Henri Tiphagne, member of the IDSN board, represented IDSN in the Global Consultation on National Human Rights Institutions and access to remedy (Project on the Role of NHRIs in facilitating access to remedy for business-related human rights abuses), on the 10 and 11 October. This consultation is part of an ongoing project of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights about accountability for human rights. violations and abuses committed by corporations.

In the context of business-related violations, such as modern slavery, freedom of assembly and association, land rights and displacement, criminal lawsuits, environment, and poverty, Tiphange has affirmed the opportunity for NHRIs to take action, ensuring that judicial remedies are effective. Moreover, Henri has suggested that NHRIs encourage inclusion of Dalits at high level decision posts, remembering that almost no Dalit today sits at a board of important corporations.

IDSN has adopted business and human rights as a key strategic priority for the period 2019-2023. This priority is pursued along the principles enshrined in SDG Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all. A series of allegations of abuses against Dalits by transnational corporations have been exposed, such as the report, Due diligence in Tamil Nadu leather footwear manufacturing, identifying caste and gender discrimination as one of the root causes of worker vulnerability and rights abuses in the sector and calls on brands to address the issue directly with their suppliers.

IDSN supports a number of initiatives in order to address caste-based discrimination by business, including the Base Code guidance: caste in global supply chains, adopted by the Ethical Trade Initiative.