Announcements
Apr
25
2012
25
2012
DA VANCE: SCAM ARTIST INDICTED FOR DEFRAUDING NEPALESE NATIONALS
DISTRICT ATTORNEY - NEW YORK COUNTY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 25, 2012
CONTACT: Erin Duggan 212-335-9400
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., today announced the arrest and indictment of HIT SHRESTHA, 44, a Nepalese national, for systematically defrauding other Nepalese nationals of thousands of dollars. SHRESTHA is charged with Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree for falsely promising her victims that she would arrange for their family members from Nepal to immigrate to the United States, and for charging her victims large fees for the promised service.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 25, 2012
CONTACT: Erin Duggan 212-335-9400
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., today announced the arrest and indictment of HIT SHRESTHA, 44, a Nepalese national, for systematically defrauding other Nepalese nationals of thousands of dollars. SHRESTHA is charged with Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree for falsely promising her victims that she would arrange for their family members from Nepal to immigrate to the United States, and for charging her victims large fees for the promised service.
Apr
9
2012
9
2012
Adhikaar is Hiring - Executive Assistant
Executive Assistant Position summary:
The Executive Assistant will be responsible for assisting the Executive Director in ensuring effective day-to-day operation and increasing Adhikaar's visibility and fundraising capacity. This is a one-year full-time position based in Woodside, NY. There is possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds, as well as possibility of growth for this position.
Feb
23
2012
23
2012
VICTORY AT LAST: JUDGE RECOMMENDS TRAFFICKED DOMESTIC WORKER IS OWED $1.5 MILLION!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Luna Ranjit, 917.656.7442, luna@adhikaar.org
VICTORY AT LAST: JUDGE RECOMMENDS TRAFFICKED DOMESTIC WORKER IS OWED $1.5 MILLION!
Woodside, NY - On February 22, 2012, Magistrate Judge Frank Maas ruled that Adhikaar member Shanti Gurung was owed close to $1.5 million by her former employers Neena and Jogesh Malhotra who trafficked her from India to New York.
Shanti Gurung was 17 years old in 2006 when the Malhotras brought her to New York with the promise of paying 5,000 Indian rupees (approx. $100) per month to do light cooking and few chores. Instead, she regularly worked 16 hours each day, and worked longer when there were parties. She cooked, cleaned, did laundry and grocery shopping, and gave massages. At the end of her long day's work, she had to sleep on the living room floor, even though there were empty bedrooms in the apartment. For more than three years of work, Shanti received only a one-time payment of 5,500 rupees (less than $120), and small tips from the Malhotra's guests during parties. The Malhotras confiscated her passport and told her that if she tried to go anywhere by herself, the police would beat her, rape her and send her back to India.
CONTACT: Luna Ranjit, 917.656.7442, luna@adhikaar.org
VICTORY AT LAST: JUDGE RECOMMENDS TRAFFICKED DOMESTIC WORKER IS OWED $1.5 MILLION!
Woodside, NY - On February 22, 2012, Magistrate Judge Frank Maas ruled that Adhikaar member Shanti Gurung was owed close to $1.5 million by her former employers Neena and Jogesh Malhotra who trafficked her from India to New York.
Shanti Gurung was 17 years old in 2006 when the Malhotras brought her to New York with the promise of paying 5,000 Indian rupees (approx. $100) per month to do light cooking and few chores. Instead, she regularly worked 16 hours each day, and worked longer when there were parties. She cooked, cleaned, did laundry and grocery shopping, and gave massages. At the end of her long day's work, she had to sleep on the living room floor, even though there were empty bedrooms in the apartment. For more than three years of work, Shanti received only a one-time payment of 5,500 rupees (less than $120), and small tips from the Malhotra's guests during parties. The Malhotras confiscated her passport and told her that if she tried to go anywhere by herself, the police would beat her, rape her and send her back to India.
Jun
16
2011
16
2011
New Era for Domestic Workers
Overwhelmingly, ILO members voted in favor of an international convention for the respect of domestic workers' rights!
Convention 189 was approved by 396 votes in favor, 16 against and 63 abstentions.
