Joint Statement on the Occasion of 5 Years Since the Enactment of the Yazidi Survivors Law in Iraq

Joint Statement on the Occasion of 5 Years Since the Enactment of the Yazidi Survivors Law in Iraq – C4JR

https://c4jr.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Joint-Statement-on-the-Occasion-of-5-Years-Since-the-Enactment-of-the-Yazidi-Survivors-Law-in-Iraq-3.pdf

Protecting Breastfeeding Rights and Maternal Health of Musahar Women in Brick Kilns, Varanasi, India

Protecting Breastfeeding Rights and Maternal Health of Musahar Women in Brick Kilns, Varanasi, India

Submitted by: People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) and Jan Mitra Nyas
Reporting Period: August 2025 – February 2026

Executive Summary

This report presents a major human rights advocacy success achieved by PVCHR and Jan Mitra Nyas in protecting the breastfeeding rights and maternal and child healthcare of Musahar women working in brick kilns in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Following a formal petition submitted by PVCHR, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India officially registered the complaint and issued directives to the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the District Administration of Varanasi.

As a direct result of this advocacy:

• NHRC formally intervened and registered the case
• Uttar Pradesh Government issued official compliance orders
• District Magistrate, Varanasi, directed to take action
• State health authorities instructed to intervene
• Maternal and child healthcare rights officially recognized

This intervention represents systemic change at national and state levels.

Background and Problem Statement

Musahar women working in brick kilns represent one of India’s most marginalized communities. PVCHR’s field research identified serious human rights violations affecting maternal and child survival.

Key findings:

• Over 335 Musahar families working in brick kilns
• 103 pregnant women and more than 300 children under five
• Lack of access to Anganwadi services, maternal healthcare, and immunisation
• Women forced to return to work immediately after childbirth
• Severe risks to maternal health and infant survival

These conditions violated national and international human rights standards.

Link article of Soha Moitra jee of CRY : https://themigrationstory.com/post/how-musahar-women-in-varanasi-brick-kilns-are-reclaiming-the-right-to-breastfeed/

Advocacy Intervention by PVCHR

On 8 August 2025, PVCHR submitted a formal petition to the National Human Rights Commission of India.

Full Petition Documentation:

https://pvchr.blogspot.com/2025/11/nhrc-acts-on-petition-highlighting.html

Additional documentation:

https://www.scribd.com/document/957300231/NHRC-Acts-on-Petition-Highlighting-Violation-of-Breastfeeding-Rights-of-Musahar-Women-in-Varanasi-s-Brick-Kilns

The petition requested:

• NHRC investigation
• Protection of breastfeeding rights
• Maternal healthcare access
• Enforcement of labour protections
• Government accountability

Institutional Response and Policy-Level Impact

1. National Human Rights Commission Action

NHRC registered Case No. 23695/24/72/2025-WC and issued directives to:

• Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Uttar Pradesh
• District Magistrate, Varanasi

NHRC Intervention Report:

https://pvchr.blogspot.com/2026/02/nhrc-intervenes-to-protect.html

NHRC ordered authorities to:

• Investigate violations
• Take corrective action
• Report compliance
• Associate PVCHR and affected communities

This represents formal recognition of systemic violations.

2. Uttar Pradesh Government Compliance Order

The Government of Uttar Pradesh Medical and Health Department issued official directives on 23 February 2026 to:

• Director General, Medical and Health Services
• Chief Medical Officer, Varanasi
• District health authorities

This order mandated:

• Immediate action
• Compliance with NHRC directives
• Health service intervention

This confirms state-level administrative accountability.

3. District-Level Government Action

On 25 February 2026, NHRC issued instructions directly to the District Magistrate, Varanasi, requiring:

• Field investigation
• Immediate intervention
• Protection of maternal and child rights
• Compliance reporting

This ensures implementation at the district level.

Link: https://pvchr.blogspot.com/2026/02/nhrc-intervenes-to-protect.html

Programmatic Intervention Model and Demonstrated Results

PVCHR and Jan Mitra Nyas implemented a rights-based intervention model in partnership with CRY – Child Rights and You.

Program components:

• Community mobilisation and awareness
• Maternal health education
• Health service linkage
• Nutrition support
• Government system engagement

Documented outcomes (2022–2024):

• Institutional deliveries increased from 54% to 65%
• Colostrum feeding quadrupled
• Child immunisation tripled
• Infant mortality reduced by 50%
• Zero child deaths reported in 2024 in intervention areas

This demonstrates proven impact and scalable solutions.

