#DALITLIVESMATTER

the_dlm

Dalit Lives Matter (DLM) is a global social movement led by the Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance (DLMGA), committed to building constructive resistance against caste-based inequalities, indignities, and adversities. The movement envisions a world where informed and empowered civic actors are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to challenge and dismantle caste-based discrimination and untouchability.

Based in Kathmandu, Nepal, DLMGA serves as the secretariat of the global Dalit Lives Matter Movement, working to mobilize solidarity and amplify marginalized voices across national and international platforms.

Recently, a Dalit youth aged 20 was found hanging in a prison toilet. Shockingly, he was only 17 years and three months old when arrested for allegedly stealing a mobile phone. His identity was suspiciously swapped with another convict facing charges of extortion and illegal arms possession. Why was he not placed in a juvenile correction center? Why was a minor imprisoned alongside adults? In 2020, six youth were brutally killed by a village mob enraged by an inter-caste relationship between a young Dalit boy and an upper-caste girl. That same year, a 13-year-old girl was found hanging from a tree—just a day after community leaders decided she should marry the upper-caste man who had 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 where inclusion, diversity, and dignity are not just ideals but fundamental principles upheld in every sphere of life, ensuring equal opportunities, rights and respect for all individuals, regardless of caste, ethnicity or background.

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.

GOALS

Eradicate caste discrimination, empower Dalit communities, ensure justice, promote inclusion, advance awareness, strengthen alliances, foster economic upliftment, document injustices, champion equity and inspire future leadership.

Vision

A just, equitable, and multicultural society where inclusion, diversity, and dignity are not just ideals but fundamental principles upheld in every sphere of life, ensuring equal opportunities, rights and respect for all individuals, regardless of caste, ethnicity or background.

Misson

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.

Goals

Eradicate caste discrimination, empower Dalit communities, ensure justice, promote inclusion, advance awareness, strengthen alliances, foster economic upliftment, document injustices, champion equity and inspire future leadership.

OBJECTIVES

1

Strengthening the struggles and movements of socially excluded communities - Dalits, Indigenous, LGBTQI+, and marginalized groups

2

Promoting, Engaging, and Engendering inclusive leadership

3

Equipping stakeholders with the necessary knowledge, research, and documentation

4

Engaging civil society, community-based organizations, and networks to bridge the divides

5

Promoting people-centric narratives and initiatives through mediums of expression and creativity

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VALUES

Equity

Dignity

Humanity

Impact

Collaboration