[This is a resolution/petition we wish to deliver to the families of the survivors (duly translated) and also to the All India Dalit Mahila Adhikar Manch, at a minimum]

Whereas the Preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, proclaims:

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas Article 3 of the Declaration states:

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Whereas Article 5 of the Declaration states:

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Whereas Article 7 of the Declaration states:

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Whereas Article 8 of the Declaration states:

Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

Whereas all these rights have been reaffirmed under Articles 2, 6, 7 and 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966.

Whereas India is a signatory to both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Therefore it is resolved by this gathering of persons of Indian Origin and their friends, women and men of conscience, gathered at MIT, Cambridge, MA. on December 5, 2012 that:

The rapes of 19 Dalit women in the month of September, 2012, in Haryana, India, constitutes a gross violation of the said Declaration and covenant and are hereby condemned. It expresses empathy and stands in solidarity with the survivors and the families of the survivors and calls upon the Central and State government of India to bring the guilty to justice without delay. It also calls upon all men and women of conscience to stand up and raise their voice against such heinous crimes against humanity.

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