Human Rights and Policy Impact Achieved

This advocacy resulted in:

National-Level Impact:

• NHRC official intervention
• Case registration and investigation
• Formal recognition of violations

State-Level Impact:

• Government of Uttar Pradesh issued official orders
• Health authorities directed to intervene

District-Level Impact:

• District Magistrate directed to implement corrective action

Community-Level Impact:

• Protection of breastfeeding rights
• Improved maternal healthcare access
• Increased government accountability

Beneficiaries Impacted

Direct beneficiaries:

• 335 Musahar families
• 103 pregnant women
• 300+ children under five

Indirect beneficiaries:

• Thousands of brick kiln workers
• Migrant women across Uttar Pradesh

Potential replication beneficiaries:

• Millions of brick kiln workers across India

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This intervention contributes directly to:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Donor Contribution and Role

Donor support enabled:

• Field research and documentation
• Community mobilisation
• Legal and human rights advocacy
• Government engagement
• Policy intervention

This demonstrates effective use of donor resources to achieve systemic change.

Sustainability and Next Steps

PVCHR and Jan Mitra Nyas will continue to:

• Monitor government compliance
• Support implementation
• Expand intervention model
• Advocate for national replication

Conclusion

This intervention represents a major human rights advocacy success resulting in national and state government action.

It demonstrates that donor-supported grassroots human rights work can:

• Influence national institutions
• Achieve policy-level change
• Protect vulnerable communities
• Improve maternal and child survival

Protecting breastfeeding rights protects the future of a generation.

Key Documentation Links

NHRC Intervention Report:
https://pvchr.blogspot.com/2026/02/nhrc-intervenes-to-protect.html

Original Petition and NHRC Action:
https://pvchr.blogspot.com/2025/11/nhrc-acts-on-petition-highlighting.html

Full Petition Documentation:
https://www.scribd.com/document/957300231/NHRC-Acts-on-Petition-Highlighting-Violation-of-Breastfeeding-Rights-of-Musahar-Women-in-Varanasi-s-Brick-Kilns

 

NHRC Intervenes to Protect Breastfeeding Rights and Maternal Health of Musahar Women in Varanasi

 In a significant step toward protecting the human rights and dignity of marginalized communities, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has intervened in response to a petition submitted by the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) regarding the denial of breastfeeding rights and access to maternal and child healthcare among Musahar women working in brick kilns in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

This intervention reflects growing national recognition of the urgent need to address systemic neglect and ensure that the most vulnerable women and children are not left behind.

Background: A Petition for Justice

On 8 August 2025, Lenin Raghuvanshi, Founder-Convener of PVCHR, submitted a petition to NHRC highlighting grave human rights concerns faced by Musahar women working in brick kilns across Harahua, Badagaon, Pindara, and Arajiline blocks of Varanasi.

The petition documented serious violations, including:

• Lack of access to Anganwadi services, maternal healthcare, and immunisation

• Absence of safe and dignified spaces for breastfeeding

• Forced return to work immediately after childbirth

• Severe health risks to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and infants

• Systemic neglect of migrant and marginalized Musahar families

Despite these challenges, grassroots efforts led by JanMitra Nyas, under the leadership of Shruti Nagvanshi and in partnership with CRY – Child Rights and You, demonstrated that community-based interventions could significantly improve outcomes.

Between 2022 and 2024:

• Institutional deliveries increased from 54% to 65%

• Colostrum feeding quadrupled

• Child immunisation rates tripled

• Infant mortality fell by 50%

• No child deaths were reported in 2024 in intervention areas

These outcomes proved that change is possible when rights-based, community-driven approaches are supported.

NHRC Action: A Critical Milestone

On 25 February 2026, the NHRC registered the case (No. 23272/24/72/2025) and issued directions to the District Magistrate of Varanasi to:

• Take appropriate action within four weeks

• Associate the complainant and affected communities

• Ensure protection of maternal and child rights

• Report back on actions taken

This directive marks an important acknowledgment by India’s apex human rights body that breastfeeding is not merely a health issue but a fundamental human right linked to dignity, survival, and equality.

PVCHR and JanMitra Nyas Response: Cooperation with District Administration

Following the NHRC directive, PVCHR and JanMitra Nyas formally wrote to the District Magistrate, Varanasi, expressing full cooperation and urging immediate action.

In the letter, PVCHR emphasized the need to:

• Conduct field assessments in brick kiln areas

• Ensure access to maternal healthcare, immunisation, and nutrition services

• Establish breastfeeding-friendly and safe working conditions

• Strengthen coordination between health, labour, and ICDS departments

• Involve affected communities in monitoring and implementation

PVCHR and JanMitra Nyas also offered technical and field-level support to assist the administration in implementing sustainable solutions.

Breastfeeding is a Human Right

For Musahar women, breastfeeding is not just a biological act—it is an assertion of dignity, survival, and equality.

As one mother, Kajal, expressed:

“Brick-making can wait, but my baby cannot.”

Her words reflect the urgent reality faced by countless women forced to choose between survival and motherhood.

