What is #DalitLivesMatter?
Dalit Lives Matter (DLM) is a social movement led by Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance (DLMGA) to build constructive resistance against caste-based inequalities, indignities, and adversities globally. DLM aspires to build a global alliance of informed and empowered civic actors equipped with knowledge, skills, and tools to counter and fight caste-based discrimination and untouchability.
DLMGA, based in Kathmandu, Nepal, serves as the secretariat of the global Dalit Lives Matter Movement.
Recently, a Dalit youth aged 20 was found hanging in a prison toilet. He was a minor, 17 years and three months when he was arrested on charges of mobile theft. Suspiciously, his identity was swapped with another convict charged with extortion and illegal arms possession. Why was he not sent to a juvenile correction center but imprisoned with adults?
In 2020, six youth were brutally killed by a village mob who despised the inter-caste relationship between a young Dalit boy and an upper-caste girl. The same year a 13-year-old girl was found hanging in a tree. A day earlier, community leaders decided to marry her to an upper-caste man who allegedly raped her.
Mana Sarki was beaten to death in 2018. She was an elected representative from her ward. In 2016, Ajit Mijar was murdered for marrying a girl from the upper caste. His body still lies cold at TU Teaching Hospital, waiting for justice. Laxmi Pariyar, accused of witchcraft, was tied to a pole and fed human feces. Four days later, she was found dead in her home.
The list is endless. Yet, many more violations are not reported, and stories remain untold.
The government statistics show that 202 caste-based discrimination and untouchability cases have been registered since the Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offense and Punishment Act) 2011 was enacted. However, the court decided guilty verdicts in 91 cases. The district court acquitted 88 cases, and 23 cases are awaiting a verdict.
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics 2011, Dalits comprise 13.6% of the total population in Nepal. The poverty rate in Dalits is 48%, and their Literacy Rate is 40%. Alarmingly, 60% of Dalit children are exposed to chronic childhood malnutrition. In Nepal, there are 22 sub-groups of Dalits.
Globally, the Dalit population is estimated to be about 250 million. India has close to 201 million Dalit population, followed by Bangladesh at 5.5 million and Sri Lanka at 4.5 million. Pakistan has about 0.33 million Dalit population. This shows that the Dalits are concentrated in the South Asian region, but with globalization and migration, Dalits and their issues have spread to the global south as well.
VISION
A just, equitable, and multicultural society achieving inclusion, diversity, and dignified life.
MISSION
To initiate and amplify the efforts towards a just, equitable, inclusive, and diverse society by creating knowledge, strengthening leadership, supporting networks, building alliances, inspiring people, and celebrating multiculturalism to bridge the divides and achieve dignified lives.
OBJECTIVES
Strengthening the struggles and movements of socially excluded communities - Dalits, Indigenous, LGBTQI+, and marginalized groups
Promoting, Engaging, and Engendering inclusive leadership
Equipping stakeholders with the necessary knowledge, research, and documentation
Engaging civil society, community-based organizations, and networks to bridge the divides
Promoting people-centric narratives and initiatives through mediums of expression and creativity
VALUES
Equity
Dignity
Impact
Humility
Collaboration