The attached Recommendations were even more overwhelmingly approved with 434 votes in favor, 8 against and 42 abstentions.
This Convention has been possible due to years of hard work of our domestic worker sisters from around the world creating a global domestic workers' movement.
May
15
2011
15
2011
Representing our community
We had a very busy week (May 9 to 13), representing our community and telling our stories at various forums.
On Monday, May 9, Executive Director Luna Ranjit spoke about our participatory action research project on a panel, "Research to Transform Neighborhoods," at the 4th Annual Asian American Community Development Conference organized by AAFE.
On Tuesday, May 10, Senior Community Organizer, Narbada Chhetri spoke about the conditions of domestic workers and labor trafficking at the International Conference on the Human Rights to Organize.
On Thursday, May 12, Steering Committee member Bharati Rai represented Adhikaar during the New York Women's Foundation's 24th Annual Celebrating Women Breakfast, where NYWF grantees were honored in front of 2,300 women and men. Adhikaar board members and staff also joined her in the celebration.
Jul
15
2010
15
2010
Successful Free Health Fair and Mammography at Adhikaar
On July 11, 2010 Adhikaar successfully organized a free health fair in collaboration with the Association of Nepali Physicians in America (ANPA). Over 100 individuals benefited from free blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other general health screening services. In addition, 42 women over forty years received free mammogram. Adhikaar organizes two mammography events every year in partnership with American Italian Cancer Foundation and Multi Diagnostics.
Shanta Shah, one of the beneficiaries of the health fair shared, “The health fair was very well-planned this year. It went smoothly, so I did not have to wait.” She further added, “The doctors provided good consultation.”
Most of the attendees of the health fair could not afford health insurance, and many of those who did, suffered from the lack of Nepali interpreters in the hospitals. Dibyashori Shakya of Woodside expressed her appreciation for the interpretation services at the health fair, and confided, “Due to language problem, I cannot frequent the hospital without company. Adhikaar’s interpreters made it easy to communicate [with the nurses during mammography].”
Lobsang Dorjee, one of regular participants at Adhikaar’s English for Empowerment classes commented, “I am very thankful to Adhikaar for providing access to basic health screening that I would not have been able to access otherwise.”
ANPA Chair, Dr. Rekha Hamal Chetry, lauded Adhikaar on the efficient organization of the health fair. She also shared, “We do not have to go to the remote hills of Nepal to help our brothers and sisters who are in need.” She added, “Adhikaar gave us the opportunity to serve Nepali community New York. We understand the needs and lifestyle of the Nepali community better, so the community members weren’t hesitant to communicate with us.”
Adhikaar would like to thank all the volunteers who came in early and stayed in till late despite the World Cup final match. Some pictures of the health fair are attached here: http://picasaweb.google.com/adhikaar/20100711#.
Adhikaar is organizing another free mammogram in November 2010. If you’d like to attend, or know someone who would benefit from it, please call us at 718-937-1117.
Shanta Shah, one of the beneficiaries of the health fair shared, “The health fair was very well-planned this year. It went smoothly, so I did not have to wait.” She further added, “The doctors provided good consultation.”
Most of the attendees of the health fair could not afford health insurance, and many of those who did, suffered from the lack of Nepali interpreters in the hospitals. Dibyashori Shakya of Woodside expressed her appreciation for the interpretation services at the health fair, and confided, “Due to language problem, I cannot frequent the hospital without company. Adhikaar’s interpreters made it easy to communicate [with the nurses during mammography].”
Lobsang Dorjee, one of regular participants at Adhikaar’s English for Empowerment classes commented, “I am very thankful to Adhikaar for providing access to basic health screening that I would not have been able to access otherwise.”
ANPA Chair, Dr. Rekha Hamal Chetry, lauded Adhikaar on the efficient organization of the health fair. She also shared, “We do not have to go to the remote hills of Nepal to help our brothers and sisters who are in need.” She added, “Adhikaar gave us the opportunity to serve Nepali community New York. We understand the needs and lifestyle of the Nepali community better, so the community members weren’t hesitant to communicate with us.”