The right to breastfeed is protected under:

• The Constitution of India (Right to Life and Dignity – Article 21)

• National Food Security Act

• Maternity Benefit Act

• International human rights conventions

Denying this right constitutes a violation of both national and international law.

Toward Systemic Change

The NHRC’s intervention offers a powerful opportunity to create systemic reforms in India’s unorganized brick kiln sector.

It also highlights the importance of collaboration between:

• Government authorities

• Civil society organizations

• Local communities

• Human rights institutions

Together, these actors can ensure that no woman is forced to sacrifice her child’s health and survival due to poverty and neglect.

PVCHR’s Continued Commitment

PVCHR and JanMitra Nyas remain committed to working with authorities and communities to ensure:

• Protection of maternal and child rights

• Access to healthcare and nutrition

• Dignified working conditions

• Accountability and justice

This intervention represents not just a legal step—but a step toward restoring dignity and hope for some of India’s most marginalized families.

Because protecting one mother’s right to breastfeed protects the future of a generation.

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023

Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in

(Law Division)

Case No.- 23272/24/72/2025

---

Date : 25/02/2026

To,

THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE
Collectorate Compound, Hamrautia,
VARANASI UTTAR PRADESH
221102
Email- dmvar@nic.in

Sir/ Madam,

The complaint/ intimation dated 08/08/2025, received from LENIN RAGHUVANSHI, FOUNDER-CONVENER in respect of MUSAHAR WOMEN AND CHILDREN, was placed before the Commission on 25/02/2026. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows:

This complaint be transmitted to the concerned authority for such action as deemed appropriate. The authority concerned is directed to take appropriate action within 4 weeks associating the complainant/victim and to inform him/her of the action taken in the matter.

2.      Accordingly, I am attaching scanned copy of the complaint/ intimation for necessary action as per the directions of the Commission.

Yours faithfully Sd/- Pankaj Kumar Kaien,SO, SB-4 SECTION OFFICER SB-4 Section Ph. No. 011-24663472

CC to

Complainant Details: Case No. 23272/24/72/2025 LENIN RAGHUVANSHI, FOUNDER-CONVENER PEOPLES VIGILANCE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS (PCVHR), SA 4/2 A, DAULATPUR VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002

Sd/- Pankaj Kumar Kaien,SO, SB-4 SECTION OFFICER Ph. No. 011-24663472

Accountability and Civilian Protection: Reflections on the Recent OHCHR Report

 

Accountability and Civilian Protection: Reflections on the Recent OHCHR Report

The People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) has received a communication from the Embassy of the State of Palestine to the Republic of India regarding the latest report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), presented before the UN Human Rights Council at its sixty-first session.

The report, titled “Situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem” (A/HRC/61/26), covers the period from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025 and presents a detailed and grave assessment of the situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territory.

Key Findings of the OHCHR Report

According to the report, serious concerns have been raised under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Among its central findings:

• Large-scale killings of civilians, including women and children

• Extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure, including homes, medical facilities, schools, and places of worship

• Living conditions that threaten the survival of the civilian population

The report also raises alarm regarding the forced displacement of Palestinians. It notes that displacement combined with the absence of guarantees for safe and voluntary return presents credible risks of forcible transfer and ethnic cleansing.

Furthermore, restrictions on humanitarian assistance, destruction of essential services, and denial of access to food, water, and medical care may amount to the use of starvation as a method of warfare — a practice strictly prohibited under international law.

The Imperative of Accountability

The OHCHR underscores that the obligation to protect civilians applies at all times. Military necessity cannot justify collective punishment or disproportionate actions against civilian populations.

The report highlights the persistent absence of accountability for serious violations and warns that continued impunity risks undermining the international legal order and eroding the protection framework established after the Second World War.

PVCHR’s Position

As a human rights organization committed to justice, dignity, and the protection of fundamental freedoms, PVCHR reiterates that civilian protection, accountability, and adherence to international law are universal obligations.

PVCHR remains committed to engaging with national and international human rights mechanisms, civil society partners, and stakeholders to promote peace, justice, and human dignity.

Issued by:
People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)
Varanasi, India
February 2026

Together in Struggle, Together in Hope: A Life of Partnership, Justice, and the Moral Imperative of Social Responsibility

 Together in Struggle, Together in Hope: A Life of Partnership, Justice, and the Moral Imperative of Social Responsibility

Honoured at the TOI National CSR Summit 2026 in the distinguished presence of the Hon’ble Vice-President of India, this moment was not just recognition of work — but a reflection of decades of shared struggle, partnership, and commitment to justice.

From our journey through Jan Mitra Nyas and PVCHR, to grassroots work for marginalized communities, women’s empowerment, and human dignity — this recognition reaffirms our belief that social transformation must be rooted in compassion, accountability, and collective responsibility.

Receiving the honour together on our marriage anniversary made it deeply personal — a celebration of partnership in life and in the pursuit of justice.

