A Human Rights Training for social workers and community organisers was held on 24-25 June 2024 at the Salesian Provincial House in Bangalore. Conducted by BREADS and supported by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the Global Programme Climate Change and Environment (GPCCE), the event saw the participation of 40 dedicated individuals.
The training led by renowned human rights activist Fr. Thomas Pallithanam SDB, aimed to deepen the participants’ understanding of human rights and motivate them to become active defenders. Interactive group activities and sharing of personal experiences offered the participants practical insights.
Key topics included the meaning, history and development of human rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR), national and international human rights protection mechanisms, Dalit rights, discrimination, exclusion, untouchability, and UN mechanisms for safeguarding human rights. A particularly touching moment was when a former child labourer from Davanagere in Karnataka shared his ordeal, offering participants a clearer understanding of the harsh realities faced by those whose rights are violated.
This impactful training provided an in-depth understanding of human rights with the purpose of empowering social workers and community organisers to promote and protect these rights in their daily lives and professional practices.