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.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Urmila Chaudhary, a prominent social campaigner from Nepal, has been honored with the prestigious Global Anti-Racism Championship Award 2024.
Awardees	Six social campaigners from various countries, including Urmila Chaudhary
Urmila Chaudhary’s Recognition	Honored for fighting systemic racism and supporting marginalized castes and ethnic communities in Nepal
GARC Award Establishment	Founded in 2023 to combat systemic racism and discrimination globally
Award Purpose	Honors those advancing human rights of marginalized racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities; fights systemic racism, discrimination, and xenophobia
Nomination Process	Nominees selected by U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide
Focus Areas	Recognizes members of Indigenous communities, people of African descent, and those combating discrimination
Other 2024 Awardees	Dintie Sule Tayiru (Ghana) – Human rights advocate for the Fulbe community Elvis Shakjiri (North Macedonia) – Roma rights activist addressing discrimination Tanya Duarte (Mexico) – Afro-Mexican feminist and anti-racism activist, focuses on gender equality and marginalized communities Tomasa Yarhui Jacomé (Bolivia) – Indigenous political leader and human rights advocate John Leerdam (Netherlands) – Black Dutch activist, former parliamentarian, advocates against racism and for equality