional protections—particularly Articles 14, 15 and 21—as foundational commitments to justice, liberty and equal rights. He said India has taken steps to expand educational access and economic opportunities for diverse communities as part of its efforts to strengthen inclusivity.
Drawing on the Sambhali Trust’s grassroots work in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Chouhan described programs that empower women and girls from marginalized communities and cross-border migrant groups. He emphasized that community-level initiatives are vital for addressing discrimination and fostering social inclusion.
Chouhan called for sustained international cooperation to combat discrimination in all forms and to promote tolerance, equality and human rights. He urged governments, civil society and other stakeholders to collaborate, concluding that local initiatives aligned with constitutional values and global human rights frameworks can effectively confront complex social challenges at national and international levels.
