Empowering Indigenous Tribes of India
On India’s northeastern coast along the Bay of Bengal, Birendra Oraon is on a mission to help others claim their human rights and build a future grounded in dignity. As Director of United for Human Rights (UHR) in Odisha—a state where nearly one quarter of the 46 million residents belong to indigenous tribes known as the Adivasi—Oraon works tirelessly to bring equality to communities that have long suffered from poverty, discrimination and the lingering effects of India’s caste system. Though outlawed in 1950, its influence is still felt in rural areas.
Born into an aboriginal tribal family in Odisha, Oraon experienced hardship firsthand, living in poverty without electricity or running water. He witnessed people being enslaved, mistreated and recruited by terrorists; others were killed for their religion.
Oraon was determined to fight for a better life and, through hard work, got an education. He later discovered UHR online. “I was immediately impressed by [the campaign’s] commitment to promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and their dedication to creating a world where peace, unity and solidarity are experienced by all,” he says.
After ordering free booklets and educator kits, he launched a grass-roots movement that would soon become the UHR Odisha Chapter.
Oraon knew that, when people understand their rights, they gain the power to transform communities. As he explains it, “The mission is to empower our community and help them lead dignified and prosperous lives. We believe that every individual, regardless of their background, has the right to live with respect and dignity.”
Through his “Training the Trainers for Transformation” initiative, thousands have learned how to teach human rights to others. His team has organized 37 workshops for pastors, elected officials, students and community leaders—who have gone on to reach thousands more. Oraon’s team has held seminars, rallies, peace walks and petition drives. They’ve distributed What Are Human Rights? booklets and shared materials in the local Odia language. They have also formed over 350 NGO partnerships and built a team of volunteers working across both rural and urban areas.
From a boy growing up without electricity to a leader lighting the way for tens of thousands, Oraon remains humble yet resolute. “I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given in life and I am committed to using my position and resources to make a positive impact in the lives of others,” he says. His work stands as proof that one person—with knowledge of their rights—can spark lasting change for an entire people.
TAKING ACTION
Plan Your Human Rights Activities
Throughout the year, people everywhere unite to celebrate international days that honor human rights—Nelson Mandela International Day (July 18); International Day of Peace (September 21); and Human Rights Day (December 10), which marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948. Each is a chance to stand up, speak out and remind our communities that human rights belong to everyone, everywhere.
Now is the time to start planning your activities. Organize a peace march, launch a petition, host an art contest, distribute booklets or come up with other creative ways to spread the message of human rights. Every action counts in bringing human rights to life in your community.
Let’s make this year unforgettable. Start coordinating your events today and inspire others to join you.
Share your plans with us! Contact us here.
Restore Human Rights
Join the international Human Rights movement by becoming a member of United for Human Rights and donate today. UHR assists individuals, educators, organizations and governmental bodies in all parts of the world to raise awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
