GalleryUN expert welcomes caste guidelines
A prominent UN expert considers the draft UN principles and guidelines on caste discrimination an 'important contribution' to the global struggle against this form of discrimination.
Archive | Programme
GalleryIDSN marks tenth anniversary
As IDSN celebrates its tenth anniversary on 10 March, the struggle for Dalit rights is gaining increasing international momentum, including an endorsement by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Much, however, remains to be done if one of the world’s most serious human rights issues, which affects 260 million people, is to be eliminated.
GalleryDutch back UN measures on caste
The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Maxime Verhagen, has made a strong statement on caste discrimination at the 13th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva.
GalleryCaste discrimination – a UN priority in 2010-2011
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has made caste discrimination one of the thematic priorities in its struggle against discrimination and impunity in 2010-2011.
GalleryDutch poll: Government and private sector should tackle caste discrimination
A new opinion poll shows an increase in awareness of caste discrimination as a serious human rights issue among the population of the Netherlands.
GalleryA Dalit view on climate change
Three Dalit women from Andhra Pradesh took part in a protest outside the conference area of the UN climate talks by ceremonially burning their conference badges. They felt that their voices had not been heard in the COP15 process.
GalleryUN experts visit Dalits in Bangladesh
Two Independent Experts - on water and sanitation and on human rights and extreme poverty - expressed serious concern about the human rights situation of Dalits during their visit to Bangladesh earlier this month.
Pillay refers to caste on Human Rights Day
In her Human Rights Day statement, UN High Commissioner Navi Pillay mentioned “members of particular castes” as a group that faces discrimination.
GalleryDalit delegation meets EU officials
Two Dalit representatives from India and one from Nepal joined their IDSN colleagues in Brussels last week to inform European Union officials about the nature and scale of caste discrimination in South Asia.
GalleryUN Special Rapporteur urges States to “rally around” caste guidelines
At the 64th session of the UN General Assembly the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, Mr. Githu Muigai, expressed his serious concern about caste discrimination and recommended States to “engage in substantive discussions on this topic”. He specifically called on States to take action on the draft UN principles and guidelines to eliminate caste discrimination.