Demonstration Marks World Inequality Day, Calls for Dalit Rights and Economic Justice

A public demonstration was held today at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu to mark World Inequality Day, with participants demanding social justice and economic equality for marginalized communities. The event, organized by the Asia Dalit Rights Forum and its partner organizations, focused on universal social protection, freedom from caste-based discrimination, and justice in areas including health, economy, and climate.

The demonstrators, many from Dalit civil society organizations, held placards and banners calling for economic justice and stronger social security measures for Dalits. Their key message was the need for state intervention to ensure the financial empowerment of the Dalit community, which continues to face systemic discrimination and socio-economic challenges.

Bhakta Vishwakarma, Secretary General of the Asia Dalit Rights Forum, emphasized the inextricable link between social and economic justice, saying, “Social justice is not possible without economic justice.” He called for a unified movement to advance Dalit rights and push for policy changes that would address the community’s economic hardships.

Several prominent figures spoke at the demonstration, including Abhishek Sah from the Federation of Non-Governmental Organizations, Kamala Bishwakarma, President of Jagran Media Center, and Sanju Singh Vishwakarma from Dalit Welfare Organization. Their remarks centered on the need for comprehensive social protection, economic empowerment, and addressing climate-related issues affecting Dalits.

Representatives from organizations such as Feminist Dalit Women, Samata Foundation, and Rastriya Dalit Network also participated in the protest. They urged the government to eliminate caste-based discrimination, tackle food and debt crises, and address environmental issues, all of which disproportionately affect Dalit communities.

The protesters demanded concrete policies from the government to uplift the Dalit community economically, ensuring long-term solutions to social and environmental injustices.