Human Rights Champions Honored by CNCDH in 2018: Celebrating Courage and Commitment

 

                                 Silver Medal from CNCDH 

                                               Announcement 

In 2018, marking the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, the French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH) recognized several outstanding individuals and organizations for their unwavering commitment to defending and promoting human rights. The recipients of this prestigious award have distinguished themselves through their bravery and relentless advocacy, often facing significant risks and persecution.

Winners of the 2018 Human Rights Prize

• National Movement of Victims of State Crimes (MOVICE), Colombia: For their tireless efforts in seeking justice for victims of state crimes in Colombia.
• B'Tselem and Al-Haq (joint award), Israel-West Bank: These organizations have been instrumental in documenting and challenging human rights abuses in the occupied territories.
• Let’s Turn the Page, Niger: Recognized for their work in promoting democracy and human rights in Niger.
• Lenin Raghuvanshi, India: An activist for Dalit rights and a founding member of the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), Raghuvanshi has created a non-violent social movement to end caste-based discrimination and forced labor.
• Leonid Sudalenko, Belarus: A lawyer dedicated to defending human rights in Belarus.

Special Mentions

• Casa del Migrante, Saltillo, Mexico: For their support of migrants and their rights.
• Bureau for Volunteering for Children and Health (BVES), Democratic Republic of Congo: For their work in child welfare and health.
• Association for Human Rights and the Prison World (ADHUC), Republic of Congo: For advocating for the rights of prisoners.
• Sukhumi Foundation, Georgia: For their efforts in promoting peace and human rights.
• Lenin Raghuvanshi: India

Lenin Raghuvanshi: A Profile in Courage

Lenin Raghuvanshi’s recognition is particularly noteworthy. A dedicated advocate for Dalit rights in India, Raghuvanshi has faced significant threats and legal challenges due to his activism. As a founding member of the PVCHR, he has worked tirelessly to eliminate caste-based discrimination and forced labor, particularly affecting Dalits and Adivasis. His efforts have garnered international recognition, despite the local authorities' attempts to silence him.

Despite the award being announced in 2018, Lenin Raghuvanshi faced significant delays in receiving his recognition, finally obtaining it by courier on March 27, 2024. There was no official award ceremony. Notably, Raghuvanshi is a citizen from Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of India's Prime Minister. The reasons for the delay remain unclear, but Raghuvanshi speculated that his past criticisms of European support for Hindu nationalist ideologies might have influenced the delay.

Raghuvanshi's dedication to advocating for human rights has remained unwavering. He completed his Ayurvedacharya (Bachelor of Ayurveda, Modern Medicine, and Surgery, BAMS) from Government Ayurvedic Medical College, Gurukul Kangari, Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Born in Kashi, he has been fighting for the spirit of Shraman culture of diversity and inclusiveness. He observed that corruption became institutionalized, with different departments demanding bribes for any registration and re-registration—a stark contrast to his experiences in 1999 when he began his professional career.

Raghuvanshi faced a falsely implicated criminal conspiracy case since 2015 in Delhi, characterized by no evidence and unnecessary delays by the prosecution department. Recently, the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Home intervened on the petition of Shruti and Shabana. In a heartfelt blog post from July 2023, Raghuvanshi reflected on the emotional journey and the complexities surrounding the delayed recognition. He wrote, "The recognition I earned for my efforts in promoting human rights was not a mere symbol or accolade. It represented the acknowledgment of the struggles and aspirations of the marginalized communities I stand for."

                                                               Diploma 

Challenges and Speculations

Raghuvanshi highlighted the increasing institutional corruption and the challenges faced by human rights defenders in India. He expressed concerns about the country's shift towards corporate fascism, quoting Barbara, "Democracy prefers Markets but Market does not prefer democracy." He noted the high levels of fear, phobia, and impunity that contribute to a culture of silence. Despite these challenges, Raghuvanshi remains committed to advocating for human rights, drawing inspiration from Maa Kali and Mahakal for a better world.

Conclusion

The CNCDH’s recognition of these human rights defenders underscores the importance of their work and the need to support and protect those who fight for justice and equality. As we celebrate these heroes, we are reminded of the ongoing struggles for human rights across the globe and the enduring power of courage and commitment in the face of oppression.

#HumanRightsHeroes #CNCDH2018 #DefendersOfJustice #LeninRaghuvanshi #PVCHR 

Links for kind perusal:  https://medium.com/@shruti_25784/dr-lenin-raghuvanshi-receives-special-mention-in-human-rights-prize-of-the-french-republic-2018-cf6fcf41be8e

https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2024/05/a-memoir-by-dr-lenin-raghuvanshi/

https://www.cncdh.fr/edition-2018-du-prix-des-droits-de-lhomme