Sambhali Steps on the Global Stage

by Anne Kellerher

A delegation from Sambhali Trust traveled this summer from Rajasthan to Geneva, Switzerland, to present at the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The Human Rights Council brings together 47 member states and accredited NGOs to work to promote and defend human rights worldwide.

Sambhali has been accredited by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2015.  ECOSOC is the UN body that accredits selected NGOs from across the world, giving them the right to participate at the UN. Sambhali has previously submitted written statements that have been published by the UN, but this is the first time the organization has been invited to appear and speak at a meeting in person.

Sambhali’s founder Govind Singh Rathore led the delegation. Other Sambhali speakers included Virendra Singh Chouhan, president, and Hansraj Singh Rawat, international relations coordinator. Together, the group delivered 20 official statements through oral presentations, video stories, and written statements.

Govind called the experience “a defining moment” and the honor of his life to represent “the thousands of women, children, and gender minorities for whom Sambhali has worked for the past 18 years.”

You can find more information about the Trust’s UN presentations here .