Sahayatra- International Alliance for Social Justice

Who We Are

SAHAYATRA-International Alliance for Social Justice, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit organization, established by a group of social activists working for equality, human

rights, and social justice for a long time to contribute to establishing an egalitarian society. Sahayatra focuses on mainstreaming the growing number of Nepali diaspora members in Canadian society and fosters their participation in contributing to Canada's societal development by strengthening unity, social harmony, and mutual respect. It also aims to build a larger integrated social campaign to end caste discrimination in Nepal, South Asia, and globally.

Our Mission

Caste-based discrimination, originating in South Asia, remains one of the most dehumanizing forms of discrimination globally, affecting millions across various regions, especially Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, the Pacific, and the Americas through diaspora dispersal. Despite being outlawed in many countries, over 250 million people still face severe caste-based discrimination, as highlighted by the UN OHCHR in 2016. This system, rooted in notions of superiority and inferiority, has historically marginalized caste groups assigned to menial and artisan jobs perpetuating untouchability, and excluding these groups from social participation.

Though global human rights instruments like the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) aim to protect these communities, caste-based discrimination continues to violate human rights and hinder global development goals. The UN CERD urges member states to actively combat descent-based discrimination extant both domestically and internationally. Despite these efforts, there remains a critical need for a global movement towards equality and social justice, ensuring that historically marginalized caste groups have equal opportunities and are free from social stigma and discrimination. Sahayatra endeavors a mission to address this critical need.