Urmila Chaudhary Honored with Global Anti-Racism Championship Award 2024

Urmila Chaudhary, a prominent social campaigner from Nepal, has been honored with the prestigious Global Anti-Racism Championship Award 2024. The award was presented by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a ceremony held at the Department of State in Washington, D.C..

Award Presentation

• Presented by the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
• Ceremony held at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. on a Monday.
• Chaudhary was one of six social campaigners from various countries honored at the event.

Recognition of Efforts

• Honored for her commitment to fighting systemic racism and supporting marginalized castes and ethnic communities.
• Recognized for her advocacy for equitable access to education, justice, and economic development.

Remarks from the U.S. Department of State

• “Urmila has shown incredible leadership and commitment to advancing human rights for marginalized castes and ethnic communities in Nepal.”

• Her work is described as “truly inspiring,” especially in combating discrimination and xenophobia.

Background on Urmila Chaudhary

Early Life and Advocacy

• An indigenous rights defender, gender and labor activist.
• Rescued from child domestic servitude (kamlari) at age 17.
• Co-founded the Freed Kamlari Development Forum to support former Kamlari girls.
• Established 42 cooperatives to empower these individuals.

Education

• Currently studying at the Kathmandu School of Law to further her fight against injustice.

Diplomatic Presence

• Acting Nepali Ambassador to America, Kumar Raj Kharel, attended the ceremony.

Global Anti-Racism Champions (GARC) Award

Establishment

• Founded in 2023 to address systemic racism and discrimination on a global scale.

Purpose of the Award

• To honor individuals demonstrating courage, strength, leadership, and commitment to:
• Advancing the human rights of marginalized racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities.
• Combating systemic racism, discrimination, and xenophobia.

Focus Areas

• Specifically recognizes contributions made by:
• Members of Indigenous communities.
• People of African descent.
• Individuals fighting against discrimination in their communities.

Nomination Process

• Awardees are nominated by U.S. Embassies and Consulates across the globe, ensuring a diverse range of candidates.

Recognition of Impact

• GARC awardees are acknowledged as outstanding civil society leaders who have made significant contributions in their respective areas.

Significance

• Aims to foster a collective effort to combat racism and promote equality worldwide.
• Highlights the importance of individual efforts in the fight against systemic injustices, inspiring others to take action.
• Recognizes the vital role of community leaders in advocating for the rights and dignity of marginalized groups.

2024 Awardees

1. Dintie Sule Tayiru

• Country : Ghana
• Background : A human rights advocate dedicated to promoting the rights and welfare of the Fulbe community.

2. Elvis Shakjiri

• Country : North Macedonia
• Background : A Roma human rights activist who works tirelessly to address discrimination and advocate for the rights of the Roma people.

3. Urmila Chaudhary

• Country : Nepal
• Background : A Dalit and labor rights activist who has made significant strides in advancing the rights of marginalized castes and ethnic communities. She is also a recipient of the GARC Award for her dedication to combating systemic racism.

4. Tanya Duarte

• Country : Mexico
• Background : An Afro-Mexican feminist and anti-racism activist who focuses on empowering marginalized communities and advocating for gender equality.

5. Tomasa Yarhui Jacomé

• Country : Bolivia
• Background : An Indigenous political leader and human rights advocate committed to protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples and promoting social justice.

6. John Leerdam

• Country : Netherlands
• Background : A Black Dutch activist and former parliamentarian known for his advocacy against racism and his efforts to promote equality and human rights in the Netherlands.