In order to achieve our mission, Adhikaar works in partnership with Nepali, South Asian, and other human rights and social justice organizations to take advantage of the existing systems and resources. We are committed to using right-based approach in our efforts, and promote marginalized groups within the Nepali communities, and create a platform to have Nepali voices heard in New York City and beyond.
Immigration Reform
We have been organizing alongside other immigrant rights groups to push for humane immigration reform at the national level, as well as driver's license for all in New York state, and municipal ID in New York City. We also organize workshops and discussion groups to increase awareness about immigration laws, proposed changes, and other issues important to our community.
Other Programs
We provide technical assistance to Nepali non-profit organizations.
We also provide individual referrals and language services (translation/interpretation) as needed.
Current Program Areas
All of Adhikaar's programs have been guided by community needs and demands. To address the lack of information and documentation about our community, and to lay foundations for organizing ourselves, Adhikaar is currently undertaking the first comprehensive community assessment of the needs of Nepalis in New York area. As a part of the Jankari (Knowledge) Project , we are meeting fellow community members to fill out surveys. Based on community consultations and preliminary results of our community needs assessment, we have identified three program areas for the upcoming years: access to affordable healthcare, workers' rights, and immigration reform.
Access to Affordable Healthcare
We are building on our experience to systematically address the health needs of the Nepali community and have developed the Swastha Samudaya (Healthy Community) Campaign, a multi-pronged approach to build and sustain community resources to improve the health conditions of Nepalis in New York. The Swastha Samudaya Campaign's success will ensure that more Nepalis will have increased access to available healthcare resources, learn about their rights, and receive regular medical services, both for prevention and treatment. An increased awareness about common health problems, health-seeking behaviors, domestic violence and sexual health will improve the health of the entire Nepali community.
Workers' Rights
We organize workshops on labor rights laws and distribute our bilingual flyers. We also work with Nepali media to reach a wider audience. Most of the community members we have consulted have expressed interest in English classes and skill-building training. We use these classes and trainings as building blocs for our awareness-raising and organizing efforts, as well as for leadership development.