• Introduction & Objectives
• Work activities
• Major Achievements

Introduction & Objectives
Caste based discrimination has existed in Nepal for centuries.  Gross human rights violations are committed against Dalit communities due to discrimination in social, economic and cultural spheres.

Effective measures by Nepal's Government have yet to be taken to end these practices.   Furthermore, there is still a need to Identify each facet of life that these human rights violations pervade.  Citing this reality, Jagaran Media Center (JMC) established a Dalit Human Rights Monitoring Department (DHRMD), which has been systematically monitoring the human rights violations of the Dalits since 2005.

The DHRMD has begun disseminating its findings through various mass media outlets, thus creating pressure upon the state and parties currently violating Dalit rights. It is also preparing a comprehensive report of such cases on a yearly basis for distribution both nationally and internationally.   

Though it's been challenging, the monitoring of Dalit rights has created extremely useful material for civil society and international organizations. The work has begun in 10 important districts from all around the country. A three-day-long orientation training for Human rights monitoring was provided to the district reporters and DHRMD has already begun monitoring and reporting cases of human right violations from each district. There are 10 reporters filing from Morang, Siraha, Saptari, Chitwan, Kaski, Baglung, Rupendehi, Banke, Dang and Kailali about Dalit human rights violations occurring on a regular basis. In addition to these reporters, many other reporters have been supporting the department  voluntarily with contributions from separate districts.

Objectives
• To prepare systematic records of activities and achievements regarding human rights violations  of Dalits
• To create an equitable society and establish a culture of social justice
• To create awareness among all people about caste based discrimination and end activities violating human rights
• To inform people nationally and internationally about the status of Dalit rights.  

Work Activities
• Orientation trainings on Human Rights
• Collection of violation cases
• Field study of serious violations
• Press conferences to disseminate case information to the public
• Rehabilitation of displaced people
• Publication of a fortnightly e-Bulletin
• Systematic report preparation
• Documentation
• Monitoring and inspection of children affected by conflict

Major Achievements
Rehabilitation of displaced Dalits: Jagaran Media Center was closely studying the incident of Bonga Dovan VDC-2 of Baglung during 24-28 May, 2005, where 56 Dalits were displaced due to threats from the Maoists, and were subsequently living as internal refugees at Baglung district headquarters. With the help of the chairman and district reporter of JMC Baglung, the displaced Dalits were able to return to their home with the help of the Maoists leaders after apologizing for their mistakes. The Maoists have agreed not to repeat such actions and punish the cadres involved in this case.

Publication of e-Bulletin: e-Bulletin is published on a fortnightly basis to document issues related to Dalit human rights violations, important issues, and achievements. The published e-Bulletin is circulated among 5560 organizations and individuals. This has been instrumental in generating attention at the international level and building a strong network.

Field Study: JMC conducts field studies in an effort to stay close to the issues affecting Dalits living in remote districts.   Issues like newly wed couples thrown out of the villages for marrying out of caste, the beating of Dalits who attempt to draw water from a public tap, brutal tortures of alleged witches, and Dalits being beaten for worshipping at temples are still prevalent. With the help of human rights activists and journalists, JMC investigates these incidents regularly. 

JMC visits the site and meets with victims personally.  The facts are then analyzed with consideration to the role of the government and the local organizations working for the rights of suppressed people.  Numerous mainstream newspapers have consequently covered JMC reports, making it easier to create pressure on the culprits to confess their crimes.