Grateful to all who walk this path with us. The journey continues.

👉 Read the full OPED here:

https://medium.com/@lenin_75290/together-in-struggle-together-in-hope-a-life-of-partnership-justice-and-the-moral-imperative-of-93d14ff099b3

Together in life. Together in struggle. Together in hope.

#SocialJustice #CSR #HumanRights #ViksitBharat #GrassrootsLeadership #PVCHR #JanMitraNyas #WomenEmpowerment #InclusiveDevelopment #UnsungHeroes #Partnership

PVCHR Raises Child Rights Concerns: Complaints Filed Before NCPCR Over Violence Against Students in Uttar Pradesh

 The People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) has raised serious concerns over incidents of violence against school children in Uttar Pradesh by filing complaints before the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). The complaints seek urgent intervention, independent inquiry, and protection of children’s right to education and safety.

Complaint on Assault of Class 10 Student in Varanasi

PVCHR Founder Lenin Raghuvanshi filed a complaint regarding an incident reported from Shri Sai Baba Inter College in Rustampur, Chaubepur (Varanasi), where a Class 10 student was allegedly assaulted by a teacher during a pre-board examination.

According to the complaint, the student sustained serious injuries, and medical examination confirmed that his left eardrum was ruptured due to the beating. The victim’s family approached the local police seeking action, but it was alleged that the school administration failed to take appropriate measures. The complaint also mentioned that the teacher allegedly threatened to damage the student’s academic record.

The case was registered on the NCPCR e-Baal Nidan portal and accepted for consideration.

Subsequently, the NCPCR issued a notice under Section 13 of the CPCR Act, 2005, to the District Magistrate, Varanasi, directing appropriate action and calling for a report within a stipulated time.

PVCHR has urged authorities to conduct a fair investigation, ensure justice to the victim, and provide compensation while safeguarding the child’s right to education and dignity.

Complaint on Corporal Punishment of Class 2 Student in Gonda

In another case highlighting the continuing problem of corporal punishment, PVCHR filed a complaint regarding a Class 2 student in a private school in Karnailganj, Gonda district. The complaint alleged that a teacher beat the child 105 times for not completing homework, resulting in severe physical injuries to the child’s legs and body.

Following the incident, the family sought medical treatment, and police reportedly registered a case against the accused teacher. The school administration dismissed the teacher, and local education authorities initiated an inquiry. PVCHR demanded justice, compensation, and free medical treatment for the victim while calling for stronger safeguards to prevent such violations in educational institutions.

The complaint was formally registered with the NCPCR, which issued a notice to the district authorities in Gonda seeking immediate investigation and action to ensure the safety and protection of children.

PVCHR’s Concern on Child Protection and Right to Education

PVCHR emphasized that these incidents reflect ongoing challenges in ensuring safe learning environments for children. Violence, intimidation, and corporal punishment in schools violate fundamental child rights guaranteed under the Right to Education Act, 2009, and relevant child protection laws.

The organization has called for:

• Strict action against those responsible for violence against children

• Institutional accountability of schools and authorities

• Compensation and rehabilitation for victims

• Strengthening mechanisms to prevent corporal punishment

• Ensuring safe and inclusive educational environments

Way Forward

PVCHR continues to monitor both cases and advocates for timely action by the authorities. The organization stresses that protecting children from violence in educational institutions is essential for upholding human dignity, equality, and the constitutional right to education.

PVCHR reiterates its commitment to promoting child rights, ensuring justice for victims, and strengthening accountability mechanisms to prevent such violations in the future.

—
People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) works to defend human dignity, protect vulnerable communities, and promote justice through advocacy, monitoring, and legal intervention.

🚨 New Op-Ed | Front-of-Pack Food Warnings in India: A Test Case for the Global Right to Health

  🚨 New Op-Ed | Front-of-Pack Food Warnings in India: A Test Case for the Global Right to Health

Across the world, ultra-processed foods are fueling a silent public health crisis. In India, the rising burden of non-communicable diseases demands urgent, preventive action — and transparent front-of-pack warning labels can be a transformative step toward protecting the right to health.

My latest Op-Ed examines how India stands at a pivotal moment. With ongoing proceedings before the National Human Rights Commission (Case No. 4227/90/0/2021) and the Supreme Court emphasizing the need to prioritize citizens’ health, the country has a historic opportunity not just to follow global standards — but to leapfrog into leadership.

India’s decision will influence global food governance, strengthen consumer rights, and help build healthier futures for millions, especially children and vulnerable communities.

The world does not need another hesitant regulator.

It needs a champion — and India can be that champion.

🔗 Read the full Op-Ed here:

https://medium.com/@lenin_75290/front-of-pack-food-warnings-in-india-a-test-case-for-the-global-right-to-health-ef003c4afe81