Invitation to UN HRC29 side-event on caste and gender-based forced and bonded Labour

The event will be held on June 18, 2015 from 17.00-18.30, Palais Des Nations, Geneva, Room XXV at the 29th session of the UN Human Rights Council. Please download the PDF invitation flyer for the event.

|Categories: Caste-based slavery, Dalit Women, South Asia, United Nations|Tags: |

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Urgent appeal to combat caste discrimination in Nepal earthquake relief efforts

Inequality in access to rescue and relief provisions for Dalit communities is documented in the Waiting for Justice in Response: Report of Initial Findings from Immediate Needs Assessment and Monitoring Responses towards Affected Dalit Communities in Nepal Earthquake 2015, released by the Dalit Civil Society Massive Earthquake Victim Support and Coordination Committee and the Asia Dalit Rights Forum (ADRF). […]

|Categories: Humanitarian Aid, Nepal|Tags: |

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Report: Dalits short-changed in aid delivery in Nepal

The  Waiting for Justice in Response: Report of Initial Findings from Immediate Needs Assessment and Monitoring Responses towards Affected Dalit Communities in Nepal Earthquake 2015 explores equitable access to rescue and relief provisions for Dalit communities in 37 villages in the 10 worst affected districts in […]

|Categories: Humanitarian Aid, Nepal|Tags: |

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Experts: Law amendment will push Dalit children out of school and into child labour

Child labour experts are warning that the term ‘family enterprises’ is widely interpreted and a common euphemism for industries such as carpet-weaving, beedi-rolling, gem-polishing, lock-making and matchbox-making. Shamshad Khan, president of the Centre for Rural Education and Development Action, calls the move “retrogressive” and says that “The worst-hit will be the children of Dalits, Muslims, tribal families and those belonging […]

|Categories: Caste-based slavery, Dalit Children|Tags: |

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IDSN urges agencies to counter caste discrimination in aid delivery after Nepal earthquake

In the past in disaster responses in caste-affected countries, such as the response to the 2004 Tsunami in India, Dalits have faced problems when trying to register for relief. They often receive poorer and fewer relief goods; they are exploited to remove corpses or debris; their losses are less visible as ownership is not formally recognised; and they are […]

|Categories: European Union, Humanitarian Aid, Nepal|Tags: |

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Exclusion of Dalit rights defenders from UN featured in handbook on NGO access

The handbook, A Practical Guide to the UN Committee on NGOs, is an honest account of the way in which the NGO committee functions and malfunctions, with helpful tips and useful insight. At the well-attended launch, hosted by the Permanent Mission of Australia to the UN in Geneva on […]

|Categories: Access to justice, Human Rights Defenders, India, Political Participation, United Nations|Tags: |

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Dalit women go viral to tell the world their story

“A girl who was never considered to speak at any of the platforms in her hometown… speaks to the whole world on AL JAZEERA today,” tweeted Dalit woman human rights defender, Sanghapali Aruna Kornana, after appearing on the Al Jazeera STREAM online and broadcast news show, talking about the Dalit history month project and Dalit resistance. Al Jazeera was […]

|Categories: Dalit Women, Diaspora, India, South Asia|Tags: |

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Global Declaration on Dalit Rights released

The declaration entitled “Establishing Dalit Rights in the Contemporary World: A Call for Action” recognizes caste as a key challenge for democracy, human rights, justice, good governance and the rule of law. The declaration also supports and endorses previous declarations including the 2011 Declaration and Global Call for Action to Eliminate Caste-Based Discrimination and the 2004 […]

|Categories: Diaspora|Tags: |

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UK: political parties take a stand on caste

The Liberal Democrats have included caste in their general election manifesto stating that, “we will: …Outlaw caste discrimination.” They have also included a more specific reference in their BAME manifesto with the statement, “A fair society should treat its citizens equally and with dignity. We must continue our […]

|Categories: European Union, UK|Tags: |

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Dalit leaders awarded for their work defending human rights

These women are a part of a growing number of Dalit women in India standing up for the rights of Dalits and fighting oppression with courage and unwavering determination. An interview with Manjula Pradeep was published in 2014 – giving powerful insight into her work and the […]

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

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