UN workshop sheds light on barriers to justice for Dalits in South Asia

In the workshop titled “Mapping out Access to Justice for Persons from Descent-Based Communities,” human rights defenders, researchers, legal experts and civil society representatives gathered to discuss some of the pressing issues faced by persons from those communities in South Asia. The three-day workshop held from 19th to 21st August 2024 and organised by the Office of […]

|Categories: Access to justice, Bangladesh, Caste-hate speech, Climate, Dalit Children, Dalit Women, Education, Human Rights Defenders, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Political Participation, South Asia, Sri Lanka, United Nations, Violence and atrocities|Tags: |

Read More

Tribute to IDSN’s first Director Rikke Nöhrlind

It is with immense sadness that we have learned that IDSN’s first Director, Rikke Nöhrlind, has passed away. Rikke was an instrumental part of laying the foundations of the International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN) and a formidable force in breaking down barriers and kicking in doors to ensure […]

|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: |

Read More

UN CERD Review critically examines Pakistan’s efforts to combat caste discrimination

On 8th August 2024, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) conducted a thorough review of Pakistan’s progress in addressing racial discrimination, livecast on UN Web TV. Ahead of the review, IDSN submitted a report outlining significant concerns about ongoing caste-based discrimination, particularly against Dalits, and provided detailed recommendations for the Pakistani government.

|Categories: Access to justice, Caste-based slavery, Dalit Children, Dalit Women, Pakistan, Political Participation, United Nations|Tags: |

Read More

One word can make a world of difference in the just adopted EU corporate due diligence legislation

One small word , in the new EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), has the potential to make a giant leap of difference to millions of workers suffering human rights abuses in global supply chains. The focus on anti-discrimination and the inclusion of the word caste, in the recitals of the just adopted CSDDD, underscores that […]

|Categories: Bangladesh, Business, Caste-based slavery, European Union, India, Nepal, Pakistan, South Asia, Sri Lanka|Tags: |

Read More

Webinar by ETI Norway addresses caste discrimination in global supply chains 

On 13 April IDSN Executive Director, Meena Varma, spoke at a webinar organised by Ethical Trade Norway. The webinar brought together stakeholders, including Norwegian companies sourcing in South Asia, to share insights and strategies for tackling caste discrimination as well as other forms of discrimination in global supply chains. The event included insightful presentations by […]

|Categories: Business, Solidarity Networks|Tags: |

Read More

OECD side-event proposes strategies for action to address caste in the global garment and footwear supply chains

A recent OECD side-event, co-organised by Arisa and IDSN, delved into caste discrimination within global garment and footwear supply chains, offering practical insights for companies seeking to address this pervasive problem. Led by a panel of experts, the session provided actionable strategies tailored to the challenges posed by caste discrimination. Focusing on the specific context of […]

|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: |

Read More

UN rights review calls for stronger anti-discrimination measures in Bangladesh

In a significant development at the 55th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2024, Bangladesh’s review under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) highlighted critical recommendations focused on eliminating caste-based discrimination, with specific references to the plight of the Dalit community. These recommendations were crucially also accepted by the state. IDSN welcomes these steps and advocate […]

|Categories: Bangladesh, Human Rights Defenders, United Nations|Tags: |

Read More

IDSN’s Executive Director Reviews ‘UNTOUCHABLE – Laughing Out Caste’ by Manjeet Sarkar

Well, WHAT A SHOW! Last week, I was privileged to be at the screening of the outstanding documentary by Manjeet Sarkar of Untouchable – Laughing Out Caste, at the Melahuset in Oslo. The time has come, and the mic has not just been passed, it has been […]

|Categories: Human Rights Defenders, Solidarity Networks|Tags: |

Read More

Review of the film Origin by IDSN Ambassador Aidan McQuade

IDSN Director, Meena Varma and IDSN Ambassador, Aidan McQuade were invited to a press screening of Film Director, Ava DuVernay’s new film Origin, a film inspired by Isabel Wilkerson’s groundbreaking book – Caste: The origins of our discontent. In the book, Wilkerson argues that the racial tensions in the United States are better explained through the lens […]

|Categories: Access to justice, Human Rights Defenders, India, Violence and atrocities|Tags: |

Read More

IDSN welcomes Renu Sijapati as the first Dalit woman from Nepal to be chair of the IDSN Board

IDSN is delighted to announce the appointment of  Ms Renu Sijapati as the first Dalit woman from Nepal to be elected chair of the IDSN board following approval of the board at IDSN’s General Assembly. Ms Sijapati is the General Secretary of the Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO) and will be continuing her tenure on the IDSN […]

|Categories: Dalit Women, Human Rights Defenders, Nepal|Tags: |

Read More