HRDN – Human Rights and Democracy Network Human Rights and Democracy Network
The International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN) is an international network of international human rights groups, development agencies, national Dalit solidarity networks from Europe, and national platforms in caste-affected countries. The IDSN secretariat is located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
We work on a global level for the elimination of caste discrimination and similar forms of discrimination based on work and descent which is estimated to affect 260 million people worldwide. The majority of victims of caste discrimination live in South Asia where they are collectively known as Dalits.
Through engagement with the UN, the EU and other multilateral institutions, IDSN has had a significant impact on the internationalisation of caste discrimination as a critical human rights issue. The network produces crucial input in the form of documentation, strategic interventions and lobby action and also supports lobby activities on a national level.
The secretariat is an important resource base for information on caste discrimination in South Asia and other parts of the world.
For more information, please contact Claire Ivers visit the IDSN website or subscribe to the IDSN newsletter.
News from IDSN
- Call to action: Outlaw caste discrimination in the UK
Caste discrimination occurs in diaspora communities from caste affected countries living in the UK, and is currently not adequately addressed. Rights campaigners have therefore been working for years to ensure that the Government take action to […] The post Call to action: Outlaw caste discrimination in the UK appeared first on International Dalit Solidarity Network.
- UN Members States: India must do more to uphold the rights of Dalits
Several states addressed the need to introduce new policies and implement existing ones to prevent violence and attacks against Dalits, as well as ensuring justice for victims of such crimes. Others addressed the need to […] The post UN Members States: India must do more to uphold the rights of Dalits appeared first on International […]
- India urged to address caste discrimination in new Disaster Risk Reduction plan
It is a well-documented fact that in disaster situations Dalits are often discriminated against when it comes to relief work as well as rebuilding homes, livelihoods and offering compensation for assets lost. It has therefore […] The post India urged to address caste discrimination in new Disaster Risk Reduction plan appeared first on International Dalit […]
- Joint submission for the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights review of Pakistan
Please download the full report here and see the recommendations from the report below. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE REPORT: The GoP should adopt a law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of caste and take effective and immediate […] The post Joint submission for the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights review of Pakistan appeared first […]
- States neglect to address caste discrimination at the UN rights review of the UK
DSN-UK have summarised the review on their website stating: Prior to the review DSN-UK and International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN) made a joint submission to the UPR, outlining the need to outlaw caste-based discrimination in the UK […] The post States neglect to address caste discrimination at the UN rights review of the UK appeared first on […]
- New human rights portal in Nepal to help bring justice to Dalits
The organisations behind the portal describe it in a press release on the portal website stating: The Dalit Human Rights Portal (DHR-PORTAL) is a brand new media tool in Nepal to advance work on eliminating caste-based discrimination […] The post New human rights portal in Nepal to help bring justice to Dalits appeared first on International Dalit […]
- HRW: India must stop ‘cow protection’ vigilante violence against Dalits and Muslims
In the report Human Rights Watch (HRW) states: Indian authorities should promptly investigate and prosecute self-appointed “cow protectors” who have committed brutal attacks against Muslims and Dalits over rumors that they sold, bought, or killed […] The post HRW: India must stop ‘cow protection’ vigilante violence against Dalits and Muslims appeared first on International Dalit […]
- Landmark UN guidance tool on caste discrimination launched in Kathmandu
In a historic event in Kathmandu, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) launched a comprehensive guidance tool addressing caste-based discrimination. The tool is meant to support UN country teams, […] The post Landmark UN guidance tool on caste discrimination launched in Kathmandu appeared first on International Dalit Solidarity Network.
- Report: Dalit workers in India’s leather industry suffer serious rights abuses
The report, ‘Do leather workers matter? Violating labour rights and environmental norms in India’s leather production’, is based on background and field research at three production hubs that supply hides, leather, garments, accessories and footwear for […] The post Report: Dalit workers in India’s leather industry suffer serious rights abuses appeared first on International Dalit Solidarity […]
- Bangladesh must step up efforts to address caste discrimination say rights activists at UN review
Ahead of the review IDSN, NNMC and BDERM submitted an alternative report to the Committee, documenting how the Dalit population in Bangladesh continues to be exposed to systemic discrimination based on caste. The report also […] The post Bangladesh must step up efforts to address caste discrimination say rights activists at UN review appeared first […]