Adhikaar would like to thank all the volunteers who came in early and stayed in till late despite the World Cup final match. Some pictures of the health fair are attached here: http://picasaweb.google.com/adhikaar/20100711#.
Adhikaar is organizing another free mammogram in November 2010. If you’d like to attend, or know someone who would benefit from it, please call us at 718-937-1117.
Jun
28
2010
28
2010
Your Call for Domestic Workers
Last week, our Senior Community Organizer Narbada Chhetri, camped out in Albany with members of DWU and JFREJ to convince the state legislators to reconcile the two versions of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights passed by the State Senate and Assembly, and to convince Governor Paterson to sign it. The discussions are continuing and we need your support in making the final push.
Please put in a call to our state government leaders TODAY:
Governor Paterson's office - 518-474-8390
Speaker Sheldon Silver's office - 518-455-3791
Here is a sample text.
"My name is _____ and I'm calling to express my support for the senate version of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. Domestic workers have been excluded from the labor laws for too long. They are not asking for special rights. They work alone and have no power to negotiate for better working conditions. Uniquely vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, this bill is the only way that domestic workers can get what they deserve for the important work they do. New Yorkers want and need this legislation."
Please put in a call to our state government leaders TODAY:
Governor Paterson's office - 518-474-8390
Speaker Sheldon Silver's office - 518-455-3791
Here is a sample text.
"My name is _____ and I'm calling to express my support for the senate version of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. Domestic workers have been excluded from the labor laws for too long. They are not asking for special rights. They work alone and have no power to negotiate for better working conditions. Uniquely vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, this bill is the only way that domestic workers can get what they deserve for the important work they do. New Yorkers want and need this legislation."
Jun
9
2010
9
2010
Adhikaar Voices Our Concerns at Public Advocate de Blasio’s Town Hall Meeting
At the town hall meeting held on June 8, 2010 in Jackson Heights, several organizations, including Adhikaar, expressed their concerns to public advocate Bill de Blasio and Council Member of district 25, Daniel Dromm.
Individuals and organizations were particularly concerned about issues plaguing the Queens community like after-school education budget cuts, translation services at hospitals, predatory lending practices, high rents, increasing pollution, childhood obesity, lack of trash collection, and humanitarian visas for 9/11 rescue workers.
Luna Ranjit, our executive director, called attention to the expanding Nepali-speaking community in New York. She urged de Blasio and Dromm to provide better translation services at hospitals, and explained the problem with the existing “language line” services. Many Nepali-speakers are interested in volunteering, but are unable due to their immigration status. She emphasized that immigration status should not take precedence over the life of a patient. Likewise, she also informed about the growing incidents of mugging and physical assault in the community and asked for community-based solutions.
Adhikaar requests you to join us at the future town hall meetings and events, and express your grievances to the elected officials! For more information and updates, please contact us at adhikaar@gmail.com.
Individuals and organizations were particularly concerned about issues plaguing the Queens community like after-school education budget cuts, translation services at hospitals, predatory lending practices, high rents, increasing pollution, childhood obesity, lack of trash collection, and humanitarian visas for 9/11 rescue workers.
Luna Ranjit, our executive director, called attention to the expanding Nepali-speaking community in New York. She urged de Blasio and Dromm to provide better translation services at hospitals, and explained the problem with the existing “language line” services. Many Nepali-speakers are interested in volunteering, but are unable due to their immigration status. She emphasized that immigration status should not take precedence over the life of a patient. Likewise, she also informed about the growing incidents of mugging and physical assault in the community and asked for community-based solutions.
Adhikaar requests you to join us at the future town hall meetings and events, and express your grievances to the elected officials! For more information and updates, please contact us at adhikaar@gmail.com.
Jun
8
2010
8
2010
Victory At Last – Dignity and Rights for Our Domestic Worker Sisters
Adhikaar staff and members jumped up and down and cried with joy in the chamber of the New York State Senate when the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (S2311) passed on June 1 at 8:20pm. We endorsed the campaign in 2005, and worked relentlessly since 2007 to pass this bill that ensures the fundamental labor/human rights of all domestic workers in New York State.
