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Watch raises public awareness about human rights abuses and the failure of governments to respond adequately. This public shaming helps us to apply pressure to governments and we conduct advocacy with governments, donors, the United Nations and others who might influence policy and practice. Our report on Malaysia and Indonesia received regional and international press coverage, including radio and television. I met with senior officials from both governments to press our policy recommendations.
What are the results of such work? At times, we can celebrate tangible successes: changes in legislation; implementation of programmes and trainings to prevent certain abuses; creation of safeguards to ensure equal access and due process in the justice system, or the channelling of funds to strengthen local aid organisations. At times, the main outcome is an increased public awareness, about abuses that would otherwise remain invisible and neglected. There is no question that the struggle for human rights is an uphill battle- but what choice do we have if the alternative is doing nothing at all?
No matter how hopeless a situation and no matter how entrenched the injustice, the struggle is only truly lost when we give up hope. Violence and intolerance will flourish if those who promote peace and compassion cease to look outward, but instead withdraw to focus inward.
Jain values and the Jain community have a tremendous amount to contribute to social justice movements. Activism can help provide alternatives to violence and promote a more egalitarian, peaceful world. Here are some questions that Jains might ask themselves: Do we regularly engage in community service as a way of practising and teaching ahimsa and other Jain principles? Do we create systems for sustained philanthropic giving instead of ad hoc, one-time fundraisers? Do we find ways to practise a Jain way of life through our work and not just at home and at weekends?
There are many shining examples of such efforts the organisation Veerayatan provides medical care in Bihar and education in Gujarat. Professionals and students donate time and funds to different causes. But are we really doing all we can?
Education International
Do parents encourage their children to pursue careers as teachers, social workers and political activists - or is the overriding emphasis on financial success and social prestige? Do employees in the private sector encourage their company to pursue ethical and environmentally-sensitive business practices or is there deference to survival at any cost in a cutthroat, profit-oriented market? How many physicians choose to apply their skills in under-served communities? How often do gatherings at the temple or pathshala integrate community action for social change?
PASHION CAFE
These are only a few examples. Obviously, introspection and focus on progressive self-realisation are critically important and fundamental to Jainism. But let us strive to ensure that it is not to the exclusion of social responsibility. Is the active promotion of non-violence and tolerance through personal life choices, volunteer work, activism and philanthropy truly central to Jain institutions, pathshalas and communities? Let us make it so..
Potential women migrant workers in a training centre in Indonesia. Many women are confined in overcrowded, locked training centres for 3-6 months before beginning employment. (2004 Nisha Varia/Human Rights Watch). Nisha is in the centre (in green T.shirt)
To read Nisha's report on migrant workers please visit http://hrw.org/ reports/2004/indonesia0704/
WORKPLACE
Nisha Varia is the Asia Researcher for the Women's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch. A former Fulbright Scholar to India, she is presently active as a board member of Andolan, a New York City-based movement for lowwage South Asian immigrant women workers.
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