Arpan is a registered voluntary organization, based in Askote, in the Pithoragarh of Uttarakhand, India that works on improving human rights—particularly women's rights—in the region.

We work in collaboration with like-minded individuals, local groups, and institutions on:

• Gender equity and justice
• Health
• Child right as human right
• Land and forest rights

Our Role:

People need support and solidarity. They need to get organized in order to take care of themselves. Support, solidarity and organization strengthens them and motivates them to fight for their rights. Hence the role ARPAN has chosen for itself is:

• Creating Awareness and sensitivity among the people towards their rights and the basic human dignity that they are entitled to;
• Organizing the people in the region and preparing them to fight for their basic socioeconomic and political rights;
• Providing socio-legal support to people on the issue of human rights;
• Raising the issue of equality with a gender perspective, which is either ignored or violated in the region;
• Fighting for people's right over natural resources in the region;
• Raising consciousness to protect and regenerate the ecosystem.

Our Work:

Human Rights Issues:

ARPAN has been involved in disseminating information and taking initiatives on various issues related to the violation of human rights in the region.

Our socio-legal aid center works to help women who suffer from domestic violence or have been abandoned by their husbands, by providing emotional and material support and helping them navigate the judicial system to file cases against abusive spouses and family members. We are also working to combat the problem at a societal level by spreading awareness' through meetings and workshops, legal awareness' camps, and publications.

Natural Resource Management:

ARPAN is working to create sustainable and meaningful utilization of natural resources, which alone can ensure their conservation. Our demonstration unit is equipped with various low-cost rural technologies. Over the last few years, ARPAN has introduced the following technologies:

• Water conservation techniques
• Fruit processing and preservation unit
• Low-cost composting techniques
• Nursery development
• Fisheries

In addition, our woman's resource centre in Munsiari is addressing the socioeconomic and cultural aspects of the Shoka tribes. One visible impact has been the revival and promotion of traditional wool craft in the community.

Community Based Conservation of Forests:

In many local forest areas that have been declared sanctuaries by the government, indigenous people who once lived in and around these forests suddenly find themselves deprived of their homes and livelihood. ARPAN is working within these communities to try to find an appropriate balance between protecting the natural resources while still allowing the local people to preserve their rights and live with dignity.

For More Information:

Mountain Children's Forum Partner Organization

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