Through our English For Empowerment program and conversations with the participants, most of whom are domestic workers, we heard numerous stories of human rights violations, including but not limited to: verbal abuse, starvation, inadequate or no pay, firing at will, slave-like treatment, and gender and racial discrimination. Many of the workers had slaved for more than10 hours a day, 7 days a week with below-minimum pay, without sick leave, insurance, or any other benefits. These stories gave us the energy to keep working diligently to pass the DWBR, under the leadership of our Senior Community Organizer Narbada Chhetri.
Domestic Workers United (DWU) led a coalition of 8 organizations, including Adhikaar, to campaign for the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. Leading up to the historic moment on June 1, Adhikaar mobilized over 150 participants for marches, vigils, town hall meetings, conferences, demonstrations, and legislative visits in Albany.
The Senators passed the bill that allows New York’s 200,000 domestic workers to receive overtime pay, paid holiday, and collective bargaining with employers. In addition, employers are liable for providing clear termination standards and advance notice of at least 14 days before termination from work. We have already been reported of various instances of our participants standing up to their employers to ensure their labor rights! We also expect the bill to reduce physical and sexual harassment of domestic workers.
Once the bill is reconciled with the one passed by the Assembly last year, and is signed into law by Governor Paterson, New York will be the first state to establish these rights to domestic workers, most of whom are immigrant women and are often very vulnerable to abuse. Domestic workers in California and Colorado are also fighting for similar bills.
Bishnu Thapa, a member leader ofAdhikaar says, “There are not enough words to describe my happiness. It is a relief to know that I no longer have to acquiesce to unfair terms of pay and working hours in domestic work.” Her involvement with the campaign empowered her to bargain with her employer, and Ms. Thapa managed to raise her salary from $350 to $500 per week. An increase of $7,800 per year!
The bill has not only empowered our member base, it has also reinvigorated our dedication to educate and ensure the rights of domestic workers in New York, and fight for similar rights in the tri-state area, where many of our domestic worker sisters work. Moreover, we are also providing Nanny training to our participants to better fulfill their responsibilities. With the increasing number of people turning to Adhikaar for help, we are expanding our networks with other civil rights groups and immigration organizations to ensure the rights of Nepali immigrants.
We are also planning to use the lessons we have learned and partnerships we have formed from campaigning for the domestic workers’ rights to start a campaign for the rights of nail salon workers, most of whom are working in similarly vulnerable situations and are exposed daily to hazardous chemicals causing many long-term health problems.
Interested in joining us? Contact us at adhikaar@gmail.com.
Through our English For Empowerment program and conversations with the participants, most of whom are domestic workers, we heard numerous stories of human rights violations, including but not limited to: verbal abuse, starvation, inadequate or no pay, firing at will, slave-like treatment, and gender and racial discrimination. Many of the workers had slaved for more than10 hours a day, 7 days a week with below-minimum pay, without sick leave, insurance, or any other benefits. These stories gave us the energy to keep working diligently to pass the DWBR, under the leadership of our Senior Community Organizer Narbada Chhetri.
Domestic Workers United (DWU) led a coalition of 8 organizations, including Adhikaar, to campaign for the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. Leading up to the historic moment on June 1, Adhikaar mobilized over 150 participants for marches, vigils, town hall meetings, conferences, demonstrations, and legislative visits in Albany.
The Senators passed the bill that allows New York’s 200,000 domestic workers to receive overtime pay, paid holiday, and collective bargaining with employers. In addition, employers are liable for providing clear termination standards and advance notice of at least 14 days before termination from work. We have already been reported of various instances of our participants standing up to their employers to ensure their labor rights! We also expect the bill to reduce physical and sexual harassment of domestic workers.
Once the bill is reconciled with the one passed by the Assembly last year, and is signed into law by Governor Paterson, New York will be the first state to establish these rights to domestic workers, most of whom are immigrant women and are often very vulnerable to abuse. Domestic workers in California and Colorado are also fighting for similar bills.
