The US State Department has honoured Nepali activist Urmila Chaudhary with the Global Anti-Racism Champion award. Chaudhary was recognised for her outstanding leadership and commitment to promoting the human rights of marginalised castes and ethnic communities in Nepal.

The US Embassy in Kathmandu, announcing the award, praised Chaudhary’s tireless work against racial discrimination and caste-based inequality. They highlighted her advocacy for equal access to education, justice, and economic development, describing her efforts as truly inspiring.

“Urmila has shown incredible leadership and commitment to advancing human rights for marginalised castes and ethnic communities in Nepal,” US Embassy in Kathmandu said. “Her tireless work to combat systemic racism, discrimination, and xenophobia, while advocating for equitable access to education, justice, and economic development, is truly inspiring.”

A former Kamalari (indentured servant), Chaudhary spent 11 years in bondage before her release on January 15, 2007, and has since been involved in the campaign to end the Kamalari system in Nepal.

In addition to Chaudhary, the US State Department also awarded other prominent activists, including Dinti Sule Tayiru from Ghana, Elvis Shakjiri from North Macedonia, Tanya Duarte from Mexico, Tomasa Yarhui Jacome from Bolivia, and former Dutch lawmaker John Leerdam.