Dear John,

We believe that many millions of people are being denied a fair chance to enjoy a healthy life because of unfair privilege and unhealthy power dynamics.

All too often, people belonging to tribal communities around the world are deprived of access to their ancestral lands. Frequently, rich and powerful groups, institutions and individuals are able to claim ownership of land that rightfully belongs to others.

In eastern India our partner charity, Find Your Feet, has been working with Tribal Rights Forums, so that people can be supported to protect their rights and defend their claims to ancestral land.

We're asking our supporters to help us get to the root of the problem together with communities across Africa, Asia and the Americas. That's why, in partnership with Find Your Feet, we're asking for donations towards our spring appeal - to support the community leaders, health workers and activists who are exposing and challenging unfair privilege and abuse of power.

Land rights in India: Phulmuni's Story

Phulmuni lives in a small village in eastern India with her husband and two sons. The family owns a small plot of agricultural land and, like most in their community, depends mainly on farming for their living.

When government officials suddenly blocked the villagers’ access to their ancestral forest lands, which they had always used to grow food and graze cattle, Phulmuni sprang into action.

With support from our partner charity, Find Your Feet, she organised people in her village, and neighbouring communities, to submit a legal claim for rights to their ancestral lands.

Phulmuni tells us she is overwhelmed by the praise and respect she has been receiving in her community, explaining:

“Though I am an illiterate woman, today I have developed my confidence and leadership because of the handholding support of the project team. I have this confidence because they are with me to support and guide”. 

By contributing to our spring appeal you can help communities, like Phulmuni's, protect their rights, lives and livelihoods.

Yours sincerely,

Siaffa Bunduka
Supporter Engagement Manager