Bishnu Thapa, a member leader ofAdhikaar says, “There are not enough words to describe my happiness. It is a relief to know that I no longer have to acquiesce to unfair terms of pay and working hours in domestic work.” Her involvement with the campaign empowered her to bargain with her employer, and Ms. Thapa managed to raise her salary from $350 to $500 per week. An increase of $7,800 per year!
The bill has not only empowered our member base, it has also reinvigorated our dedication to educate and ensure the rights of domestic workers in New York, and fight for similar rights in the tri-state area, where many of our domestic worker sisters work. Moreover, we are also providing Nanny training to our participants to better fulfill their responsibilities. With the increasing number of people turning to Adhikaar for help, we are expanding our networks with other civil rights groups and immigration organizations to ensure the rights of Nepali immigrants.
We are also planning to use the lessons we have learned and partnerships we have formed from campaigning for the domestic workers’ rights to start a campaign for the rights of nail salon workers, most of whom are working in similarly vulnerable situations and are exposed daily to hazardous chemicals causing many long-term health problems.
Interested in joining us? Contact us at adhikaar@gmail.com.
May
25
2010
25
2010
Urge your sentator to vote for domestic workers on June 1st
Dear friends,
As many of you already know, the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights is about to come to the Senate floor for a vote. The vote is scheduled for next Tuesday, June 1st. We must put pressure on our legislators now to make sure the bill makes it through the vote.
So, in support of this historic moment, please take a couple of minutes to call your senator, and urge them to vote yes on SB2311D! Become a part of this historic moment.
Here's a sample script you can use:
Hello, my name is _________ and I live in __________, New York. I'm calling to urge Senator __________ to vote YES on SB2311D, the Domestic Worker's Bill of Rights. The Domestic Worker's Bill of Rights is a historic piece of legislation that will provide domestic workers basic labor protections.
If the staffer/aide you are talking to says the senator hasn't decided, here are some talking points.:
-this bill has no fiscal impact on the state, it just reminds employers of their obligations to treat domestic workers with dignity and respect.
-employers and domestic workers support this bill, because it creates standards the employers can easily follow when making the decision to employ a domestic worker
-This bill is the first statewide bill to offer labor protections to domestic workers, and by voting yes, Senator ________ has a chance to be part of history.
Don't know who your senator is? Visit www.nysenate.gov and use the "find my senator" tool on the left hand side of the page.
Questions? Call us at 718-937-1117 or email us at adhikaar@gmail.com
In Solidarity,
Adhikaar Team
As many of you already know, the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights is about to come to the Senate floor for a vote. The vote is scheduled for next Tuesday, June 1st. We must put pressure on our legislators now to make sure the bill makes it through the vote.
So, in support of this historic moment, please take a couple of minutes to call your senator, and urge them to vote yes on SB2311D! Become a part of this historic moment.
Here's a sample script you can use:
Hello, my name is _________ and I live in __________, New York. I'm calling to urge Senator __________ to vote YES on SB2311D, the Domestic Worker's Bill of Rights. The Domestic Worker's Bill of Rights is a historic piece of legislation that will provide domestic workers basic labor protections.
If the staffer/aide you are talking to says the senator hasn't decided, here are some talking points.:
-this bill has no fiscal impact on the state, it just reminds employers of their obligations to treat domestic workers with dignity and respect.
-employers and domestic workers support this bill, because it creates standards the employers can easily follow when making the decision to employ a domestic worker
-This bill is the first statewide bill to offer labor protections to domestic workers, and by voting yes, Senator ________ has a chance to be part of history.
Don't know who your senator is? Visit www.nysenate.gov and use the "find my senator" tool on the left hand side of the page.
Questions? Call us at 718-937-1117 or email us at adhikaar@gmail.com
In Solidarity,
Adhikaar Team
events
| Jul 29 | 7th Anniversary Celebration Picnic |
| May 31 | Spring for Justice 2012 |
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In 2009, we moved to our new, bigger location at 71-07 Woodside Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377. It is a wheelchair- accessible, environment-friendly space, conveniently located near subways, bus lines, schools, and houses of worship. Please come visit us.